BBL6 Game 23 Recap - Brisbane Heat v Perth Scorchers @ The Gabba
Brisbane Heat 10/129 (19.2 overs) Defeated By Perth Scorchers 5/156 (20 Overs)
Perth Defend 156 To Go Top
The Scorchers grabbed revenge on the Heat with a 27-run victory in a low scoring contest at The Gabba. The Heat clearly missed Chris Lynn as they stumbled their way to 127 all out in reply to the Scorcher 5/156. Andrew Tye claimed a rare hat trick to finish off the game with figures of 4 /22, as the Scorchers go to the top of the table with two rounds remaining. It is familiar territory for the Scorchers who have made all five BBL finals series and look on course to do so again this year thanks to a disciplined and committed display at the Gabba. Despite's Tye's heroics, it was Mitchell Johnson who got the Scorchers defence off to a great start helping reduce the Heat to 3/26 from 4 overs. The Scorchers were well served by Captain Michael Klinger’s 71 as he continued his good form. The Scorchers now head home for another home clash with the Stars on Saturday night. The Heat clearly missed star batsman Chris Lynn with only Alex Ross and Joe Burns passing 20 in a disappointing run chase. The Heat are still flying high in second place on the BBL6 table, however with a possible suspension to Brendon McCullum, might be starting to get the wobbles at the wrong time. McCullum is set to be penalised for repeated slow over rates, and could miss the Heat's crucial trip to Melbourne to take on the Stars.
Scorchers Back To Their Best
This was a vintage performance from the Scorchers with the ball, reminiscent of some of the displays that carried them to two BBL titles. While a lot of teams in BBL cricket like to back their batting by chasing runs, the Scorchers have an old school approach of getting runs on the board and backing their bowlers to defend whatever total they have. Defending just a moderate 5/156 against a Heat outfit that had knocked them around in Perth just a week ago, Perth suffocated the Heat from the get go and never let up. In the match preview, I called for Mitchell Johnson to open the bowling and set the tempo for the game, and he was at his aggressive best, snaring two early wickets as Perth reduced the Heat to 3/26 from 4 overs. Johnson got Jimmy Peirson nudging at a lifter outside off stump, before Sam Heazlett could only find mid-off, as Johnson struck twice in his opening two overs. From there, the Scorchers’ bowlers really applied the blow torch with Andre Tye claiming a hat trick and young buck Jhye Richardson claiming two wickets. The Scorchers have built their reputation on being the best "defenders" in the competition. They like to bat first and pride themselves on defending moderate scores with great execution and strategy with the ball.
Agar Steps Up To The Plate
I had labelled Ashton Agar's bowling performances in BBL cricket underwhelming to date, however he was fantastic last night under pressure. Agar might not have picked up a wicket, however his 0/18 from 4 overs played a huge role in containing the Heat in those middle overs and helping the Scorchers control the game. In previous games, Agar didn't have the command and control over his lengths as is required for a finger spinner at this level. However last night be bowled intelligently and didn’t offer up any long hops or half volleys. He often cramped the right handers for room and bowled at a quicker pace making him a lot harder to be charged, or for the batsman to get underneath his deliveries. The main question mark I had over the Scorchers this year entered around their spinners, as I thought the absence of Brad Hogg left a gaping hole in a dynamic outfit that has proved so successful over the years. However, last night was Agar's most consistent bowling performance in BBL cricket to date, and it allowed his quick bowlers to operate as strike weapons as he built pressure on the Heat.
Heat Might Think about A Reshuffle
Joe Burns has looked in good touch the last couple of games and I wonder if the Heat might be thinking about using him in his more natural top order position in the games ahead. Jimmy Peirson is averaging fewer than 20 with the bat, while Chris Lyn is unavailable, and Brendon McCullum may miss the next match with suspension. Alex Ross did ok last night, however still looked far from comfortable against the pace of Johnson when exposed early. Sam Heazlett is obviously a player of potential, however I think if you have a guy in your locker room who has opened the batting well for Australia in Test Cricket, using him in your Top 3 when you’re a bit light on troops would be a smart idea. The Heat lacked experience in the Top 4 yesterday and someone of Burns’ quality might have been able to provide a more stable platform for them to chase what was a moderate score of 156.
Lurker Gets Back-To-Back Wins
It's been hard work for The Lurker in 2017, however he is slowly getting back to his best. Back-to-back wins got him to 16-7 on the season and 6-6 in 2017. The Lurker went on a seismic 9-game winning streak in 2016 - can he go on a similar run in 2017? What way will he lean tonight as the Renegades host the Hurricanes?