The day didn’t begin particularly well when he pitched up at Shrewton – only to find the ground deserted and be told the game had been switched to Tidworth.
When he eventually arrived, Shrewton were steaming along at 130-1, with John Clarke (65) and Mark Gurd (63) going like trains.
But Lewis’s impact was immediate.
“As it was a friendly match, they let me bowl straight away and I began with a wicket maiden,” he laughed.
“It all happened after that as I just went through their batting. I settled into a wonderful rhythm, with the ball coming out a treat. One batsman after another got out and I finished with an amazing 8-25 return.”
Rare
Shrewton collapsed to 192 all out, but then got their own back as only Miles Kantolina (50) put up much of a fight.
That was until Lewis appeared at the crease to make a late 34 not out – the highest score of his career (so far) – and lift South Wilts IIIs to 144-8 by stumps.
“I imagine it’s pretty rare to do two CBs in the same match – and still finish on the losing side,” Lewis chuckled.
“It could have been a lot worse as I had been picked to play as a bowler for South Wilts seconds at Paultons, where Nathan Feltham flogged our attack for 137 off 73 balls. I had to work in the morning, so couldn’t make the 12.30pm start. That was a let-off !”