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BBL | Hurricanes vs Sixers: Hobart hold nerve to clinch clinical victory

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The much-awaited Big Bash League is back with its 10th season and so is the quotient of unpredictability. Planned to the last detail, keeping the entertainment quotient in mind, the new rules of BBL struck in the first game itself with Hobart Hurricanes trouncing defending champions Sydney Sixers to achieve a clinical victory of 16 runs. 

The top players of Hurricanes showed their class in the inaugural clash and delivered in the crunch moments to start off their campaign on a winning note. Led by James Faulkner and Riley Meredith in the bowling department, Hurricanes restricted Sixers to a modest 162-6 in 20 overs after Colin Ingram (55 off 42) and Tim David (58 off 33) stole the show in the batting department.

Power Surge proves the deciding factor

Chasing at a fantastic run rate in the first half of the innings, Sixers were 85/1 after the first 10 overs and looked well poised to get to the target of 179. After a lean Power Surge (2 over batting powerplay) that yielded just 18 runs and a dropped catch by Tim David, Sixers, in the hunt for quick runs, lost two wickets, one each in consecutive overs. The wickets shifted the momentum completely towards the Hurricanes and the Sixers never recovered.

Sent in to bat first, Hurricanes had a stop-start progress throughout the innings but managed 19 runs from the final over of Steve O’Keefe (first Power Surge over). This brought Tim David and Hurricanes much-needed impetus. David, who was batting on 14 off 12 before that over, picked himself up and dealt a huge blow to the opposition by scoring 58 off 33 before getting out in the last over.

 

Hurricanes’ bowlers hold their nerve

After getting smashed to all corners of the park in the first 10 overs. Hurricanes’ bowlers picked up 5 wickets between the 14th and 20th over. With Ryan Meredith bowling at pace throughout the game, Sixers targeted the 26-year-old Nathan Ellis. Coming into bowl in the 17th and the 19th overs, Ellis gave away just one boundary and picked up the crucial wicket of Jordan Silk to put the pressure straight back on Sixers.

Meredith and Faulkner were the pick of the bowlers, taking two wickets each while Ellis and Scott Boland picked up two wickets between them.

 

Vince shines for Sixers, but not enough

The match found certain batsmen from both teams in top form, doing what they individually do best. Peter Handscomb (24 off 20) created angles and stole runs in his brief stay at the crease, while Colin Ingram’s drives looked as heavenly as usual.

However, the show was stolen by the man of the match Tim David who played a few huge shots under the pump and helped a batting order starved for momentum.

James Vince tried to emulate the same in the second innings, carefully choosing the balls to go after. Coming from a classical background, Vince caressed the drives, tapped the straight balls, and unleashed a big heave when necessary. When Faulkner forced him to work the leg side, the bigger side of the ground, bowling a straight line to him, the Englishman kept nudging the ball with his flicks. 

The one time, the only time, when he lapsed in his concentration, Faulkner struck him on the pads and earned a crucial wicket to shift the momentum towards Hurricanes.

 

Want to see good fielding, come to BBL

In a season marred with match fitness, the first game of the 10th edition of Big Bash League delighted the in-game crowd with one of the most outrageous attempts in the outfield.

Running to his right, Jordan Silk pulled back one of the cleanest hits of the day from Colin Ingram by a single-handed dive that saw him leaping over the rope, catching the ball, and then throwing it back inside the boundary.

Eh, why waste words on this indescribably beautiful effort? Watch it rather.

 

 

Major talking points from the first game

While Hurricanes were awarded three points, chasers Sidney Sixers, despite losing, earned a point for scoring more runs at the halfway stage of the game. It was quite clear from this game that the Power Surge rule is going to have quite a bit of importance. If you go hard, you score more runs at the risk of losing wickets in those two overs. But if you take the more cautious route, you could end up losing a fair bit of momentum, evident from the Sixers' chase.

One interesting bit from the day's match was that the much talked about X-factor rule was not used by either of the teams. It might be an indication of a 'wait and observe' strategy, or teams might be happy with their set strategy coming into the game, unless the need to change arises.

To sum it up, the opening game of the much-awaited BBL was worth the wait. The competition was fierce, athleticism was great, and new rules exciting. One can only hope that it will get better as the tournament matures.

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BBL Matchday 2 Preview | Melbourne Stars take on depleted Brisbane Heat

