Hurricanes aiming to continue momentum from breakthrough victory against Sydney Sixers

Hurricanes teenager Amy Smith has impressed teammates in adapting to her first WBBL experience in Sydney hub life as Hobart looks to build on its breakthrough victory

• Hobart on the Big Bash board after big win
• Hurricanes handed perfect platform to launch into BBL

VETERAN Kiwi Rachel Priest has tipped a bright future for Hurricanes teammate Amy Smith after the teenage spinner’s impressive start to the WBBL campaign.

Smith, the youngest debutant in the history of Tasmanian cricket when she stepped out for the Tigers aged 14 last February, captured her first Big Bash wicket in Hobart’s breakthrough victory against the Renegades on Tuesday.

With her first delivery of the match a perfectly executed wrong’un bamboozled South African star Lizelle Lee, trapping her in front as the Hurricanes rolled through the Renegades for 81.

Amy Smith (left) of the Hurricanes celebrates with her team after taking the wicket of Lizelle Lee of the Renegades during the Women's Big Bash League WBBL match between the Hobart Hurricanes and the Melbourne Renegades at Blacktown International Sportspark, on November 03, 2020, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Smith, who is yet to complete grade 10 at Ogilvie High, finished with 1-9 from her two overs and according to Priest, has not missed a beat in the unusual hub life in Sydney for this year’s tournament.

“It was awesome to be part of that [Smith’s first wicket], she is a great little player and she is taking this whole hub life and WBBL in her stride,” Priest said.

“We have put her in some difficult situations, she has bowled to some really good international batters so far.

“Lizelle Lee is not a bad first wicket to get with a lovely little ball.

Amy Smith in action with the bat during the Women's Big Bash League match between the Adelaide Strikers and the Hobart Hurricanes. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

“She has taken her opportunities really well and she is fielding really well as well. She is a great kid and no doubt has a long and bright future ahead.”

The Hurricanes are back in action tomorrow against the Sydney Sixers, who are unbeaten from their three completed matches of the competition to date.

It presents another challenge for the side looking to build some momentum, with the Sixers boasting a world class line up including Australian trio Ellyse Perry, Alyssa Healy and Ashleigh Gardner as well as South African pair Dane van Niekerk and Marizanne Kapp.

The Hurricanes celebrates victory during the Women's Big Bash League WBBL match between the Hobart Hurricanes and the Melbourne Renegades at Blacktown International Sportspark, on November 03, 2020, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

“Saturday is a big day for us, we showed if we play like we did [Tuesday] we can beat most teams,” Priest said.

“We just need our bowlers to continue building on that awesome performance and we will keep working on our plans as batters.”

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