Napier revels in repeat performance

Essex's Graham Napier made a stunning 196 from 130 balls in his first LV= County Championship match in 11 months against Surrey

When Essex all-rounder Graham Napier blasted 152 not out during a Twenty20 fixture against Sussex in 2008, it was heralded as a one-off, an achievement that could never be repeated.

However, some three years later, Napier reminded everybody of his explosive hitting last week with an innings of 196 from 130 balls against Surrey, including a world-record equalling 16 sixes.

What makes this as impressive as the 2008 knock is the fact that it was achieved in the LV= County Championship.

To score 176 runs in boundaries in any form is remarkable, but there is something even more commendable about doing it during a four-day game.

It was also Napier’s first championship appearance in 11 months following a frustrating run of injuries.

Understandably determined to succeed on his comeback, Napier explained how he had to work hard in the early stages of his innings when he was joined by Tim Phillips with Essex six wickets down.

The 31-year-old told ecb.co.uk: "When I went in the previous night to bat, it was a very tricky situation. They had just taken the new ball, it was dark and it was seaming around.

"The plan was just to see how long we could bat for. But then the sun came out and conditions changed. The runs started to flow."

From this moment, it was the Napier show as he blasted Surrey's bowling attack - which included England seamer Chris Tremlett - to all parts.

Regularly launching the ball out of the ground, he scored 171 from the 78 balls on the second day.

Napier proved that an unbeaten 152 in a Twenty20 fixture against Sussex three years ago was no fluke. "To repeat it in a first-class game, to me it's quite a special achievement," the all-rounder said

Having had time to reflect on the innings, Napier admitted his achievement was still sinking in, adding: "It's difficult to explain. The first time it happened three years ago I thought it would be a one-off.

"To repeat it in a first-class game, to me it's quite a special achievement. I came into the game having not played the first-class game for 11 months. It was a relief for me."

There are inevitably comparisons to be made between the two most extraordinary innings of Napier's career, but the man himself is inclined to favour the famous 2008 knock in front of his home supporters.

"It has to be the County Ground one for being at home and a Twenty20 game in front of a packed crowd,” he explained. “However, if I'd have gone past 200 (against Surrey last week) it might have balanced it out a bit more."

With regards to the reaction he has received since his innings at Whitgift School, he admits that although it hasn't been as extreme as three years ago, it has been a memorable time for him personally.

Asked if his phone has stopped ringing since his innings at Whitgift School, Napier replied: "It's been nothing like it was the first time around. Being a televised game certainly gave it more coverage. This time it has been close friends and general well-wishers."

Napier was selected for England’s World Twenty20 squad in 2009 on the back of his astonishing innings against Sussex, but is refusing to get carried away after his latest headline-grabbing performance.

He continued: "I've said it to everyone this year. I just want to enjoy every single minute I get on the cricket field. Good, bad, I don't really care because I'm playing cricket."

If Napier can gain half as much enjoyment as those at Whitgift School did during his 196 last week, he is going to be in for quite a summer.