Glamorgan's Ben Kellaway Shines with Unique Ambidextrous Bowling in Cup Victory

In a thrilling display of skill and versatility, Glamorgan emerged victorious in their Metro Bank One Day Cup match against Surrey, securing a seven-wicket win on a day that showcased the unique talents of young spinner Ben Kellaway. In a remarkable feat not seen in county cricket for over four decades, Kellaway made headlines by taking wickets with both his right and left arms, becoming the first player to achieve this since Kent's Charles Rowe in 1980. The match unfolded at The Kia Oval, where Glamorgan's bowlers wreaked havoc on the Surrey batting lineup, dismissing them for a meager total of 121 runs in just 34 overs. While the Glamorgan bowlers collectively contributed to Surrey's downfall, it was the 20-year-old Kellaway who stole the spotlight. His ability to seamlessly switch between right-arm and left-arm bowling added an element of surprise, leaving the Surrey batsmen bewildered. In his remarkable performance, Kellaway claimed the wickets of Conor McKerr and Matt Dunn, highlighting his potential as a rising star in the sport. Surrey's innings never really took off, with Ben Foakes top-scoring with a modest 44 runs. Foakes, along with Rory Burns, attempted to stabilize the innings, adding 53 runs for the fourth wicket. However, the Glamorgan bowlers, spearheaded by Timm van der Gugten and Jamie McIlroy, were relentless, reducing Surrey to a dire 11-3 early in the game. Dan Douthwaite made significant contributions with the ball, claiming two wickets in quick succession during his second over, further exposing the frailty of the Surrey batting order. Foakes eventually fell to Andy Gorvin, who finished with impressive figures of 2-20, while McKerr's 25 was the only other noteworthy contribution from the Surrey batsmen. Their collapse demonstrated a lack of resilience against the disciplined Glamorgan attack. In reply, Glamorgan showed confidence and urgency, quickly chasing down the target with a successful batting performance. Despite losing a few early wickets, including those of Will Smale, Eddie Byrom, and Kiran Carlson, they maintained a healthy run rate throughout. Colin Ingram, returning to form after a stint in The Hundred, anchored the innings with an unbeaten 39 runs, including seven boundaries and a six. His positive approach reinforced Glamorgan's commitment to chasing down the target without delay, finishing the match in just 16 overs. Reflecting on the match, Ingram praised the efforts of the bowlers, acknowledging the importance of winning the toss and applying pressure from the outset. He expressed excitement about Kellaway's unique talent, recognizing that his ambidextrous bowling style is a rarity that could captivate fans and players alike. As Glamorgan celebrates their second win in the Metro Bank One Day Cup, all eyes will be on Ben Kellaway, whose innovative approach and exceptional skill have not only contributed to his team's success but also sparked interest across the cricketing world.