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The Hobart Hurricanes have given the Sydney Thunder their first loss of this BBL season in a match the Sydney side all but threw away.
They were good with the ball but looked like the Thunder of years past with the bat, far too reliant on the expertise of Mike Hussey, who comfortably top-scored with 71.
Hussey was forced to come in early as his side lost two wickets in the first over of the innings, Shaun Tait getting Jacques Kallis and Shane Watson out with a brilliant burst of pace bowling. Tait was superb all innings, finishing with 3-16 to be the man of the match.
The Hurricanes were also helped by some quality bowling from Cameron Boyce, who took 2-28, and Jake Reed, who started poorly but ended with three wickets of his own.
But despite a good performance with the ball, the Hurricanes may not have had enough on the board had it not been for George Bailey. Many of their batsmen struggled to get going, but Bailey found his timing from the off and finished unbeaten with 56, having only faced 29 deliveries.
Clint McKay was the pick of the bowlers for the Thunder, taking 4-28, but the Hurricanes’ success was largely down to taking wickets at a greater frequency than the Thunder.
Final score
Hobart Hurricanes 6-163
Sydney Thunder 9-152
Both the Hobart Hurricanes and the Sydney Thunder have made substantial improvements from last season and will be looking to further boost their final hopes in the New Year when they meet in the Tasmanian capital. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 7:10pm (AEDT).
The Hurricanes and the Thunder have five wins collectively this season, the same tally the two teams registered in the entirety of last season. The Thunder’s three victories have seen them surpass their two wins in BBL04.
It may be simplistic to say the two sides’ progression is down to one thing, but their recruiting has had a significant impact.
The Hurricanes’ inclusions of Kumar Sangakkara, Shaun Tait and Daniel Christian have added significant talent and experience to their squad. The trio have played almost 500 T20 games combined, and have already made telling contributions.
Surprisingly, the most significant contributor of the three is Christian – his skills were crucial in both the Hurricanes’ victories over Christian’s old side, the Brisbane Heat. The allrounder’s unbeaten 24 ball 56 in Hobart’s most recent game was particularly impressive – winning by 15, his late-over brutalising of the Heat attack was the difference between the two sides.
Minimising Christian’s impact, at least with the bat, may well be a matter of the Thunder getting him in as early as possible. However, this is no easy task as the Hurricanes boast the formidable top order of Tim Paine, Ben Dunk, Sangakkara and George Bailey.
Bailey at four has been particularly dominant, making 133 runs with a strike rate over 150. But the Thunder will still feel capable of making early inroads, largely because of a key allround recruitment of their own.
Barring Chris Lynn, Andre Russell may be the leading player of the tournament.
The energetic West Indian has only made cameos with the bat so far, but has been hugely influential with the ball, having already picked up seven wickets at an average of 9.85.
Russell has also built a healthy pairing with another recent Thunder recruit, Clint McKay.
Despite being overshadowed by his West Indian teammate, McKay has looked like the bowler who led the Australian ODI attack a few years ago. His variation and control has earned him five wickets at an average of just 11.20 in this tournament, and he and Russell may get the better of the Hurricanes’ imposing top order.
If the Thunder bowling line-up performs to expectations, they have the luxury and security of Michael Hussy and Jacques Kallis with the bat.
Prediction
While both sides have a number of key players, the Hurricanes have greater depth. This, coupled with a with home-ground advantage, should see Hobart end the Thunder’s winning streak.
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