13 April,2017 08:21 AM IST | | Satish Viswanathan
He played one T20 game for Australia and went for 42 runs from the three overs he sent down. So when Billy Stanlake watched himself being picked up at the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), he had to pinch himself
RCB's Billy Stanlake exults after dismissing Daredevils' Karun Nair in Bangalore last Friday. Pic/AFP
Bangalore: He played one T20 game for Australia and went for 42 runs from the three overs he sent down. So when Billy Stanlake watched himself being picked up at the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), he had to pinch himself.
The smallish Rs 30 lakh purse (approx Aus $ 60,000) didn't matter, the 22-year-old was thrilled that he was going to be part of a team that had the likes of Virat Kohli, Ab de Villiers and Chris Gayle in it.
Stanlake didn't quite expect to play in the XI though but had anyone watched him in the nets during the team's preparation ahead of the new IPL season, they would have known he would play sooner than later, more so at home, the Chinnaswamy Stadium, where the pacers tend to get some help. That he could bowl quick was very apparent, the bounce that he generated thanks to his 6ft. 8 inch frame was very impressive.
"I didn't expect to play so soon, to get an early game in has been a surprise," admitted Stanlake during an interaction here yesterday. "To play in front of the home fans last Friday night (against Delhi Daredevils) was a great experience, to see how loud they get here was incredible," he added.
The Aussies lad is aware though that he may not play too many games. "I think it just comes down to, as the coaches say, what the bounce is going to be in terms of where we're playing and what the conditions are like. Sometimes it works out that a couple of fast bowlers is the way to go. At times you may need some extra batting depending on the conditions. I think it's just whatever the coach thinks what's best depending on the conditions, but you're always ready to play," said Stanlake.
For now though he's enjoying his time out in the field. And having bowled to Gayle only until now in the nets, something he termed a intimidating presence, Stanlake is looking forward to bowl to Kohli and de Villiers.
"I haven't had a chance yet to have a crack at him (De Villiers) yet, hopefully I can have a go at him and Virat when he gets going again," said Stanlake, who started off as a footballer, following his father's footsteps before deciding that bowling fast was his calling. For now RCB are happy he made the change.
