Dan Mousley’s mercurial off-spin shook the global stage when a 73mph yorker stunned West Indies captain Rovman Powell for his first international wicket.
The all-rounder knocked out Powell’s middle stump with a ball that speared in at 72.7mph to send the home talisman packing – and raise eyebrows around the Kensington Oval.
One commentator described Mousley as a “distinctive threat” for England and a bowler who conjures up a curious hybrid of spin and seam to keep batters guessing.
Bears fans are no stranger to the Mousley’s antics with the ball.
He even served up an off-spin bouncer against Northants Steelbacks in the Vitality Blast last season, and has taken 36 T20 wickets for the Bears in the last two campaigns.
Speaking from the England hotel in St Lucia, the 23-year-old said he intended to keep batters on their toes.
“I’m not going to give too much away, I’ll keep mixing it up,” he said. “The most important thing for me was trying to keep it out of their swing. The West Indies guys strike the ball so cleanly here.
“But I did what I’ve been doing for the Bears and Phoenix in recent seasons, move it into international cricket, and thankfully it’s brought me a some wickets.
“Kensington Oval is a special place to play cricket. And to do it with Jacob (Bethell) was all the better. For him to come home and play in front of family and friends, it’s been a pleasure to see that and be a part of it.
“My mum and dad were in Barbados, they watched the first two IT20s, and came on pitch when I got my T20 debut cap. That was lovely. All I’ve ever wanted to do as a kid was to play for Warwickshire and England. To have them be here, to share the moment with me, was very special.
“A lot of the Barmy Army are here; the grounds are pretty full with England fans. My parents and some friends will be among them in St Lucia which will be cool.”
Mousley flies to South Africa at the conclusion of the Caribbean white ball tour to join fellow Bear Hamza Shaikh as part of a 19-strong England Lions training camp.
It’s a busy schedule for the local lad but he’s loving every minute.
He added: “I feel my game has improved, and playing in this environment gives you a lot of confidence.
“When you first get the call-up you’re excited. Then there’s a few nerves. But once you’re in the squad and around the guys, you quickly feel at home here.
“I’m loving it, I’m loving the opportunity. It’s special representing your country. As special as I imagined it would be as a kid growing up.
“I’m playing with and against some of the best players in the world. There’s media focus around that but it’s what I’ve always wanted to do. I’m enjoying the moment.
“To raise my bat in the third ODI here (57, 70 balls) was nice. It was good fun out there, scoring runs. Just disappointing we couldn’t get the win.
“I feel in good place with both bat and ball, and I’m learning as much as I possibly can, I’m taking it one game at a time.”
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