Steve Smith has been at his best since returning to the BBL, but the Hobart Hurricanes are hopeful that will end this Friday
Ben McDermott believes in-form Sydney Sixers batter Steve Smith is “due to fail” as Hobart sweat on the availability of two gun bowlers for the BBL’s grand final qualifier.
While the Sixers expect Mitch Starc to shake off a shoulder issue, the visiting Hurricanes will wait until game day on Friday to make a call on pacemen Nathan Ellis and Chris Jordan.
Star import Jordan rolled his ankle during Wednesday’s rain-affected knockout defeat of Melbourne Stars, which captain Ellis missed with a hamstring issue.
The reigning champions will need all the bowling firepower they can get to contain a Sixers side that bats deep and has the league’s form slugger Smith at the top.
“We’ll see how they pull up this morning and today, and then they’ll undergo testing tomorrow,” said stand-in skipper McDermott.
“We’ll just see how we go. I’m not too sure of the guys’ status. Hopefully we get our best team out there, that’s all I really care about. If they’re no good, they’re no good.”
Smith shapes as pivotal at the SCG, having averaged 70 runs across four digs since joining the Sixers on the back of Australia’s 4-1 Ashes triumph.
Only former Test teammate David Warner (86.8), the summer’s leading run-scorer, holds a higher average than Smith this tournament.
Smith memorably brought up his fourth BBL century against the Sydney Thunder last week, blasting a six onto the roof of the SCG’s Brewongle Stand as part of the stellar knock.
But as Hobart ponders bowling plans to Smith, former Twenty20 International teammate McDermott feels the 36-year-old must be getting closer to a low score.
“One thing that is in our favour is that he’s probably due to fail at some point,” he said.
“I’ll leave (bowling strategy) up to Nathan and our bowling coaches and listen to their plans.”
Smith has top-scored for the Sixers in 10 of the last 12 BBL games he has played, most recently chipping in 37 in Tuesday’s qualifying final loss to Perth.
His teammates combined for just 62 runs as the Sixers were skittled for 99, with Babar Azam (0), Moises Henriques (2) and Jack Edwards (0) all out cheaply.
“We stuffed it up a bit,” Edwards said of the loss.
“Something we pride ourselves on is just playing what’s required in the game in front of us. The other night, it was disappointing we didn’t do that.
“If it (Friday night) requires us to chase 190 or 200, we’ve got to play fearlessly. There’s no reason to go shy now.”
Edwards said it was “hugely important” the Sixers did not lean too heavily on red-hot Smith as they fought for the chance to meet the Scorchers in Sunday’s final.
“Every game throws different challenges your way. Steve might get out early this game and we’ve got to step up,” Edwards said.
Test workhorse Starc is expected to line up after completing his overs in the loss to the Scorchers despite hurting his left shoulder while fielding.
“I think he’s all good,” Edwards said.
BBL|15 finals schedule
Qualifier: Perth Scorchers beat Sydney Sixers by 48 runs
Knockout: Hobart Hurricanes beat Melbourne Stars by three runs (DLS method)
Challenger: Sydney Sixers v Hobart Hurricanes, SCG (Friday, January 23, 7.15pm AEDT)
Final: Perth Scorchers v winner of Challenger, Optus Stadium (Sunday, January 25, 7.15pm AEDT)
*A reserve day on Monday, January 26 (7.15pm AEDT) is available for the Final
KFC BBL|15 standings
Team
Matches played
M
Wins
W
Losses
L
Ties
T
No results
N/R
Net Run Rate
NRR
Deductions
Ded.
Total points
PTS
1
SCO
10
7
3
0
0
1.363
0
14
2
SIX
10
6
3
0
1
0.605
0
13
3
HUR
10
6
3
0
1
0.331
0
13
4
STA
10
6
4
0
0
0.759
0
12
5
HEA
10
5
5
0
0
-0.431
0
10
6
STR
10
4
6
0
0
-0.231
0
8
7
REN
10
3
7
0
0
-1.202
0
6
8
THU
10
2
8
0
0
-1.212
0
4
Legend
M: Matches played
W: Wins
L: Losses
T: Ties
N/R: No results
NRR: Net Run Rate
Ded.: Deductions
PTS: Total points
