BASINGSTOKE cricketer Dean Nurse has earned himself a place in the sport’s legendary Wisden book after bowling 10 overs without conceding a single run.

The incredible spell came during the Hampshire League game between Basingstoke and North Hants III and Littleton and West Hill at Castle Field last Saturday.

As well as being the meanest bowler in town, Nurse also took two wickets to finish with astonishing figures of 10-10-0-2.

Nurse’s figures were better than the most economical one-day international bowling ever which was by West Indian Phil Simmons who managed eight maidens also in a 10-over spell nine years ago.

Nurse, who had only bowled 30 overs so far this season, opened the attack for Basingstoke and North Hants III, coming down the hill on the ground which is adjacent to May's Bounty.

In his first over, a smart bit of fielding in the slips prevented an edge going to the boundary, and then, slowly but surely, Nurse bowled over after over until he completed his amazing 10-over spell without conceding a single run.

Talking about the superb feat, Nurse said: "It was not until the seventh over that I realised I had not conceded a run.

“I was bowling well and they were playing and missing a lot, but with each over, the pressure mounted.

"I was really nervous when I got to the final ball.

Their batsman went for a really big swish at the ball, but luckily he failed to connect with it and I had done it – bowled 10 maiden overs.

The 29-year-old, who has played all his cricket at May's Bounty, added: "It is certainly something I will never forget and I received a standing ovation from the Littleton players. I have to say it was great for us to then go on and win the game."

While Nurse conceded nothing, his fellow bowlers allowed the visitors to reach 171-6, but that still proved too little as Basingstoke won by two wickets, with Nurse opening the batting and scoring 10.

Nurse’s remarkable achievement will now be noted in the next edition of Wisden Almanack – cricket’s bible.

Co-editor Hugh Chevallier told The Gazette: "It is a amazing achievement but we cannot say if it has been done before – we just don't keep those sort of records.

"You would be surprised how many times teams are bowled out for nought and, of course, the bowlers in those games concede no runs. But this is a very different case when you consider the side he was playing against scored 171, which makes his achievement something special."