Nic Maddinson reveals he would play under rival and idol Brendon McCullum at Brisbane Heat
BIG-HITTING Nic Maddinson remains without a new deal with the Sydney Sixers, and revealed he would happily play under his idol who happens to skipper a rival Big Bash team.
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BIG-HITTING Nic Maddinson remains without a new deal with the Sydney Sixers, and revealed he would happily play under rival captain and idol Brendon McCullum at the Brisbane Heat.
Maddinson raced to the second-fastest half-century in Big Bash history on Tuesday night as he cleared the MCG fence five times on his way to a blazing 61 off 32 balls against the Melbourne Stars.
It was the kind of knock he had threatened to deliver all summer — and one that will remind rival Big Bash franchises why he would be such a handy batting addition to any roster next season.
Part of the Sixers furniture since the BBL started seven summers ago, Maddinson is also unsure if his Cricket NSW deal will be renewed.
Maddinson’s focus was to help the Sixers notch their third win in the space of five days at the SCG tonight against a Heat team sweating on the fitness of in-form batsman Joe Burns who broke down with a groin injury at training on Wednesday.
Should Maddinson be bounced out the Sixers’ door, Brisbane has appeal with Kiwi McCullum at the helm.
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Even former Sydney Sixers batsman Daniel Smith tweeted late Tuesday Maddinson’s attacking game would complement McCullum’s aggressive approach.
“I love the way they (the Heat) play their cricket, it’s really positive, and when you listen to McCullum talk on the mic when batting, he’s always looking to take the game on and never be complacent in the way they play,’’ Maddinson said.
“If you can get on top and take a couple of wickets going out of the power play, a lot of teams will look to knock the ball around and reassess, but they will still take the game on.
“I love watching McCullum, he’s one of my favourite players in the world to watch, even in Test cricket when he used to go after them.’’
Asked if there would be appeal to play along side McCullum in the BBL, Maddinson said: “I guess so, and playing at the Gabba would be alright as well, it’s a pretty good wicket up there and a lot of runs scored.
“There might be players in our team who don’t like the way he captains.
“I like watching aggressive, positive cricket, regardless of what team or player it is.
“I guess (that decision) is a long way away. My goal is to stay in Sydney, if they still want me around.’’
Usman Khawaja remains with the Sydney Thunder, but handed over his baggy blue to play his state cricket with Queensland, and the moved was a success as he has since nailed down the No. 3 spot in the Test team.
Only 26, Maddinson has played three Tests and two T20 internationals and will play more cricket for his country if he can be more consistent.
Prior to the Stars carve-up, which featured his half-century in just 23 balls, Maddinson reached the twenties and thirties five times this BBL campaign.
Meanwhile, Burns failed to finish training when he injured his groin completing a fielding drill in the SCG outfield. He was expected to undergo scans.
Thursday’s action, dubbed Girls Night Out, will feature the WBBL kick off at 2.50pm.