Hastings reflects on shock Aust call-up

John Hastings wasn't even in the Australian one-day squad, but he walked an interesting path to become their match-winner in the decider against England.

Before arguably the greatest moment of his career, Australian fast bowler John Hastings thought his last involvement in international cricket would be watching a match-winning six thumped back over his head.

That was the scenario the big fast bowler faced, and feared, after David Willey's glorious straight drive off his bowling sailed onto the roof at Headingley - levelling the one-day series between Australia and England last Friday.

But Hastings got his redemption, at the expense of Victorian teammate James Pattinson, by spearheading Australia's crushing victory in Manchester on Sunday.

The 29-year-old finished with figures of 3-21, including two wickets at the top of the order as Australia set about bowling England out for a miserable 138.

"For me to get hit back over my head like that ... it is not what I'm about," said Hastings, who was only a last-minute call-up following Nathan Coulter-Nile's injury-enforced exit after game two at Lord's.

"I was spewing with that after the game.

"I said to (wicketkeeper Matthew Wade) I don't want this to be my last chance for Aus.

"I didn't expect it to pan out this way ... I didn't even expect to be here.

"To get this game (on Sunday) and bowl the way I did it was probably the happiest moment in my career."

Hastings was enjoying a glass of red wine and contemplating his flights home to Australia when called up as Coulter-Nile's injury replacement last Sunday.

It ended a three-year exile from the national team, and Hastings admits with Australia's exceptional fast-bowling depth, he's no guarantee to hold his spot or add to his 13 ODIs.

But if his vital contribution to Australia's series-winning victory is his last in the green and gold, he won't be complaining.

"I'd be disappointed if I didn't get another chance now, I suppose ... but if that's the way it went (I can be pleased)," he said.

"Wadey said to me as we went off 'If that's your last game as least you've done as much as you could've done and you know you can compete at this level'."


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Source: AAP


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Hastings reflects on shock Aust call-up | SBS News