Big Bash: Sydney Sixers import Jason Roy shrugs off bookies snub
THE Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder have been Big Bashed by the bookies but English batsman Jason Roy says there is plenty to like about the men in magenta.
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SYDNEY Sixers and Sydney Thunder have been Big Bashed by the bookies.
While the bagmen have shown love yet again for Kevin Pietersen and his perennial BBL chokers the Melbourne Stars, the TAB yesterday listed the Sixers and Thunder at $9 and $11 respectively to lift the trophy.
As he prepared for next Tuesday’s season opener against the Thunder, Sixers’ English batsman Jason Roy said there is plenty to like about the men in magenta who reached the final last summer, even though “we didn’t play our best cricket’’.
“If someone wants to make money, that’s a pretty good bet,’’ said Roy, when The Saturday Telegraph pointed out the Sixers’ odds.
“We played some average cricket with glimpses of class.
“With some solid performances from ball one, we’ll be right.
“Johan Botha is a class player, ‘Hughesy’ (Daniel Hughes) and Sean Abbott had great campaigns last year, and there’s no reason they can’t back that up.
“We also really enjoy each other’s company, which is half the battle most of the time in Twenty20 cricket.’’
Roy and fellow Pom Sam Billings impressed in their maiden Sixers summer last year, and are primed to make their mark again before linking with the mother country for the one-day series against Australia.
The 27-year-old opening batsman was grateful to learn plenty about himself and his game after being dumped from the England team during the Champions Trophy earlier this year.
“It’s not the easiest being dropped from the national team, and while I came back towards the end of the year, it was a huge learning curve for me about sticking at it and trusting myself,’’ Roy said.
“I’m back with a year’s more experience, which is good for any cricketer.’’
Roy, Billings and the Thunder’s wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler will all line up for England in the one-day series, as will controversial all-rounder Ben Stokes, who was ineligible for Ashes selection because of his late-night drunken dust-up back home.
Stokes’ impending return for the 50-over game could not be underestimated, said his good mate Roy.
“He’s an unbelievable asset for us with bat and ball and in the field, and just as a bloke,” Roy said. “He’s one of the leaders amongst the group and it will be great to have him back on board.
“He’s been putting in some good performances in New Zealand, and I think out of everyone he’ll be the happiest to be back.’’
The Sixers will hope to go one better than last summer while the Stars, who have never triumphed in the six years of the BBL — even though they have reached all six finals series — were posted $4.50 second favourites behind champs the Perth Scorchers ($4).