Photo Credit: Sydney Sixers
Big hitting Central Coast batsman Justin Avendano will return for his third season at the Sydney Sixers, coming into the defending champions’ squad for KFC BBL|10 as an injury replacement for fast bowler Mickey Edwards.
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Avendano, the captain of UTS North Sydney in the NSW Premier Cricket competition, played nine games for the Sixers across BBL|08 and BBL|09.
His best innings was a powerful 47 off 33 balls at the top of the order in a victory over the Adelaide Strikers at C.ex International Stadium in Coffs Harbour last January.
Edwards has been ruled out for the BBL season due to a back injury.
Inspired by the Sixers’ title winning run last season, Avendano said he is determined to become a more consistent member of the club’s line-up.
“Personally I have felt like the last two years have been really good development years for me,” Avendano said.
“Winning a Big Bash competition is pretty cool, just to be a part of it but this year being my third year I want to be part of it more often.
“I want to put in 5-10 games in a row and put some really solid performances on the board, rather than be in and out of the team.
“But I’ll do whatever I need to do for the team. If that’s sit on the sidelines and be ready when I am needed, I will do that. I just want to be in and around it.”
Avendano said he had benefited hugely from the injection of Test stars Steve Smith, Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood into the Sixers’ set up during the back half of last summer’s Big Bash.
“When the Aussie boys came in, I learnt so much,” he said.
“When Steve and Nathan and Josh joined us it was amazing just how calm they were within the BBL.
“They brought that cool head, and knew what they wanted to do.
“The way they spoke to me individually and then in team meetings took the pressure off.
“The way they go about it has helped me massively. Learning how they prepare, all the little things.
“It’s just a great club to be a part of again.”
The reigning champions will begin their title defence against the Hobart Hurricanes at Blundstone Arena on Thursday December 10.
