BBL|12: Hobart Hurricanes Signs Seamer Billy Stanlake
Kane Richardson replaces Billy Stankale at Queensland for Sheffield Shield 2022
Back stress fracture curtails Billy Stanlake's stint with Derbyshire in County Championship
No replacement for Hazlewood? Billy Stanlake, Reece Topley reject offers from CSK
The Chennai Super Kings management approached Australian quick Billy Stnalake and England left-arm pacer Reece Topley with an offer to join the franchise as Josh Hazlewood’s replacement for the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League. But both the pacers, who have running contracts with County sides reportedly rejected the offer. “Many of them have contracts with English county teams and the permissions aren't forthcoming due to the rising number of Covid cases. We may have to go for a wildcard and may get one soon enough. But the problems do persist," a source close to the developments in CSK was quoted as saying by TOI. While 26-year-old Queenslander, Stanlake, signed for Derbyshire in March 2021, Topley is a Hampshire member and both counties couldn’t risk letting go of their star bowlers in a situation that is getting precariously scary with the rising Covid-19 cases in India. Hazlewood, 30, had pulled out of the showpiece T20 event in India citing bubble fatigue. He also reasoned that he wanted to prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup and wanted to remain fresh for the Ashes and thus family time was necessary.
Reinforced Hurricanes eye win against mercurial Stars
The match between Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Stars is a crucial contest for both teams. Both teams have been inconsistent in the season so far and are looking to get some momentum going as the tournment enters into a more tense stage. Stars, under the captaincy of Glenn Maxwell, are facing a slight wobble mid-tournament. Losing their last match to Sydney Thunder by a big margin would not have done them any good. But with the nature of T20 cricket being very fickle, and plenty of match-winning players in their squad, Stars can easily get back into winning form. For Hurricanes, a season that started brilliantly is now throwing some problems at them. From being at the top of the table, the team has now come down to third. But they are still doing better than most other teams and need to keep the ship steady to book their place in the play-offs. Maxwell's Stars Need Boost With Glenn Maxwell and Nicholas Pooran in great form, scoring big runs shouldn't be a problem for the Stars. But there are some problems with the top order. Andre Fletcher hasn't got going in this season. His partner Marcus Stoinis has been hitting the ball well but hasn't gone on. Even Hilton Cartwright and Nicholas Maddinson have been underwhelming. But the lack of runs from these batsmen have been compensated for, to some extent, by Maxwell, Pooran, and Ben Dunk's batting. Like many other teams, the Stars have benefitted enormously from leg-spin. Adam Zampa has shown his match-winning abilities in this season already. However, the ban on him would leave a big hole in the team. Nathan Coulter-Nile and Billy Stanlake are capable bowlers with varying styles. The former relies on swing while the latter uses extra bounce. The nature of the pitch would decided who gets the preference. Hurricanes Looking Solid Hobart Hurricanes scored a victory in their last match by the slimmest margin - 1 run. But their overall performance in that match and the season, so far, hasn't been bad. There had been some issues with the batting line-up but they have been sorted out due to the arrival of Dawid Malan, world's premier batsmen in T20Is. The shifting of Ben McDermott to the opening slot has re-inforced the top order. D'Arcy Short is always a big threat at the top of the innings. McDermott, Short, and Malan will be the power center of the batting order. Colin Ingram and Tim David could help lift the score late in the innings. The bowling of Hurricanes has got a big boost due to the arrival of Sandeep Lamichhane. The spinner from Nepal has been an impact player in T20 leagues around the world. With spinners like Mujeeb and Rashid proving to be trump cards for their respective teams, Sandeep's arrival is very important. Faulkner's absence would leave a big void. But Scott Boland has been impressive. Riley Meredith has genuine pace but hasn't fully capitalised on it. Much was expected of Nathan Ellis and Keemo Paul but both have been disappointing till now. Stars vs Hurricanes: Match Details Venue: Blundstone Arena, Hobart Date and Time: January 2, 11:35 AM IST, 5:05 PM Local, 6:05 AM GMT Broadcaster: Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV Pitch Report Hobart will be hosting a BBL match after a gap this season. In