Vic Super Slam: Evan Gulbis hammers hundred to lead Carlton to commanding win over Geelong
Evan Gulbis has put Melbourne Stars selectors on notice with the first hundred in Vic Super Slam history.
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Evan Gulbis has put Melbourne Stars selectors on notice with the first hundred in Vic Super Slam history.
The Carlton captain clubbed 102 from 61 balls against Geelong at Kardinia Park on Tuesday night, hitting nine boundaries and three sixes on his way to triple figures.
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Gulbis, who has re-signed with the Stars ahead of the Big Bash League, has led the Blues to three successive wins to open the new Twenty20 tournament.
“I think when you hit a couple of nice cricket shots early, it just relieves the pressure,” Gulbis said.
“Rather than having to having to play the big expansive shots.
“I hit a cut shot and an on-drive early on and felt like if I am hitting the gaps with those, when the field spreads I can do a few other little fancy things.”
The 32-year-old shared a 114-run opening partnership with left-hander Brayden Stepien, who he believes should be on the radar of BBL clubs.
Stepien hammered 69 from 35 deliveries, taking his tally to 125 runs after three Super Slam games.
“Having Brayden at the other end batting the way he has been playing takes all the pressure off and you can actually just focus on playing nice shots,” Gulbis said.
“If there’s a dot ball, it doesn’t really hurt you as much. We worked well together.
“I got off to a bit of a fast start, then he took over for a while until he got out. It was nice to be able to sit there, watch him bat and have a breather.”
Carlton amassed 4-202, setting Geelong more than 10 runs an over for victory.
The Cats crashed to 7-42 in reply before Nathan Alexander (40 not out) and Tyler Larkin (35) ensured they reached 124 before being bowled out in the 19th over.
Aaron Smillie took 3-22, while Eddy O’Sullivan returned 2-31.
“We have got some serious matchwinners that could potentially play higher,” Gulbis said. “Giving those guys the opportunity and saying to Nick Ross, Brayden Stepien and Tom Smyth that we are not going to go and get another player … sometimes that’s more beneficial than getting a player to play three games here or there.”
Gulbis said he hoped his hundred would be the launching pad for a successful summer.
“Whether it’s hitting the ball in the middle of the bat or scoring runs in front of the right people at the right times of the year,” he said.
“To have a big innings four weeks from the start of the BBL, hopefully it’s the start of something special and holds me in good stead.”
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