So what is a Nighthawk?
It’s England’s novel new take on the nightwatchman. Historically a nightwatchman is a lower-order batter promoted up the lineup if a wicket falls late in the day to block out deliveries and protect the top order. The Nighthawk is a lower-order batter sent up the order to swing for the fences in an attempt to disorient opponents, add a few runs and generally keep England on the front foot. Stuart Broad has been pegged for the role.
Whose idea is it?
Brendon McCullum is credited with coming up with it. Add it to the list of Bazball innovations.
Was Friday the first flight of the Nighthawk?
No, it’s been in the mix for a while. The idea has been in play since the summer. “We are looking at every situation we are going to find ourselves in and what the positive thing to do is,” said Ben Stokes in July. “For example, we renamed what the nightwatchman is all about. We called it Nighthawk. That was Broady. He was going out with half an hour left to play to try to literally slog. That’s where we are at the moment, it’s awesome.” Broad though was semi-nighthawking from his usual lower-order position back then. The first true Nighthawk – dubbed Nighthawk Jr by Broad – was Rehan Ahmed in Pakistan this winter. He made 10 from eight balls before being bowled.
And … how did it go in New Zealand?
Erm, a mixed bag it’s fair to say. It was certainly eventful. Broad danced down the track to his first delivery and was hit in the ribcage. Second ball, he repeated the trick but sent a top edge steepling vertically into the night sky. Scott Kuggeleijn, the bowler, and Tom Blundell, the wicketkeeper, clearly discombobulated by the sheer presence of the Nighthawk, left the catch for each other. Next over, his third ball was slung down the leg side for four byes by a disoriented Tim Southee and the fourth crashed into the Hawk’s helmet, prompting a concussion check. Broad did slam one sumptuous drive over cover for four though, and reached stumps with six from 13 balls.
How does Broad feel about it?
He’s been champing at the bit for a chance to play the role and is clearly transforming into his late-night alter ego. “#NightHawk deployed at #4 in the dark. I do answer to MorningHawk in normal Test Match hours but AfternoonHawk doesn’t sound right, so I’ll respond to just Hawk until the light drops again,” he tweeted after the close yesterday, adding: “The fact that #NightHawk is trending [on Twitter] about sums up how much fun we’re having as an England team right now & how our supporters are smiling along with us!”