the previous matches, the pitch looked good for batting. But when the conditions were favourable, seamers also came into action. With many matches having been played so far, one wonders whether the pitches will show signs of wear and tear. The weather may also play a part in determining the nature of the contest. Weather and Bat Flip Clouds are expected to hang around on the day of the match. This could help the swing bowlers in both the teams. If the skies are fully overcast, the temptation to bowl first will be there for the captain who wins the bat flip. Probable XIs Stars: Sam Billings, Ben Dunk (Wk), Hilton Cartwright, Nick Larkin, Glenn Maxwell (C), Nicholas Pooran, Nick Maddinson, Liam Hatcher, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Billy Stanlake, Zahir Khan Hurricanes: D'Arcy Short, Ben McDermott (Wk), Dawid Malan, Peter Handscomb (C), Colin Ingram, Tim David, Johan Botha, Nathan Ellis, Riley Meredith, Scott Boland, Sandeep Lamichhane
Maxwell's Stars up against dangerous-looking Thunder
Melbourne Stars have to get over their heart-breaking loss to Sydney Sixers in their last game before taking on the other side from that city - Sydney Thunder. The latter team is on a high, having bowled out their opponents, Melbourne's other team - Renegades - for just 80. Both sides have produced some compelling performances this season. However, its the Sydney team which is currently ahead with three wins from four matches while Stars have two victories from an equal number of games. This will be the second meeting between the two sides in this tournament after their earlier clash on December 12. In this match, Stars had emerged victorious by a comfortable margin of 22 runs. Stars Look to Iron Out Flaws It's not been a terrible season for the Stars and things would have been looking very rosy had it not been the last-minute slip-up against Sixers. But there is still room for improvement. For instance, opener Andre Fletcher hasn't fired despite playing some lusty shots. His partner Marcus Stoinis has looked better. If they have to go far in this tournament, the Melbourne-based side have to find a working partnership for the opening wicket. Perhaps Fletcher will get another chance. Captain Glenn Maxwell is in terrific form, as was Nicholas Pooran. Hilton Cartwright is going about his work rather well. The lower order is a bit of a problem with neither Nick Larkin nor wicketkeepr Ben Dunk having had a good score so far. The bowling deapartment looks better. Nathan Coulter-Nile and Billy Stanlake form a really good fast bowling duo. They are well complimented by Adam Zampa whose form in limted-overs cricket has been phenomenal. Zahir Khan and Liam Hatcher can also be useful. The only issue is Glenn Maxwell's bowling. He backs himself but hasn't produced any results, so far. Thunder Down Under Lying currently at no. 2 in the points table, behind their city rivals, the Sixers, Thunder would like to solidify their position at the top. They have the resources for it also. Usman Khawaja and Alex Hales are very capable batsmen but have failed to convert good starts into bigger scores. Captain Callum Ferguson has got a fifty under his belt while Daniel Sams played a blinder of an innings to earn a promotion in the batting order. He failed in the first go at the no. 5 position but may get another chance. The bowling of the team looks very exciting due to the presence of two exciting players. Adam Milne has added high pace to the arsenal of this team while Tanveer Sangha has developed into a brilliant spinner. Players like Sams and McAndrew have to provide adequate support to these two, if not a great performance on their own. Stars vs Thunder: Match Details Venue: Manuka Oval, Canberra Date and Time: December 29, 1:45 PM IST, 7:15 PM Local, 8:15 AM GMT Broadcaster: Sony Sports Network Pitch Report The pitch at Canberra has provided good help to the spinners. The short boundaries tempt the batsmen to go for big hits, which makes spinners all the more effective. But if a batsman gets set, there are good chances for him to score big also. Weather and Toss Some clouds will hover in the sky but chances of rain are negligible. The evening will be cool, thereby providing some relief to the bowlers. Toss isn't likely to play that big a factor. Probable XIs Thunder: Usman Khawaja, Alex Hales, Callum Ferguson (C), Oliver Davies, Daniel Sams, Ben Cutting, Chris Green, Baxter Holt (Wk), Nathan McAndrew, Adam Milne, Tanveer Sangha Stars: Marcus Stoinis, Andre Fletcher, Glenn Maxwell (C), Hilton Cartwright, Nicholas Pooran, Ben Dunk (Wk), Nick Larkin, Billy Stanlake, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Adam Zampa, Liam Hatcher
BBL 10 | Match Preview: Maxwell-led Stars seek to sustain momentum against Scorchers
