Sydney Thunder’s late capitulation against the Hobart Hurricanes should not be seen as a return to their shaky form of previous Big Bash League seasons, skipper Mike Hussey says.
The unbeaten Thunder were tournament leaders going into Friday’s Bellerive Oval clash, which they lost by 11 runs.
Needing 27 off the last three overs for victory Thunder were well placed with Hussey (71) carving up the small ground.
But then the visitors lost five for 39 to finish 9-152 and short of Hobart’s 6-163 total.
Hussey said that when the chips are down the Thunder need to “take the game on” and dismissed any comparisons to previous seasons, when the side’s best effort has been finishing second last in competition.
“In the past we’ve just been blown away, we haven’t even been in the game sometimes,” he said.
“There have been some games when we have tightened up and not known how to go through and win and that’s why I’ll be saying to the guys ‘keep being positive’.”
It wasn’t just the lower order which failed on Friday.
Opener Jacques Kallis and No.3 Shane Watson were both dismissed without score in the first over of the innings.
But there was some talent on show amongst the Sydney side.
Fast bowler Clint McKay finished with an impressive 4-28 off three overs and West Indies recruit Andre Russell took a screamer, diving horizontally at deep cover to snare one of the summer’s best catches and dismiss the dangerous Dan Christian.
Hussey, 40, was a stand out and top-scorer for the Thunder.
His on-ground energy has some commentators calling for his recall to the Australian side for the Twenty20 World Cup in March.
Hussey will travel to India as a batting consultant for the Australian side but dismissed any playing involvement.
“There is enough great talent in this country, enough fantastic T20 players to get the job done,” he said.
“I’m hoping I can pass on some of my experience to the guys in the nets and off the field.”
It’s a quick turnaround for the Thunder, whose next game is on Sunday at the Gabba against Brisbane Heat.
“Of course we can bounce back,” Hussey said.
“It’s all still looking positive going up to Brisbane.”
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