Backed by Jos Buttler for IPL move - Rugeley's big-hitting batter mixes with heroes

Big-hitting Rugeley batter Scott Gretton has been mixing it with England icons since his 12 sixes feat - and has been jokingly lined up for an Indian Premier League switch.

Gretton, 44, grabbed the headlines two weekends ago with his remarkable perfect dozen from 12 legitimate balls for Rugeley’s 2nd XI at Springvale in the South Staffs League.

It was unsurprisingly a league record and no trace of the unbelievable innings could be found in global records. It continued a freakish spell for the league after Penkridge bowler Myles Davis claimed six wickets in as many balls in a Premier Division clash against Pelsall three weeks earlier.

Both achievements filled column inches worldwide, as Rugeley stalwart Gretton joined Stuart Broad and Jos Buttler on their popular ‘For the Love of Cricket’ podcast.

Buttler, who is currently representing IPL giants Gujarat Titans, said: “Congratulations, that is a serious, serious achievement.

“When I finish this I’ll be straight down to (Titans captain) Shubman Gill as I’ve found the man that’s going to win the IPL for us!

“Make sure you get your visa sorted and we’ll see you out there.”

Gretton, who has represented his hometown club on and off for three decades, had told the Express & Star his efforts in the knock of 150 had not sunk in at the time due to a break between boundaries as team-mates and opponents scrambled to find balls thumped on to nearby retail car parks.

Retired England legend Broad added his sympathy with Division Three Springvale bowlers Aqib Rehman and Rehan Bari.

He said: “You might have to get me the bowlers’ numbers so I can set up a little support group - I know what it feels like!”

Gretton admitted he felt in good form as he began his historic innings, as the feat arrived in overs 10 and 11.

Bowler Rehman began with a wide before Gretton’s first six sixes. The fourth was a no ball thumped over the boundary. Another no ball was struck for one before Gretton’s team-mate Billy Wheeler did not score from the final delivery of the over, leaving Gretton on strike to repeat his heroics in the next over.

Gretton was unable to follow up on his moment of history as he missed his side’s next match - a 34-run home defeat to Hammerwich - due to a family birthday on Saturday.

“In my first game it was lbw golden duck and I was like ‘this is it - I’m retiring!’ That’s me done,” the Rugeley garage worker told Broad and Buttler.

“Second week I had 20-odd then 30-odd, I missed a week and then it was that.

“It felt good. I was seeing and hitting the ball well. The style of cricket I play is always going to give a chance.

“And then everything was in place and it just happened.

“I’m going to be the man with the big target on my back now. Everybody’s going to be pointing at me when I walk in - so a bit of pressure.”