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No BBL expectations on Hurricanes – Kirsten

Matthew Wade of the Hurricanes plays a shot during the Big Bash League (BBL) match between the Hobart Hurricanes and the Brisbane Heat at Blundstone Arena, Hobart, Tasmania, on Monday, January 15, 2018. (AAP Image/Rob Blakers)
Roar Guru
27th January, 2018
1

The Hobart Hurricanes will attack the BBL finals unburdened by the weight of expectation, says coach Gary Kirsten.

The Hurricanes suffered a three-wicket loss to the Melbourne Stars at the MCG on Saturday, but snared a semi-final berth against the Perth Scorchers when the Brisbane Heat lost to the Melbourne Renegades just hours later.

George Bailey’s team will head into their semi-final at the new Perth stadium on Thursday night having lost their last three regular-season games.

“It might be a good thing – there will be no expectation on us, which is often a nice way to play,” Kirsten said.

“No one really thinks we’ll go through and win so we’ll see what happens.”

The Hurricanes posted 7-185 – the highest total of the season at the MCG – after being sent in by the Stars.

Dan Christian anchored the innings with a superb 56 from 37 balls, including four fours and two sixes after he was dropped by Evan Gulbis on 21.

He shared an important 70-run partnership with Nathan Reardon (32 runs from 22 balls) before he was caught behind off the bowling of John Hastings.

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But batting is not the issue for the purple team.

Kirsten conceded they should have been able to defend a total of 185, with the form of English pace bowler Tymal Mills a major concern after another expensive spell.

“It’s tough … you want him to come out and make some plays as an international (player) but often it’s a confidence thing,” Kirsten said after Mills finished with figures of 2-56 from four overs.

“Sometimes he loses confidence.

“He actually bowled really well in the last game and I really thought he was on the move but good players can take a bowler down easily and he’s under the pump again.

“I think the batting has been good … we’ve pretty much got decent scores every game, but we just need to have a look at where we can strengthen up the bowling.

“That’s what we need now.”

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