Sydney Thunder to unleash New Zealand speedster Adam Milne for Big Bash debut

Adam Milne broke the 150km/k barrier early in his international career and he’s aiming to deliver more fireballs when he steps out for his Big Bash debut.

A 153km/h thunderbolt is the bar New Zealand quick Adam Milne set early in his career and he knows the expectation is to unleash fire every time he bowls.

The Kiwi will make his Big Bash debut for the Sydney Thunder against the Perth Scorchers on Tuesday night in Canberra, recovered from a chronic ankle injury which has kept him out of international cricket since 2018.

Milne, who has played 40 ODIs and 21 T20s for the Black Caps, last rolled his arm over in a match for Kent during the T20 Blast in England.

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But having watched Thunder’s opening two games, a win and a loss as he recovered from a hamstring injury, he’s ready to unleash his best and given his history knows the expectation is to bowl fast.

“There is a little bit (of expectation) especially when you are a bit young it becomes a bit of your calling card and people want you to bowl fast all the time,” Milne said.

“I am getting used to it sometimes just not being that express pace all the time. I’d love it to be. But there’s always the thrill and excitement of being able to bowl that fast.”

Milne broke through the 150km/h barrier against the West Indies way back in 2014.

It was the fastest delivery recorded by a Kiwi since his mentor, and Thunder coach, Shane Bond, hit 156.4km/h at the 2003 World Cup.

Fast bowlers Jhye Richardson (left) and Adam Milne will unleash their best in Tuesday's BBL game in Canberra.

Milne, now 28, said Bond had been and remained a huge influence during a relationship that has extended beyond a decade.

“Shane has been huge for me,” Milne said.

“To grow up watching him and then playing and having him around all the time, someone who knows my game, my skills and what I need to do them my best is massive.”

Bond said the Thunder had taken a conservative approach as Milne also recovered from a hamstring injury.

“But I think it was the right one. We’re excited to unleash him; he’ll add an extra dimension to our attack. He’s bowling fast and has really good skills, I’m really excited to see him around,” he said.

Bond said Milne would also be driven to succeed by the goal of forcing his way into New Zealand’s next T20 World Cup team.

“It was part of the reason why he came over,” he said.

“He’s in serious contention for the World Cup … you don’t get players who bowl his pace or have his skills – plus he has a very good T20 career.”

Pace won’t be in short supply in Canberra with Scorchers quick Jhye Richardson continuing his comeback from dual shoulder injuries.

Richardson, who can also hit the 150km/h mark, has taken three wickets in his two games since recovering from the operations which cost him a spot at last year’s World Cup.

Originally published as Sydney Thunder to unleash New Zealand speedster Adam Milne for Big Bash debut