The second match of Big Bash Legue would feature Melbourne Stars taking on a depleted Brisbane Heat side. The latter team would be without its regular opening batsman Tom Banton as he withdrew from the tournament. Joe Burns and Marnus Labuschagne are also missing due to their place in the Australian Test squad. On the other side, Melbourne Stars too would be missing key players in the form of Jonny Bairstow and Will Pucovski. While Bairstow, like his compatriot Banton, withdrew from the league, Pucovski was supposed to be away playing for Australia A but sustained a blow on the head which ruled out of that match as well. Luckily for Stars, their other key players are ready to go, including Glenn Maxwell, the captain whose red-hot form would be a big plus for the team. The spin bowling attack of Heat has been completely defanged due to both Mitchell Swepson and Mujeeb Ur Rahman not ready to play. This means that even in the bowling department, there is a clear edge for the Melbourne team. Batting Disparity Stars clearly have an advantage when it comes to the batting department. Despite not having Bairstow in the line-up, they still have Maxwell, whose prowess in limited-overs cricket is renowned. To assist him, Marcus Stoinis would be in the line-up as well. Stoinis' batting abilities have come into full view in recent times, especially in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The pair of Maxwell and Stoinis could wreak havoc in the middle overs if they get going. Another exciting player in the Stars' line-up is West Indian Nicholas Pooran. Supremely talented, he has scored runs both in T20 leagues as well as international level. Another West Indian, wicketkeeper-batsman Andre Fletcher, is another powerhouse. Though he hasn't enjoyed the level of stardom that many of his compatriots have. Compared to this, Heat would be disproportionately reliant on Chris Lynn. Considering the fact that he hasn't been in good form this year, both in Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and IPL, the Brisbane-based team will have to bat out of their skins to match their opponents. Bowling Strength The bowling attacks of both teams would be exciting to watch. Here, we have a more even contest. Brisbane have brought in Morne Morkel. He could be the difference maker for his tea. Alongside him, there will be the experienced Ben Laughlin. Mitch Swepson and Mujeeb ur Rahman, the spinners in the squad, are both unavailable currently. On the other side, Stars have a very skillful pair of new ball bowlers in Nathan Coulter Nile and Billy Stanlake. While the former is good at swinging the ball, the latter has the ability to get some extra bounce. To make things even better for Melbourne, they will also have the services of their leading spinner Adam Zampa. Coming off a good series against India, his confidence would be high. Stars have another spinner in their squad, chinaman bowler Zahir Khan. As of now, Zampa will be picked ahead of him. But if the pitch is dry, perhaps both can play. Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat: Match Details Venue: Manuka Oval, Canberra Broadcasters: Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV Date and Time: December 11, 1:45 PM IST, 7:15 PM Local, 8:15 AM GMT Pitch Report The pitch in Canberra was used recently for the India vs Australia ODI and T20I series. As expected, it was flat and produced a whole heap of runs. Lenght balls were punished mercilessly by batsmen and only the best yorkers seemed to be safe. Another high-scoring match can be expected. Short boundaries will also mean more sixes. Weather and Toss Clouds may come over in the evening but they are not likely to be rain-bearing. Otherwise, it would be a cool and comfortable time for both teams. What the captains decide at toss will have more to do with their teams - whether they are more comfortable chasing or defending. Probable XI Melbourne Stars: Nic Maddinson, Ben Dunk, Marcus Stoinis, Hilton Cartwright, Glenn Maxwell (C), Nicholas Pooran, Andre Fletcher (Wk), Adam Zampa, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Billy Stanlake, Jackson Coleman Brisbane Heat: Max Bryant, Chris Lynn (C), Dan Lawrence, Sam Heazlett, Tom Cooper, Jimmy Peirson (Wk), Lewis Gregory, Matthew Kuhnemann, Ben Laughlin, Morne Morkel, Xavier Bartlett

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BBL 2020 Team Preview: Brisbane look to Heat up their performance in season 10

