Alex Brown announces himself to local fans
A returning batter, schooled in England and quietly playing Evening League cricket since coming home, steps into a big weekend match for his adopted club and delivers an unbeaten double century.
In his own words, in making the move to Premier Division club Warwick, Alex Brown did not try to change much from what he had employed while playing 16-over matches on overlaid concrete for Associates.
On Sunday his faith in his ability to adapt what worked at recreational level to top-flight cricket bore fruit spectacularly as he announced himself as a legitimate Bermudian talent with a career-defining knock.
With Warwick chasing the runners-up spot, which would garner respect and a top seed for the season-ending Premier Division 50 Overs KO Cup, Brown’s innings could not have come at a more opportune time.
That he was able to handle Bermuda’s unquestioned leading slow bowler, Derrick Brangman, with relative ease on the latter’s home turf also spoke volumes.
It all came as a surprise to the Royal Grammar School Guildford and Durham University graduate, whose first love is football but who has played regional cricket for West Surrey.
Brown has a degree in accounting, but he noted that he works outside of his certification in the reinsurance industry.
“I didn't try to change too much, but I had some good guys to bat with, who gave me good advice just to keep playing, so I tried to make the most of it,” explained Brown, who, after playing matches alongside the more senior David Horan at Associates, partnered Luke Horan in a 228-run, second-wicket stand.
“It didn’t always feel easy out there. I definitely had to watch a few of their bowlers and just hit the bad balls when they came, because the guys bowled well.
“You can easily get yourself out if you want to hit everything. I tried to watch the ball and look for the singles and twos. I didn’t try and hit too much too early, even though at the end I had a bit of a go at attempting bigger hits, but for the most part I just tried to be sensible where I could.
“The wicket was really nice today, so I just made the most of it.”
Perhaps more excited about Brown’s accomplishment on the day was Warwick captain Staphen Dill, who partnered his team-mate during an unbroken fourth-wicket stand worth 112.
“That was absolutely amazing,” said Dill, whose brutal style that earned him 49 runs contrasted Brown’s finesse. “I haven't seen anyone get a double century for Warwick in my tenure.
“It was a pleasure to be at the wicket when he got his 200 and the team’s 250, two huge milestones for the club.
“It really lifted the team, took a lot of pressure off anyone else who had to come in. We're just delighted for him and hope that he enjoys his moment.”
Nevertheless, such moments can be fleeting, and while Brown can enjoy the moment of his coming-out party, every cricketer knows he’s only as good as his next innings.
