Brett Randell Becomes First Bowler to Take Five Wickets in Five Balls in First-Class Cricket

New Zealand bowler Brett Randell made history by becoming the first player in 254 years of first-class cricket to take five wickets in five consecutive balls during a Plunket Shield match for Central Districts against Northern Districts at McLean Park, Napier. Randell's spell included seven wickets for 25 runs, helping dismiss Northern Districts for 82 and enforce a follow-on. This feat surpasses previous similar achievements in shorter formats, with Randell expressing surprise at his record-breaking performance.