Jacques Kallis reckons the once-hapless Sydney Thunder can go from last to first in a single season and win the BBL.
With Kallis on the books, anything’s possible.
Living up to his reputation as cricket’s greatest allrounder since Sir Garfield Sobers, and possibly the greatest ever, the South African legend made a scintillating BBL debut to lead the Thunder to a 56-run win over Brisbane Heat on Sunday night.
Kallis shared a record 160-run first-wicket stand with fellow 39-year-old great Mike Hussey en route to a breathtaking 97 not out off 55 balls before removing the middle stump of Heat opener Dan Christian and capping his dazzling display with a catch.
“To me, he’s the greatest player that ever lived,” said Heat batsman Chris Lynn.
Like thunder and lightning, Kallis and Hussey, who made 96 off 60 deliveries, lit up ANZ Stadium.
The ageless champions cracked 13 sixes and 13 fours between them to leave Thunder fans full of hope after three miserable seasons owning the BBL’s wooden spoon.
“We certainly didn’t come here to make up the numbers,” Kallis said.
“We came here to make a statement in the tournament and, if we get a little bit of luck go our way and carry on the momentum, there’s no reason why we can’t go all the way.”
It was supposed to be Joe Burns’ night, but Kallis and Hussey stole his thunder.
Savouring his dream call-up earlier on Sunday for the Boxing Day Test, the 25-year-old took a back seat with 28 off 23 balls in a losing cause.
He also copped a Dirk Nannes slower ball in the midriff, but said nothing would stop him from making his Test debut for Australia against India at the MCG on Friday.
“(I’m) pretty sore, but I’ll be right,” Burns said.
While it was Nannes who struck Burns, it was fellow quick Gurinder Sandhu who dismissed him and inflicted most of the damage for the Thunder, snaring 3-19 from three overs.
Every Heat bowler was hammered, including former England Ashes hero Andrew Flintoff, also on his BBL debut after more than four years in retirement, save for a few T20 games in England earlier this year.
Flintoff was only given two overs, finishing with 0-25, and was then caught on the boundary for a duck as the match slipped away from the Heat.
Dan Vettori was also out for a duck.
Joel
Roar Rookie
Gotta get bums in seats. Not many better ways to do that than to have one of the greatest players of all time saying his team can win the tournament...
jameswm
Guest
Didn't take Kallis long in Australia to learn from the locals and start talking up his own team. Can't believe no one has mentioned this.
Joel
Roar Rookie
Really? I mean, Sandhu was good, did a great job and i'm certainly a fan... but how many play and misses did Cummins get in his overs? He was making the ball talk! M.Waugh in commentary said if Sandhu was "a yard quicker, he would certainly be a handful". Seems a clear indication of what the selection panel think of him.. but he is a class act and will hopefully have a decent career in aussie colours
Craig Watson
Guest
Joel. Can not agree with you. Yes Cummins was explosive...great to see him bowling express pace again. Sandhu used guile and clever change of pace to get his wickets. The best bowler for mine. A 'smokey' for the world cup.
Joel
Roar Rookie
Cummins looked a cut above all the other bowlers last night, they could barely lay bat on ball against him
Craig Watson
Guest
There were two moments in the game that must have sent shivers down many thousands of spines. The first was when new test debutant Joe Burns was hit by a short ball in the chest/rib area. In order to avoid a busted rib or even worse..for god's sake wear a chest guard in future Joe. The other was when Nathan Reardon was hit in a similar place to Phil Hughes misreading a short ball. Everyone rushed towards the Queenslander but thankfully he was fine.
Craig Watson
Guest
We might have to wait and see how they go in their next few games Garry...but from what I saw first up they look the goods. Explosive bats and a solid bowling attack led by a rejuvenated Patrick Cummins who sent down a few 150kph missiles last night.
Craig Watson
Guest
Even without Kawaja the Sydney Thunder looked a very polished outfit. What a partnership from test legends Kallis and Hussey. Star for mine was their tall paceman Gurinder Sandhu. The 'guru' (as I call him) was simply brilliant at times with his clever change of pace, full balls and slow bouncers. Gurinder ,of Indian heritage, likes a bit of 'bling' with fancy sideburns ,ear stud and gold chains. He has been on the radar since impressing at the youth world cup in 2012.. Test great Steve Waugh rates 'guru' so highly he gifted him the Steve Waugh Medal as best NSW player in 2012/13. I wonder if Steve thinks he just might be a dark horse for the home world cup.
Garry Edwards
Guest
At last something and someone to celebrate the hapless Thunder, can confidently approach each and every game (batting first or second- makes no difference) knowing that they have the firepower, experience and depth required to go all the way and win the BBL. With "Mr Cool" Hussey and Kallis leading the way these young blokes will build in confidence and the results will come as too will the reward. Go the Thunder, thank you Gov.