Hobart Hurricanes will forget horror BBL opening, denying any issues with Geelong pitch

The last BBL match in Geelong was abandoned due to an unsafe pitch, but that couldn’t be used as an excuse for a new record low score.

Hobart Hurricanes captain Nathan Ellis has refused to blame the GMHBA Stadium pitch for his side’s implosion in their Big Bash opener against the Melbourne Renegades.

The Hurricanes were bowled out for just 74, their lowest ever score, in a horror start to their campaign at a ground that caused plenty of controversy last season.

Thursday night’s clash was the first time the Geelong venue had hosted a BBL game since last year’s game between the Renegades and Perth Scorchers was abandoned due to unpredictable bounce causing dangerous conditions.

But Ellis, who top scored for his side, said the look of the drop-in wicket didn’t give the impression of a difficult pitch.

“We were both going to bowl because there was a lot of uncertainty around it with what happened last year, which is natural,” he said.

“I don’t think it was as bad as we me made it look. I think it was a 130-140 (run) wicket.

“It was by no means a batter’s paradise. Once the wickets crumble, it’s hard to claw back.”

Aim for top of off.
Hit the top of off.

How good is this nut from Will Sutherland!@KFCAustralia#Zingers#BBL14pic.twitter.com/O5pxU24rky

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 19, 2024

The Hurricanes’ loss was compounded by a calf injury to veteran wicketkeeper Matthew Wade.

The 36-year-old was forced from the ground while fielding, with Ben McDermott taking his place behind the stumps.

Ellis said the severity remained unknown.

“He was moving around fine inside, so I’m hoping it’s nothing too bad.

“Knowing him, he’ll wake up and tell us he’s ready to go for the next game.

“But this early in the tournament, we’ll take every precaution to make sure he’s there for the middle and back end.

“We’ve got to wait for the doctors, but he’ll doing everything to get right for the next couple (of games).”

All out: 74. 😳#BBL14pic.twitter.com/cmoFC3tmFb

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 19, 2024

Ellis and his teammates will now return to Hobart to take on Perth on Sunday.

“I just want the boys to park this game here,” he said.

“Obviously, not the start we wanted but T20 cricket is very fickle. It’s not the first time it’s happened to me and it probably won’t be the last time.

“We leave this game here and we move on. We’ve got another game in 40-odd hours and get home to our home fans and take on the Scorchers.

“We’ve got a world-class batting line-up and I’ve said it multiple times, it’s a batting line-up I would not like to be coming up against.”

Originally published as Hobart Hurricanes will forget horror BBL opening, denying any issues with Geelong pitch