Brisbane Heat is an underachieving team in the short history of Big Bash League. They won the title in the 2012/13 season but since then, have made it to the finals series just once, in 2016/17 season. Last year, they came a cropper once again and ended up at the second-last position. This time, the team would be without some of their most important players from the ninth edition. South African genius AB de Villiers is not in the team, nor is the impressive Matt Renshwaw. On the bowling front, James Pattinson, who bowled well in the latter part of the previous season, is not part of the squad too. To make matters worse, Tom Banton, who enjoyed some success last year, opening the innings, had to withdraw from the league due to mental stress caused by living in bio-bubbles. Another overseas players, rising spinner Mujeeb ur Rahman from Afghanistan has contracted COVID infection. This has thrown the team balance and equation into some flux. Replacing these players isn't easy. Certainly, de Villiers is irreplacable. But there is some compensation for the Queensland-based side. Morne Morkel has been picked up in the squad, though, as a local player. The former South Africa pacer, after retiring from international cricket, has settled down in Australia with his wife and, after gaining rights for permanent residence, now is qualified to be selected as a local player, not overseas. This is a huge gain for the former champions. Morkel has proven himself across the world as a top-class performer. Even in T20 leagues, he has managed to produce impressive results. With his height, he is well endowed to utilise the extra bounce available in Australia. He also knows the best length to deliver on such pitches. Batting Strength Brisbane's batting capabilities are severely compromised due to the presence of their players in the Australian Test squad for the series against India. Joe Burns and Marnus Labuschagne are going to be away. In their absence, Chris Lynn becomes the leading batsman in the side. Lynn has become a leading T20 batsman around the world. Unfortunately, his form isn't looking all that good either. In Caribbean Premier League (CPL), he didn't produce enough runs and spent most of his time in Indian Premier League on the benches for the eventual champions Mumbai Indians. With Banton having withdrawan from the league, focus shifts to his replacement. Luckily for Heat, they have signed on a highly talented youngster in England's Dan Lawrence. He has been getting runs across formats in English domestic cricket, including in the T20 Blast. To add to his credentials, he has knowledge of Australian conditions thanks to a tour with England Lions where he plundered nearly 500 runs. Coach of Heat, Darren Lehmann expressed his happiness with the signing of Lawrence. "Dan is a really exciting pick-up for us and has a good reputation as a young player who can influence results with his skills and experience. He caught the eye during the Lions tour with the way he adapted so successfully to local conditions and that is something we think will help at the start of the tournament when we are playing in Canberra and at the Gabba and Metricon Stadium," Lehmann said. Lawrence himself is thrilled with his opportunity. "The BBL is a bit of a staple diet for us at home during our winter and it will be enormous to be a part of the League out there this summer. The Lions tour was a rewarding one for a lot of the squad and we certainly enjoyed the competitive cricket we got. We were able to play in some excellent venues during the tour. We didn’t get to play at the Gabba but we had a match at Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast which was great." Two other talented batsmen in the team are Sam Heazlett and Max Bryant. Heazlett got one fifty in the last season but has been, otherwise, without any success in T20 cricket. This season, with vacancies opening up in the batting line-up, the 25-year old should get ample opportunity to show his talent. He has already made his international debut, in an ODI against New Zealand earlier this year. A good return in BBL would bring him back in contention for a spot in Australian national team. Bryant opened the innings on several occassions last season. But he turned out to be a big disappointment, averaging just 14.50 in 10 matches. Eventually, he lost his opening spot to Chris Lynn who moved up the order. But that isn't the whole story as far as this young batsman is concerned. When one looks at his overall BBL record, it is a little more convincing. In 24 matches, he has scored 480 runs, including two half-centuries, at an average of 21.82. His strike rate of 148.15 is eye catching. In fact, in the eighth season of BBL, he and Ben Cutting combined to score 94 in the six overs of Power Play, in a match against Melbourne Renegades. Tom Cooper has been a veteran in BBL and has played every season since the inception of the league. After spending the past nine editions with Melbourne Renegades, he has now come over to Heat. A former Netherlands international, Cooper has 75 BBL matches under his belt. Experience is also an asset with the wicketkeeper batsman Jimmy Peirson. He has been in a BBL match 60 times and has managed an average of 19. This may look ordinary but unlike wicketkeepers who prefer batting in the top order, Peirson is in the old mould, providing boost lower in the order, thanks to a strike rate of 123.12. In conclusion, it can be said that the batting stocks of Brisbane Heat have diminished considerably since last season. The mammoth hole in their line-up left by AB de Villiers cannot be fully filled up. It will require a big return to form from Lynn to provide weight of runs to his side. Heat would also be hoping that players such as Lawrence, Heazlett, and Bryant step up to score more runs they have so far. Bowling Prowess The Test series between Australia and India hasn't just affected the batting department of Heat. Among the players that would be on Australia duty is Mitchell Swepson. A highly useful leg-spinner, Swepson has been a long-time servant of Heat and has more wickets than any other tweaker for the Brisbane-based team. With him away with the Australian Test side, the player to take the load of spin bowling for the team would have been Afghan unorthodox off-spinner Mujeeb Ur Rehman. Unfortunately, as stated above, Rehman's testing positive for COVID has ruled him out of the early part of the season. As a result, Heat would only have part time spinners to rely on in the begining of their season. Unless they opt for the relatively unheralded Matt Kuhnemann. A slow left-arm spinner, Kuhnemann is a largely unknown commodity in this league. When he does get ready to play, though, Mujeeb can be a very tricky bowler for Australian batsmen. A man with many variations in his bowling armoury, Mujeeb has managed to clamber up the T20I bowler rankings thanks to impressive performances last year. The success of his compatriot Rashid Khan in BBL would also motivate him to go further. The pace bowling department of Heat looks more assured. Morne Morkel's addition to the squad cannot be overstated. With his tonnes of experience, he could be the difference maker this season. He would also provide much needed guidance to other bowlers in the group. Among them is young Xavier Bartlett. Yet to play a BBL match, he has been with the team for some years. Now 21, with experience of 13 List A matches under his belt, he may finally be ready to get going on the big stage. At the other end of the age spectrum is 37-year old Ben Laughlin. With over 100 wickets in the league, he would have spearheaded his team's attack if it wasn't for the entry of Morkel. Still, his experience would be very useful. Last season did not go as well for him as expected. An economy rate of 8.77 and a strike rate just under 18 isn't very impressive. But that was the case with other bowlers in the team also. Another useful seamer in the squad is Mark Steketee. His stocks have risen in the last few days thanks to a brilliant performance against the Indian team in a practice match. He picked up a five-for in the second innings, which, though not necessarily a harbinger of success in an entirely different format, is a proof of his ability. Conclusion A depleted batting line-up and a temporarily deganged spin attack are not an auspicious sign for Heat at the begining of the season. But the experience in their pace attack and young talent in the batting department are things which captain Lynn and coach Lehmann would be hoping sees them through. One big positive for the side is the fact that they would play seven of their matches, that is half, at home. This enlarged home advantage has to be used by the former champions to buttress their chances of getting to the title a second time.