BBL Doubles...T20 Doubles. And the Thunder and Renegades in Canberra tonight.
Well, it's been a while between drinks. Best not to lament though, one must forge on.
Agreed. There’s still plenty to play out in BBL12, and my plan is to be there when the whips are cracking (is that a phrase you can still use?)
In any case, I have to be enthused. My commitment to cover BBL12 was genuine and continues to be so.
Let’s agree that we need to put an end to the apologies.
So where did the last 46 games go?
The cricket’s been solid without being spectacular. The evergreen protagonists are lurking with intent at the top of the table. The second-tier teams are jockeying for position; it seems two steps forward, one step back is the popular modus operandi. And, unfortunately, both the Melbourne Stars and the Brisbane Heat continue to underperform.
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The Scorchers from Perth, and the Sixers from Coogee both look the goods. List management remains their combined priority, and how right they are to prioritise this. Both franchises are outstanding in this space.
Adelaide and Hobart, both one-town teams, threaten without ever really convincing. No doubt, Ricky Ponting and Jason Gillespie have their plans in place, do they have the cattle though?
The two poor cousins—the Renegades and the Thunder—are lurking with intent. More on them below and tonight.
Admittedly, I have watched my fair share on the square box and also listened when out of range through a radio app—which was the best form of consumption remains debatable! This is mainly due to the commentary! Now the Test players have been released to their respective franchises, I only wish and hope that Kerry O’Keefe is sent back to the BBL to keep his eye in.
Still, we're in Game 47.
The Sydney Thunder host the Melbourne Renegades in what appears to be a tight game. Manuka Oval has historically favoured the Thunder, while the Renegades have yet to win on the road in BBL12. Could this be the tipping point?
The Thunder identify tonight's game as crucial. Three consecutive defeats have placed them in a cesspool of mediocrity. Personally, I believe they are better than that. After an earlier win in Albury, I thought they had as good a list as any team in the competition.
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Tonight is all about getting back on the bike for the Thunder. Clearly, they miss Alex Hales at the top of the order, and with Matthew Gilkes still searching for consistency, much rests on David Warner finding his touch. Can I suggest less giving and more taking for Warner? I think he’s being too nice.
Also, watch out for Joel Davies, the younger brother of Ollie. I hope he plays tonight.
The Renegades will look to shake off their travel sickness. They name the same squad as the last game—a win against the rich cousin! I would expect the same team to play.
Sam Harper and Will Sutherland both carry solid form into the game. Kane Richardson will do his thing again. Kiwi Martin Guptill will try to convert a start; he’s been threatening. And skipper Aaron Finch will guide and cajole his merry men.
Now to the doubles. I want to start with what seems the most obvious to me. And, this will be recurring feature through the commentary. Players that look like someone else.
Here we go. Tell me if I’m wrong,
Zak Crawley (Hurricanes) = Tim Henman (Tennis)?
As always, thank you for being here.
