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There isn’t a cricket ground big enough in Australia to hold those who would happily pay to see Usain Bolt in the Big Bash League.
The world’s greatest sprinter has form away from the track.
West Indian fast bowling legend Courtney Walsh described a ‘lightning Bolt’ delivery as the fastest he had ever seen.
He bowled Chris Gayle in a Jamaican charity game in 2012, before planting a Gayle offie over the fence.
You can see the ‘lightning Bolt’ to Gayle on YouTube.
Bolt’s bowling and batting are as effortless as his sprinting; there seems no limit to his performances.
There have been other charitable appearances, such as in India in 2014 with Yuvray Singh. Bolt is a natural.
“He loves his cricket, but his profession is running,” was how Walsh summed up his compatriot.
But his track days are coming to an end, and most likely his swansong will be the world championships in London next August, when he’ll add to his 11 world golds and two silvers to go with his nine Olympic golds.
Bolt will be 31.
So far all he has released are some details of his sorting future, such as possible training sessions with Borussia Dortmund, and a deep desire to play for Man United – but there’s no mention of cricket.
The BBL has been a phenomenal success, with the sixth edition looming as another bonanza when it blasts off with the Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers derby on December 20 for a 35-game tournament in just 40 days, with the final on January 28.
So far there’s the spectacular quartet from overseas in Brendon McCullum, Kumar Sangakkara, Kevin Pietersen and Kieron Pollard to blend in with the Aussie heavy hitters.
But picture Usain Bolt letting fly with bat and ball as a tournament marquee cricketer, or even as a cameo performer, if not this season, then certainly next.
Everything about the Jamaican’s presence is electric. He is without peer as the world’s most popular and most readily recognised sportsman.
And cricket would be blinkered not to cash in on that superstar status, especially as Bolt has a great affinity with Australia and Australians.
Which BBL franchise will be the first to move?