Speaking of the BBL - Scorchers on top, despite ... Strikers out of the melting pot, and the Kings come for Ian Cockbain
Ian Cockbain outstanding for the Strikers, the Mitch Marsh train rolls on
The Strikers blind-side with the help of Mr. Ian Cockbain
A few words were penned this week on Ian Cockbain, son of Ian Cockbain, Liverpool-born, Gloucestershire-raised (cricket sense) - and extremely well-travelled. But now, it’s time for some humble acknowledgement. Well played indeed by that man.
The Adelaide Strikers did a number on the Sydney Sixers on Monday, extending their winning sequence to four and securing a top-five finish and BBL finals cricket.
Cockbain, coming in at No. 3 with the score 1-45, dominated the next two partnerships to finish with an imperious 71 from 42 balls, a strike-rate pushing 170 and including five perfectly orthodox 4s and four cleanly struck maximums to push his side past the Sydney Sixers with ease. The resounding win came with 15 balls to spare.
It’s been a meteoric rise for Cockbain; from local cricket in Melbourne (Langwarrin CC) to BBL star status, and now being reported a high profile overseas T20 contract. A remarkable chain of events.
Cameron White, Strikers assistant coach, said of Cockbain: “Good on him, from Langy (Langwarrin CC) to the BBL! I wasn’t sure how it came about – happy to have him though”
How did it come about?
It seems Dan ‘Frank’ Worrall is responsible for the inspired recruiting move - in part - Gloucestershire CC being the common link, where Worrall played previously, and Cockbain still does. Worrall suggested Cockbain as a viable option when Rashid Khan departed. I thought it might have something to do with his darts prowess – Frank Worrall is always on the look out for suitable darts partners and is a fair chucker himself.
He, Cockbain, can now add the Karachi Kings (PSL) to his ‘played for’ list . A nice pick up for the 34-year-old – Bootle-born - Gloucester man. Who can play - indeed. ‘Coey’ Senior will be well chuffed!
Read more on the Karachi Kings snapping up Ian Cockbain
Temps soar in West Australia, as do the Scorchers.
The Perth Scorchers finished their home-and-away campaign with an emphatic win over the Brisbane Heat. The wooden spoon beckons for the Heat.
‘Home and away’ season should be exactly that. But no … home games have regrettably eluded the Scorchers!
Mark McGowan, the West Australian Premier, essentially exiled BBL’s most successful franchise to the vanquished east. His states iron curtain remains ludicrously drawn, even for his own folk.
On further inspection you could assume McGowan would have multiple mirrors at home – he seems to co-exist with himself comfortably in his ‘one-person world’. How his long-term legacy will play out is up for conjecture, and when the curtain is raised, well, who knows!
Anyway, mischievously, I would like to introduce him to Brett Lee.
Proposing a reincarnation of the 2013 Piers Morgan and Brett Lee nets duel?
You could almost be mistaken that Mr McGowan was in the background! Where did Mark Nicholas go … ?
Sub out Morgan for Mr McGowan, roll out a Hobart green top, let Binger know how quick Mark Wood bowls, and ‘it's on like Donkey Kong’.
Morgan was lucky to survive, Chairman McGowan might not make it back to his smoke and mirrors!
Returning to Monday night's game between the Scorchers and the Heat.
Having already sealed top spot, the Scorchers garnered considerable pre-finals momentum on the back of another blistering Mitch Marsh innings. Easily accounting for the Brisbane Heat, who batting first, posting a competitive total - 157 looked par or better - on a surface that might well slow up. Alas, they ran into a Bison head on.
Marsh muscled his way to 59 from 34 balls. Six 4s and three maximums saw his strike rate (SR) climb to a withering 173.
Circumspect early against the returning Mitch Swepson, he started his charge with an upper deck leg-side bomb from Matthew Kuhnemann - if true value was attached to the hit, I estimate a 10. Then some crushing blows in the ‘power surge’ saw his attention switch from spin to seam. Mark Steketee and James Bazley being put to the sword. Marsh looks in menacing touch.
The Scorchers now sit 10 points clear at the top of the BBL11 table, assuming a position of lofty ascendency over their opposition.
They look to have all three skill-sets working cohesively, with individuals running into form when needed. Couple this with clear, collective, on-field leadership and sound planning in the coaches box, and you have a robust, and resilient team.
Ashes heroes return to the BBL … finally pulling stumps on Hobart!
Usman Khawaja should captain the Sydney Thunder today in their last regular season game against Melbourne Renegades. A win could vault them into second place, and a double chance, afforded to first and second placed teams.
Nathan Lyon and Marnus Labuschagne will face off in the Sydney Sixers and Brisbane Heat clash. The Sixers will be hoping Lyon has recovered enough to secure second spot for his team. Labuschagne, will just be Marnus, I suppose!
Scott Boland will continue his personal hurricane with Hobart, eerily staring down his old team-mates - the Melbourne Stars - who will be free to enjoy their own revelries tonight. He might be able to point them in the right direction.
Jhye Richardson is set to bolster the Scorchers in their qualifier final Saturday night; their opposition will either be the Sydney Sixers, or Thunder, at Marvel Stadium - come on Mr McGowan - face up!
And, Alex Carey and Travis Head, will try to find a spot in the Strikers team Friday night. Both enjoying two extra days of recovery. Look out for a dusty Lion this afternoon!
Thanks once again for taking the time to be here. Happy hump day
Nick