Photo Credit: Sydney Thunder
Coach Shane Bond impressed by all-rounder’s rise
Sydney Thunder coach Shane Bond has attributed confidence, exposure and hard work as the key ingredients behind Daniel Sams’ impact on BBL|10 via his formidable bowling and batting.
Sams, who was last summer’s BKT Golden Arm after taking a record 30 wickets, has been in stellar form with both bat and ball this tournament. Besides capturing 10 wickets, the 28-year-old has also belted 183 runs at an impressive strike rate of 186.73.
Testimony to the power with which he clubs the ball, Sams’ tally of runs includes 13 big sixes.
“There’s a real difference to last year – obviously Dan had a great year, particularly with the ball – but he struggled mightily with the bat,” said Bond ahead of tonight’s KFC Big Bash League match against the Hobart Hurricanes.
“There’s a real sense of confidence now about Dan, and what he’s capable of. The way he’s batted this year has been unbelievable, and we know he always had it in him.
“I think he’s found that confidence, and it’s perhaps a combination of bowling success last year; getting selected for the Australian team and being around that environment; going to the IPL and playing there; coming back and being around the Australian [T20] team.
“I think when you know what you’re capable of, you’re capable of having success. It does build an inner confidence, and you can see that in Daniel. He’s also a real leader in our team in the way he goes about the game… he’s an unbelievable athlete and his game is getting better and better.
“It’s always nice to see a player go from where he was two or three years ago to where he is now.”
