English prospect eager to prove his credentials on big stage when he makes Hobart Hurricanes Big Bash debut

A rising Surrey star enters his maiden BBL campaign on the back of a strong domestic T20 campaign, and while grateful for the attention an incredible innings 18 months ago brought him, wants to put that effort behind him.

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BLASTING the fastest unofficial century in professional cricket rocketed Will Jacks into the limelight, but the Big Bash debutant is eager to put the incredible effort behind him and prove his credentials on the big stage.

The English dynamo shot to international attention 18 months ago when he scored a century from just 25 balls — including six sixes in a single over — in a 10-over practice match for Surrey against Lancashire in Dubai.

And while appreciating the fanfare which surrounded his whirlwind knock, the recently turned 22-year-old now wants people to “stop talking about”.

Will Jacks bowls during the Vitality Blast 20 Final between Surrey and Notts Outlaws at Edgbaston on October 04, 2020 in Birmingham, England. Picture: Alex Davidson/Getty Images

An emerging all-rounder, Jacks is far from a one-hit wonder, having being crowned player of the tournament in England’s T20 Blast competition earlier this year, and has his sights set on showcasing his skills in the BBL.

“It definitely put my name in the limelight for a little bit, but I don’t feel any added pressure, I kind of wish people would stop talking about,” Jacks said of that innings.

“It was a practice game and it didn’t really mean anything, so I would love to just forget about it to be honest.

“I just want to do as well as I can on a bigger global stage I guess and show everyone what I can do, and continue on some good form from this summer ideally.”

Jacks has completed his two weeks quarantine since entering Australia, and will fly from Perth to Hobart on Monday to link up with his Hurricanes teammates.

While only having three days to blow out the cobwebs before the tournament opener against the Sydney Sixers on Thursday night is not ideal, Jacks is confident he can hit the ground running and carry his form from the English domestic season.

“I have got my game plan now and I know what I need to do to be successful.

Will Jacks will fly to Hobart on Monday to join the Hurricanes squad. Picture: Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images for Surrey CCC

“Hopefully I can take that into this tournament, it is different grounds, different groups of players but hopefully I can settle quick.

“I have been here a couple of times, I have played grade cricket in Perth a couple of years ago and I was on the Lions’ tour here last year.

“Obviously it is not ideal only having two or three days training, but I just have to make sure I do what I need to do and be specific in my training.”

Although signed as a replacement player for cover for countryman Dawid Malan and Nepalese spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, Jacks will be with Hobart for the entire Big Bash and will get an opportunity to make an early impact.

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