it’s five years since ross whiteley first joined worcestershire – and it’s been raining sixes in the t20 competition ever since!
the all-rounder is closing in on 100 sixes in the short format of the game for the rapids since making his debut mid-way through the 2013 campaign.
whiteley has finished as worcestershire’s leading six-hitter in three of his four full seasons to date at New Road – and came second in the other year.
his power-hitting and arrow-like despatch of the ball over the boundary ropes has become a trademark feature and one that has delighted thousands of county members and supporters – and often had them running for cover!
it all began in july 2013 and whiteley gently eased his way into life at worcestershire with three sixes in two t20 games in a year when andre russell hit 15 sixes for the club.
but the following year was the beginning of lift off for whiteley with a top worcestershire haul of 16 sixes – two more than colin munro.
in 2015 whiteley finished as the joint top t20 six hitter in the country with 29 – the same as west indian legend chris gayle – including 11 against yorkshire at headingley in an astonishing display of hitting.
twelve months later whiteley was again the rapids leading six-hitter alongside tom kohler-cadmore on 15.
he cleared the ropes a further 18 times last summer – one less than joe clarke – and became the first englishman to hit six sixes in an over against yorkshire spinner karl carver at headingley.
but this year in the vitality blast whiteley is back out in front on 12 maximums – one more so far than clarke and the now departed martin guptill.
that has taken his overall total for the rapids in t20 cricket to 92 – with power to add.
*a reminder that tomorrow evening’s home vitality blast clash with derbyshire falcons gets underway at 4.30pm and the admission charge is £10 for adults and £1 for juniors.
