02:25 AM: Sydney Sixers vs Hobart Hurricanes, Women’s Big Bash League
A desperate Sydney Sixers will meet a struggling Hobart Hurricanes in yet another WBBL clash. The Sixers have won half of their six games so far while Hurricanes have lost five out of their seven games. The window for recovery is getting short for Hobart and they will need to go on a win-streak now.
The Ellyse Perry Expriment
After Alyssa Healy and Shefali Verma didn’t notch up big first-wicket partnerships, captain Ellyse Perry saw herself coming in as the opener. The pair of Healy and Perry have batted together in previous WBBL editions so they have chemistry. Perry came to the crease always under pressure and since she already played an anchor role, the decision to promote her is to stifle the loss of early wickets. She has made 59 runs in two matches so far as an opener while a 94 runs innings by Healy in the last game promises a return to form.
The struggling batting of Hurricanes
Hurricanes have not been able to piece together complete batting performances yet. While Mignon du Preez has overcome her slow start and has notched up a couple of substantial totals, including a quick-fire 72 runs innings, Rachel Priest and Ruth Johnston have been unable to light any fire as the openers. Nicola Carey has done well in the middle while teenager Richa Ghosh has been inconsistent. Hurricanes surely need more from the opening pair now.
Bowling comparisons
Sixers’ bowling has been better than Hurricanes. Hobart tends to lose control of the game with some out-of-rhythm bowling, which is one of the least penetrative attacks in the league. Even Molly Strano who started with great form has been whacked by the batters all too often. For the Sixers, the pace trio of Ellyse Perry, Stella Campbell, and Maitlan Brown has been impressive while Radha Yadav and Ashleigh Gardners are reliable spinners. However, one of their most impressive bowlers has been Nicole Bolton who can provide constant strikes.