Photo Credit: Sydney Thunder
Sydney Thunder coach Shane Bond said his players head into tomorrow night’s KFC Big Bash League match against the Hobart Hurricanes knowing they are in control of their own destiny.
Bond has made no secret of the fact that he’s targeted finishing the regular season placed in the top-two, but after losing three of their last four games Thunder has not only slipped from first to second place, but they also have the Perth Scorchers, Melbourne Stars, Brisbane Heat and Adelaide Strikers breathing down their necks.
“We’ve had a few losses on the bounce,” said Bond. “And while we’re only a few wins away from definitely being in the play-offs, we also have the opportunity to be in the top two which is our goal because that gives you two shots at qualifying for the final.
“A lot of those teams that are in and around us are playing each other, so that’s going to have some sort of bearing. If we can win a few games on the trot we can position ourselves well between the top team and perhaps put a gap between the teams that are chasing us.
“As I say, I know we’ve lost some games on the bounce, but they’ve been reasonably close matches where we haven’t misfired with the bat, and we haven’t been awful with the ball. [When we’ve lost] we just haven’t been as good as we could’ve been.”
Bond said that as the BBL|10 season has unfolded he’s been impressed by the qualities of his entire squad, and he believes they’ll be important in the run home to the finals.
“Their willingness to help each other, and to support each other is very good,” he said. “The underlying confidence is good as well, even though we’ve had a few losses there is no lack of confidence concerning what we’re capable of.
“In saying that, the team also recognises the areas where we need to improve, so I like there is an honesty to this team as well. I appreciate there’s no hiding from what we’re not doing right because our players put their hand up and they own their ‘stuff’.”
Bond said he was under no illusion about the mood the seventh-placed Hurricanes would take into tomorrow night’s match at Manuka Oval.
“They’re dangerous,” he said. “Obviously, Manuka Oval will be new to them, but the dimensions are like their home ground. It’ll probably suit them more than perhaps Optus Stadium did [in their loss to Perth Scorchers]. They’re a good team and year in, year out, we’ve had good contests with them.
“Hobart are desperate for the win over us. They really have to win to improve where they sit on the table, so we know they’ll be coming at us.”
Meanwhile, Chris Green has been cleared to play against the Hurricanes after missing the last match because of pain in his left calf muscle.
“Chris is fully fit,” said Bond. “He’s had a scan and it showed all is fine; he’s available for selection.”
Important information for spectators wanting to attend Thunder-Hurricanes match.
Spectators wanting to attend the Sydney Thunder v Hobart Hurricanes match are advised ticket sales will end at 6pm on Sunday, January 17 in line with COVID directions. This deadline allows the venue to verify all ticket purchasers to ensure the safety of everyone attending the event.
Squad for Sydney Thunder v Hobart Hurricanes at Manuka Oval 18/1/2021
Callum Ferguson (12) (captain)
Sam Billings (7)
Jonathan Cook (50)
Ben Cutting (31)
Ollie Davies (9)
Brendan Doggett (35)
Matt Gilkes (22)
Chris Green (93)
Alex Hales (6)
Baxter Holt (27)
Usman Khawaja (18)
Nathan McAndrew (44)
Adam Milne (10)
Arjun Nair (24)
Alex Ross (49)
Daniel Sams (60)
Jason Sangha (32)
Tanveer Sangha (17)
Chris Tremain (20)
Sydney Thunder plays Sydney Sixers at Adelaide Oval on Friday, 22 January. The match can be accessed (6.45pm) LIVE: Fox Cricket, Kayo Sports, SEN
For information about tickets visit: https://www.sydneythunder.com.au/tickets
Memberships remain on sale for this summer, starting from $40 and giving Members access to a host of new benefits and exclusive discounts. Visit sydneythunder.com.au/membership for more information.
For more information please contact:
Daniel Lane
Media Manager
0407 959 054
daniel.lane@sydneythunder.com.au
