KIWI quickie Ian Butler says he’s not come into the Lancashire League to inflict pain on batsmen - but does intend to cause untold damage to as many teams as he can during his eight-week stay.
And he hopes to ignite a Lowerhouse title charge while knocking over the opposition after signing in on a short-term deal at Liverpool Road.
The 27-year-old pace ace debuted on Sunday with four wickets, including the prized scalp of Test star Brendan Nash for a duck, although that show wasn’t enough as East Lancs won through.
And while he had several batsmen hopping around in discomfort, Butler laughed: “I’m not here to hit anyone.
“I have played in league cricket quite a bit and been in the Birmingham League for the last couple of years.
“You learn there is no point bowling flat out so I cut the run down and push them through and it seemed to work.”
Lowerhouse’s capture of such a big name could well pay off as they look to catapult back up the league - and the Otago ace reckons good things can happen at Liverpool Road.
“I thought Sunday went well for half the game,” he said. “We all bowled really well but didn’t bat that smartly, and that includes me.
“But the good thing about it was all the lads were really hacked off in the dressing room after the game.
"That’s a good sign. I am not a fan of players who laugh off defeats and if the lads can keep that attitude they have a chance.”
Of his own display, he added: “I started well and got the opener out and then I got Brendan Nash.
"I enjoyed that one. He is a quality Test player and he had scored three tons on the trot.
"So obviously I was happy to get him for nothing, although I don’t think he felt quite the same way.”
Butler starred for the Black Caps during the World Twenty20 competition and admitted that he jumped at the chance of a stint in the Lancashire League rather than a quick return to New Zealand.
“It’s my first look at the Lancashire League and it has been an ambition of mine,” he said.
“I was made to feel really welcome on Sunday and the support from the Lowerhouse fans with their singing was great.
"And all the people who came up to talk to me and ask for autographs were great as well.
"They know their cricket and there is a real passion for the game in the leagues.
“Every cricketer knows the history of the league and so many greats have been here.
"Chris Harris was a legend in the league and I feel happy to have the chance to follow him, although I am not sure if I’ll get 100s and nine wickets every other week like he did.
“I played for Lashings last year along with Harry (Harris) and he is still doing the business.
"I just hope I can have some success for Lowerhouse while I am here.”
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