Dead Ball: It's not just cricket

Leaving tragedy and a dangerous stalker behind him in London, a man seeks redemption in rural Somerset – and a single over of village cricket. Trying to revive their failing marriage, escape the stress of their missing teenage son and leave their respective demons behind in urban Walthamstow, Jill and Simon have moved to Somerset. He is supposedly trying to break the cycle of drinking and bizarre behaviour that has lead his wife to question his sanity. But only he knows about the dangerous drug dealer he encountered on a night-time search for his missing boy. As the story approaches its climax - a gentle game of village cricket - Simon discovers his team are forced to play by their bullying probation officer, and that the farmer who hosts the team on his land has a colourful sideline, the village’s best kept secret. What Simon doesn’t find out is that the dealer has tracked him down and plans revenge as soon as Simon leaves the field. The story builds towards the last six balls, a showdown between Simon and the bullying probation officer - and the lurking drug dealer. Will Simon achieve his escape, or will the brutal reminder of his past overwhelm him in the final moments of the game?