Cricket: Trying to catch $1m

Photo / Michael Craig

The wicket was true and the dangerous Aussie openers had fire in their eyes as they strode into the middle at Eden Park - perfect conditions to make me rich.

The Tui Catch-A-Million competition has added a new dimension to watching cricket and there was a generous smattering of orange yesterday - the colour of the official shirts contestants must wear if they are to cash in on their share of up to $1 million by taking a one-handed catch.

With the Black Caps now assured of making the Cricket World Cup quarter-finals, those who snare one-handed stunners are guaranteed a share of a $350,000 jackpot. If they make the semis the pot will reach $500,000, $750,000 if they make the final and $1 million if the side makes history and wins the tournament.

Over the past two weeks fans at New Zealand venues have shown they're prepared to put their bodies on the line in the hope of winning big. And in the lead-up to yesterday's transtasman showdown, theories abounded on the best way to achieve the feat.

"For McCullum's crazy scoop shot, bro. No one thinks to stand behind the wicket keeper," said Aucklander Jason Donald.

"You're guaranteed to get some balls coming your way from the slog sweep," added Elliot Larkin of Torbay.

Matt Crawford, of Palmerston North, said it had been decided before the game he would be the designated catcher and his friends would create a "circle of composure" around him. Any winnings would be split between the group.

"But now they've all gone and bought shirts and the whole thing's gone down the gurgler," he said. "So now it's each man for himself."

I opted for the tried and true; down the ground for that lofted drive over cover. Everyone hits it there, right?

I tried to channel the advice of coaches from my schoolboy cricketing days as I jostled for position with a burly bloke in a sombrero. Watch the batsman, keep your body low and keep your eyes on the ball.

Smack. Aaron Finch crunches a Tim Southee delivery into the crowd for a straight six. I make the call to move to where the ball has just landed. This sombrero guy's too full-on anyway. But as I'm making my way to the new spot, Southee finds his zone and clean bowls Finch. Typical.

I think Larry Prasad of the Greenlane Cricket Club has the right idea.

"If the ball comes this way, the only thing to do is to put your hand up and hope for the best. It would be an absolute fluke - probably a one in a million chance. You may as well just enjoy the cricket."

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