The match between Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Stars on Wednesday will be an important contest in the early stages of this edition of the Big Bash League (BBL). Stars have two victories under their belt already and things seem to be falling in place for them sor far. Scorchers came up with a disappointing performance in their first match of the 10th edition, against Melbourne Renegades. It was their batting that led the Perth side down in their opening match of the season. Few batsmen managed to even get a good start to their innings. Colin Munro getting out for a duck was a big setback as he was expected to give his team a good start. The team never recovered and their bowlers couldn't mount a serious resistance either. But this was just one match. How the Scorchers shape up in the second match will let us know whether they are in genuine trouble or was the game against Renegades a one-off. For the Stars, they just have to keep going with the momentum. There is also, always, room for improvement. Scorchers' Challenge The fact that in the Scorchers' innings, the highest score came from Aaron Hardie, who batted at no. 7 - he scored 33 - shows where the problem lies. The openers failed completely, including the big-hitting Kiwi Munro. The middle order couldn't rise to the occassion and the lower order had too much to do. There is no dearth of firepower in the Scorchers' batting array. Munro, Mitchell Marsh, Ashton Turner, are all big hitters. It is reasonable to think that, on a given day, if two of these three batsmen get going, it will be a good day for their team. In the bowling department, they have an impressive three-pronged pace attack - Jason Behrendorff, Andrew Tye, and Jhye Richardson. It was Richardson who had success against the Renegades, with figures of 2/20 in 3.3 overs. Similar to their batting, if two out of these three bowlers have a good day, Perth would be very close to winning. But let's not overlook Fawad Ahmed. Leg-spinners have always been very effective in T20 leagues and he could turn games around with his performances. His effort on that day was also reasonably good. 1/22 in three overs is not bad in T20 cricket. Things look good as far as the team composition of the Perth team is concerned. It's just about getting things right. Stars Keep Shining Things are looking good for the Stars. Glenn Maxwell, their most high-profile player and captain is in splendid form. Hilton Cartwright, on the other hand, is providing the solidity that the middle order needs. Opener Marcus Stoinis has one fifty to his name already. West Indian Andre Fletcher has played some magnificent strokes, especially the 'no-look' flick for six. But he hasn't gone on to get a half-century yet. Perhaps, the expectation from him is precisely to provide a rapid start to his team. Even cameos of 30-40 runs would be useful at the top of the order. Ben Dunk and Nick Larkin are still to manage a good score. This is the only area where Stars may be vulnerable. If they lose Maxwell early, then things may get very interesting. The bowling is well-served by in-form Adam Zampa. His improvement in the last couple of years has been very conspicuous. Maxwell's decision to open the bowling himself has produced mixed results. It would be interesting to see whether he persists with it. There has been one major blow to the bowling department because of the injury to Dilbar Hussain. In his absence, the reserves in the bowling department would be tested. The main seam-bowling combination though, would remain that of Billy Stanlake and Nathan Coulter-Nile. Coulter-Nile picked up a four-for in the opening game while Stanlake is yet to make a mark. But both are proven commodities. They will feel the lack of support due to the absence of Hussain. Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Stars: Match Details Venue: Aurora Stadium, Launceston Date and Time: December 16, 1:45 PM IST, 7:15 PM Local, 8:15 AM GMT Broadcasters: Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV Pitch Report The nature of the pitch in Launceston was somewhat of a mystery before the match involving Hurricanes and Strikers on December 15. What we saw in this game was a pitch with plenty of help for swing bowlers. This is not entirely surprising as the other stadium in Tasmania, the Bellerive Oval, also boasts, arguably, the most swing-friendly pitch in the country. With so many good seamers in both teams, the contest should be interesting. Weather and Toss Showers are expected on the day of the match. This means that there is a strong possibility that the match would be played under overcast condtions. This may lend a big help to seamers. Captains would have to think hard as to whether to chase or set a target after winning the toss. Probable XIs Perth Scorchers: Josh Inglis (Wk), Colin Munro, Joe Clarke, Mitchell Marsh, Ashton Turner (C), Cameron Bancroft, Aaron Hardie, Jhye Richardson, Andrew Tye, Jason Behrendorff, Fawad Ahmed Melbourne Stars: Marcu Stoinis, Andre Flethcher, Glenn Maxwell (C), Hilton Cartwright, Ben Dunk (Wk), Nick Larken, Clint Hinchliffe, Adam Zampa, Liam Hatcher, Billy Stanlake
