The Cricketer looks at the main talking points from the Men's Hundred clash between Oval Invincibles and Welsh Fire at the Kia Oval
Jordan Cox's innings was a blur of boundaries, but one stood out above the rest.
Ajeet Singh Dale had already shipped sixes from the first three balls of his third set, with Cox clearing mid-wicket and square leg.
The Gloucestershire and soon-to-be Lancashire seamer then tried two wide yorkers to try and nullify Cox, the second of which he executed to perfection.
But Cox had an answer when he went again, stooping low and reverse scooping the ball over the rope for the fourth six of the set.
It may have been among the 10 maximums struck by the Essex batter, but this stood head and shoulders above the rest, offering another reminder of the 24-year-old's skill level.
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It was a tricky Hundred debut for Ajeet Singh Dale (ECB/Getty Images)
The last 12 months or so have been full of progress for Ajeet Singh Dale. England Lions recognition, securing a move to Old Trafford and a maiden Hundred contract - via the wildcard route - have been among the steps on the ladder.
But this was a tough introduction to this competition on what was his Welsh Fire debut.
His three sets went for 46, with seven of his 15 deliveries going for boundaries. There was even a delivery which cost five wides thrown in there for good measure.
There was also a dropped catch, and a crucial one at that, as he put down Cox (at the time on 45) at short third.
But it was heartening to see, after each setback, the Fire's experienced leadership group approach him individually with words of encouragement.
Jonny Bairstow, Steve Smith and Matt Henry were among those to console him after those moments of strife.
This set of players aren't together for very long. Indeed, for some, this might be the only time they play with some of these individuals. But this was a case of looking after a player with lots of talent who was only fractionally missing his spots.
Welsh Fire had no answer to the brilliance of Cox (ECB/Getty Images)
This fifth edition of the men's Hundred has a familiar look to it already.
This round represents the midway point in the group stage, and Oval Invincibles find themselves top of the pile, in control of their own destiny, with three wins in four.
It might be the same record as Northern Superchargers and Trent Rockets, but their heavy net run rate advantage means it is they who top the table.
Meetings with the Rockets on Thursday (August 21) and Superchargers at Headingley two days later will give us a better idea of how the defending champions are shaping up.
But the early signs are ominous for the class of 2025.
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