WORLD RECORD HOLDER! Scott Edwards made history by scoring the highest ever individual score in T10 cricket, blasting an unbeaten 137 off 39 balls in the 2019 European Cricket League Final.

European Cricket Family – Q & A with World Record Holder Scott Edwards

As part of our Stars of the ECL series, World Record holder Scott Edwards discusses cricket during the COVID-19 crisis.

How does it feel to be a world-record holder?  

It’s cool, but it’s not something I have thought too much about to be honest. I’m just glad I played my role in helping V.O.C. Rotterdam win the first edition of the ECL. Hopefully we can enjoy similar success and defend our title at the next edition! 

How has your life changed since covid19 crisis?

Like everyone else, my daily routines and things you wouldn’t usually think twice about can have a serious impact on others. I have to make sure I’m not putting myself or others at risk. I’m probably one of the lucky people, I still have a job and the main thing that has changed for me is that I get to spend a few more months with my family in Melbourne. I was meant to be flying back to my home in Rotterdam around now.  Obviously, flights/plans have changed, so it looks like I will be staying in Melbourne until there are flights to return to the Netherlands again. 

Cricket-wise how has your life changed since covid19 crisis?

With no clear indication of how long the covid19 crisis will last, a lot of our International cricket calendar is up in the air at the moment. With our one-day series against Pakistan in July and then the World Cup in October, we are hopeful that things will start to improve in the near future.  In terms of my cricket training, with all indoor sporting centres closed and social distancing measures, I haven’t been able do much bat & ball training so I’ve decided to take this time to focus more on my fitness. 

Who is the best bowler you've faced?

James Pattinson

The fastest bowler you've faced?

Matt Henry 

And the best spinner faced?

Pieter Seelaar. Thankfully, we normally play on the same team, but I think he’s gotten me out every time I’ve played against him!

Who is the best batsman you've played with?

Ryan Ten Doeschate

And against?

Chris Gayle

What’s the toughest part of the current covid19 crisis for you?

The hardest part of this situation is the limited socializing and face to face contact with friends. Instead of going out to kick a footy or play a round of golf with mates, I’m going for runs on my own or reading a book.

Positively, what is the best part, if any?!

It’s been a bit of a wakeup call if nothing else. I probably take for granted the life I’m living. I get to travel the world with mates, playing the sport I love, experiencing different cultures and meeting new people. This crisis has given me time to step back and appreciate what I have as well as motivate me to do everything I can to make it last as long as possible!

Who or what is your greatest inspiration at this time?

I was thinking the other day about how Steve Smith and David Warner had a 12-month ban from playing cricket. In a way I’ve got the same opportunity to use these next few months or however long this goes on for, to be as prepared as I can be for when things go back to normal and we’re straight back into the full-on cricketing calendar. With limited access to coaching/facilities over the next few months, I’ve set myself some fitness goals as well as setting aside time to meditate and stay in the present.

What do you do more of these days?

I'm doing a lot more fitness for starters. I’m aiming for two to three session a day, of boxing, running, Pilates or other exercises I find on YouTube!  As quite an active and competitive family, we’ve set up a few different activities around the house to keep us all entertained. We have the pool table set up in the garage. The table tennis table set up in the backyard. A golf net and chipping station on the lawn. A 2000-piece puzzle in the lounge room as well as lots of board games.

If you could choose what would be your dream FIRST game back after the fight has been won against covid19?

I’m just looking forward to getting back out onto the field, I’m not too bothered who’s up the other end. Although it would be pretty funny if my first game back was against Pakistan, facing Mohammed Amir after five months without any competitive cricket.