BBL Matchday 2 Preview | Melbourne Stars take on depleted Brisbane Heat
The second match of Big Bash Legue would feature Melbourne Stars taking on a depleted Brisbane Heat side. The latter team would be without its regular opening batsman Tom Banton as he withdrew from the tournament. Joe Burns and Marnus Labuschagne are also missing due to their place in the Australian Test squad. On the other side, Melbourne Stars too would be missing key players in the form of Jonny Bairstow and Will Pucovski. While Bairstow, like his compatriot Banton, withdrew from the league, Pucovski was supposed to be away playing for Australia A but sustained a blow on the head which ruled out of that match as well. Luckily for Stars, their other key players are ready to go, including Glenn Maxwell, the captain whose red-hot form would be a big plus for the team. The spin bowling attack of Heat has been completely defanged due to both Mitchell Swepson and Mujeeb Ur Rahman not ready to play. This means that even in the bowling department, there is a clear edge for the Melbourne team. Batting Disparity Stars clearly have an advantage when it comes to the batting department. Despite not having Bairstow in the line-up, they still have Maxwell, whose prowess in limited-overs cricket is renowned. To assist him, Marcus Stoinis would be in the line-up as well. Stoinis' batting abilities have come into full view in recent times, especially in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The pair of Maxwell and Stoinis could wreak havoc in the middle overs if they get going. Another exciting player in the Stars' line-up is West Indian Nicholas Pooran. Supremely talented, he has scored runs both in T20 leagues as well as international level. Another West Indian, wicketkeeper-batsman Andre Fletcher, is another powerhouse. Though he hasn't enjoyed the level of stardom that many of his compatriots have. Compared to this, Heat would be disproportionately reliant on Chris Lynn. Considering the fact that he hasn't been in good form this year, both in Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and IPL, the Brisbane-based team will have to bat out of their skins to match their opponents. Bowling Strength The bowling attacks of both teams would be exciting to watch. Here, we have a more even contest. Brisbane have brought in Morne Morkel. He could be the difference maker for his tea. Alongside him, there will be the experienced Ben Laughlin. Mitch Swepson and Mujeeb ur Rahman, the spinners in the squad, are both unavailable currently. On the other side, Stars have a very skillful pair of new ball bowlers in Nathan Coulter Nile and Billy Stanlake. While the former is good at swinging the ball, the latter has the ability to get some extra bounce. To make things even better for Melbourne, they will also have the services of their leading spinner Adam Zampa. Coming off a good series against India, his confidence would be high. Stars have another spinner in their squad, chinaman bowler Zahir Khan. As of now, Zampa will be picked ahead of him. But if the pitch is dry, perhaps both can play. Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat: Match Details Venue: Manuka Oval, Canberra Broadcasters: Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV Date and Time: December 11, 1:45 PM IST, 7:15 PM Local, 8:15 AM GMT Pitch Report The pitch in Canberra was used recently for the India vs Australia ODI and T20I series. As expected, it was flat and produced a whole heap of runs. Lenght balls were punished mercilessly by batsmen and only the best yorkers seemed to be safe. Another high-scoring match can be expected. Short boundaries will also mean more sixes. Weather and Toss Clouds may come over in the evening but they are not likely to be rain-bearing. Otherwise, it would be a cool and comfortable time for both teams. What the captains decide at toss will have more to do with their teams - whether they are more comfortable chasing or defending. Probable XI Melbourne Stars: Nic Maddinson, Ben Dunk, Marcus Stoinis, Hilton Cartwright, Glenn Maxwell (C), Nicholas Pooran, Andre Fletcher (Wk), Adam Zampa, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Billy Stanlake, Jackson Coleman Brisbane Heat: Max Bryant, Chris Lynn (C), Dan Lawrence, Sam Heazlett, Tom Cooper, Jimmy Peirson (Wk), Lewis Gregory, Matthew Kuhnemann, Ben Laughlin, Morne Morkel, Xavier Bartlett