Brett-ing records
Cider Press caught up with former Somerset man Brett Randell after his record-breaking feat
A few days ago, Central Districts quick Brett Randell became the first to take five wickets in five balls in First Class history and then went one further to become the first to take six wickets in eight balls, too.
Why are we talking to him for Cider Press? Because he is a former Somerset overseas (albeit incredibly briefly as we get on to later).
Naturally, Harry Everett instantly clicked with Brett on his arrival in Taunton via Harry’s coaching of Brett’s Central Districts teammate Curtis Heaphy on his gap year working in New Zealand in 2015 and their shared enthusiasm for frisbee golf. During the call, they found they had even more in common.
Brett, I have to start with the 5 in 5, including a quadruple wicket maiden that ended in four byes. You had 7 for 4 to your name after 7 overs! Talk me through your plan and thoughts between each ball!
“I can remember them, but it still feels like a blur. The first two were quite different with the first being a right-hand bat, then the left-hand bat to start in the next over. But I just wanted to make batters play, put it in an area where they have to make decisions.
“I pretty much went for the same ball each time. It was a bit like old school four-day Test cricket, we talked about plans but that it was it really. Adrenaline was flowing, vibes were high. We were just looking at each other and laughing.
“In the previous game struggled for wickets. To go out there and have them 9-5 first, with my 5-5, then 15-7 was just ridiculous really.”
Your teammate Ajaz Patel made cricket history with his 10-wicket innings in India a few winters ago - how much have you two shared about your two historical achievements?
“Yeh quite a bit. He and I room together as we are both ‘out of towners’ with the Stags.”
Brett is originally from Northern Districts but plays for Nelson as his district within Central Districts, while Ajaz lived in Mumbai until emigrating at eight years old.
“I spoke to him about it, he talked of his similarly simple strategy, how in India he just looked to put the ball in the same area. It’s just one of those things.”
Brett was aware of Alfonso Thomas but not of his 4 in 4 for Somerset. There are also several players who have worn the shirt of both rural sides: Pete Trego, Martin Crowe and Mahela Jayawardene.
What is more special in your story Brett is your toil for months on the road to match-bowling again after your injury and I loved your Instagram stories documenting your daily graft to get back playing…
“Yeh it was a year and one day after snapping my collar bone. Pretty much a full circle moment. I was told it would not heal properly, but I kept the faith and kept working hard every day to get back on the park. It’s incredibly humbling, I am incredibly blessed.”
Brett attributes his Christian faith with a lot of help getting him through the tough times.
“I rode the rollercoaster when I was injured when I had to miss out on the Guyana trip for the Global Super League. I don’t know what opportunities might have popped up with NZ ‘A’ etc. in that time.
“It could have been a career ending injury, but never in my mind was I thinking I wouldn’t return to playing. It’s so cool to just help contribute to the team doing well.”
Brett missed the first half of season, returning for the Super Smash (New Zealand’s T20 competition) after Christmas.
“To come straight in and have to be executing at a high level in T20 cricket, was definitely tough the first few games. Losing to Auckland having been in the hunt was gutting, but then we went onto the Ford Trophy (50 over competition) which we ended up winning.
“Last time we won the Ford Trophy we won the Plunkett Shield (4 day competition) in the same year. Now we are second in the ladder. Ideally we win the next two to win the Shield.”
“As soon as the day was finished, I was chatting on local radio stations and the next day we won the match by lunch, but I was at the ground until like four. National TV stations have come down, there have been news stories, Zoom calls, Wisden trying to get hold of me.
“It has been crazy, with lots of different media outlets from around the world trying to get to speak to me, but I have said no to most since the last day. You’re one of the first people I have spoken about it too since. I have been trying to take a few days to not reply to any of the requests and enjoy the time with the family, it has been a lot!
“Lammers messaged me which was a nice touch as well.”
I must ask about your Somerset stint in September 2024. You were the only non-Somerset academy coached home player in THAT Surrey game!
“I loved it. It was in my mind as a kid to play at Somerset and the special Taunton ground with so much history.
“Martin Crowe was a hero of mine, and I fortunately got to do some mental skills with him before he passed away so it was extra special to get to play at the club that he spoke of so fondly.”
“That game against Surrey was all about spin, Leachy and Archie did such good jobs. It was such an incredible fixture to be a part of, one which I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
Brett was also fielding at point for that crucial moment during the following match at Old Trafford when Craig Overton thought he had run out George Balderson. However, it was not given as Steve O’Shaughnessy admitted he ‘was not looking’.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t get the job done. Then in the last game against Hampshire ‘Bash’ was around so understandably JK went with the spinners. I obviously would’ve liked to have taken a few more wickets and runs, and if ever arises the opportunity to come back again I would love to and do my best to do better.”
Now Brett you may not realise but I have found another incredible similarity between the two of us. I played my cricket at Shelley and Elland in the Huddersfield League in my University years, during which I played at the lovely ground of Honley!
“Ah amazing! I’ve signed up for my old club in West Yorkshire playing for Honley for the summer and my family are coming over too for the whole trip. I won’t have to pay for flights, will be in the country anyway, so Sarge I am ready if you can use me, I would love to come back and show my best at Taunton!”
I could have spoken to Brett for hours, but I thought that was a lovely place to leave it. Remember, so far Somerset have only signed up Miggy Pretorius (all formats) and Riley Meredith (primarily just the T20s but did take 2-fer in Tasmania’s recent One-Day Cup loss to NSW, so could he be persuaded to play another MBODC for Somerset?!). Brett’s offer could be very useful…
Harry Everett