BBL7 - Hurricanes v Sixers Recap - My 5 Takes

1. Hurricanes Squeak Past Sixers
 
The Hobart Hurricanes won their third straight game as they squeaked over the line by five runs against the winless Sydney Sixers at Blundstone Arena last night. Despite a brilliant 61 not out from 31 balls from Sam Billings, the Sixers fell narrowly short of reaching the Hurricanes’ total of 6/170, to slump to their sixth straight loss in BBL7. The Hurricanes had been propelled to this score by 42 from D'Arcy Short and 41 from Matthew Wade, before late cameos from Dan Christian (28 from 14 balls) and Simon Milenko (22 from 10 balls) gave them the late rush they needed in an innings that stuttered at times. The win sees the Hurricanes on the cusp of the Top 4 at 3-2, as they look to break their four-year finals’ drought. The Sixers were much improved from their disastrous showing in Geelong, however remain rooted firmly to the bottom of the table. 
 
2. Wade' New Role Suits
 
I thought at the start of the tournament Matthew Wade was the sort of player that thrived on extra responsibility, and he looks like he has rediscovered his mojo somewhat batting at Number 3. If I were the Hurricanes, I would go one step further and open with Wade, because George Bailey is way too low at Number 5 at the moment, and makeshift opener Alex Doolan hasn't provided much impact at all as an opener. Wade took Jackson Bird on early in the Powerplay, and played with more freedom than he has throughout the summer, as he has often scratched his way around searching for form.
 
3. Hot and Cold Mills
 
I suppose the Hobart Hurricanes knew what they were getting with Tymal Mills, with the big left arm quick having moments of brilliance and brain explosions in the same game. Mills has been a T20 gun for hire for a couple of years, having played for no less than eleven different franchises around the world. Mills took two key wickets last night, removing Nic Maddinson and Jordan Silk, however nearly lost the plot in the final over as Sam Billings turned 18 runs required from 3 balls, into 6 runs from the final ball. Mills then served up a pretty average last ball that probably should have been dispatched into the stands like the previous two. Mills has 4/197 through five games at an economy rate over 9 and, whilst the Hurricanes would have known he can be expensive, they will be looking for a little more control in the second half of the tournament. 
 
4. Abbott Bounces Back
 
Sean Abbott bounced back to form last night for a Sixers’ bowling attack desperately needing some impact, with his 3/27 from four overs dragging the Hurricanes’ total right back, before a late rush saw them escape to 170. Abbott took 20 wickets in BBL6, however has struggled through the previous five games this year with only 3 wickets at 52, and an economy rate over 9 runs per over. In tournament format, sometimes it’s hard to get form back quickly as the games come so thick and fast, so it was good to see Abbot execute some of his skills last night with some changes of pace and length, accounting for Short, McDermott and Bailey. 
 
5. Roy's Nightmare Over
 
I would say that is the last we will see of Jason Roy in Sixers’ colours after two very disappointing BBL campaigns. Roy now links up with England’s ODI side, where it wouldn't surprise me one bit if he reeled off a massive score in his first game, such is the nature of opening the batting in cricket. You can't be critical of the Sixers’ pursuit of Roy given his strong International record in T20 and 50-Over cricket for England; however things just have not worked out as planned. Roy has looked completely bereft of confidence, as maybe he felt the pressure of being the key overseas player in a struggling side. Roy managed a miserable 62 runs from six games, passing 20 just once, and I think next year the Sixers need to redirect their recruitment in line with many other franchises.