Hurricanes batting confusion leaves campaign on edge

The Hurricanes batting was supposed to be a strength but their inconsistency has left Hobart’s finals hopes in trouble.

THE Hurricanes are running out of time to unlock their batting inconsistencies and skipper Matthew Wade admits the top order must click into gear to remain in the BBL finals hunt.

With Wade missing the first six games through Test duties and fellow opener D’Arcy Short departing for India with the ODI squad, Hobart has been unable to find the right mix at the top.

Opener Caleb Jewell is averaging just 16 and striking at a run a ball, Simon Milenko has been promoted on three occasions without return, vaunted import David Miller is yet to fire while the decision to promote George Bailey on Thursday night against Brisbane backfired when he fell for a golden duck.

RELATED: SIX OR OUT? CONFUSION SURROUNDS BIZARRE CATCH

The Hurricanes are reluctant to shift Ben McDermott to the top – a role he plays for the state in one day cricket – as they prefer to use his power hitting to finish off innings, but the constant shuffle is a cause for concern after the side crashed to 5-59 at the Gabba.

David Miller of the Hurricanes is bowled out by Ben Laughlin of the Heat during the Big Bash League match between the Brisbane Heat and the Hobart Hurricanes at the Gabba on January 09, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia. Picture: ALBERT PEREZ/GETTY IMAGES

“I’m not sure what we will do going forward but one thing I do know is you don’t want to chase your tail too much in this game,” Wade said ahead of tonight’s clash against the Sydney Thunder.

“You start chopping and changing, trying to find a formula then it takes you even further back.

“We have to stick with what we are doing and hopefully the top order can come off.

“I think we have got all the tools to win games of cricket, we just have to stick to the basics for a bit longer and give our bowlers an opportunity to defend a total.”

Hobart’s season is teetering at 3-4 as it desperately searches to inject some momentum into the campaign.

Stream over 50 sports live and any time on your TV or favourite device with KAYO SPORTS. The biggest Aussie sports and the best from overseas. Just $25 a month. No lock-in contract.
Get your 14-day free trial now

Although a congested ladder — every team has at least six points except for the winless Melbourne Renegades — is in the Hurricanes’ favour, the need to find some consistency grows with every poor outing.

“We played some poor cricket, made a lot of mistakes you shouldn’t make in T20 cricket, lost early wickets in the powerplay and then never really recovered,” Wade said of the defeat at the Gabba.

“A run out, all the things you don’t want to happen, happened.

“But really proud of the way we stuck at it, that (126) was nowhere near enough on this ground but our bowlers came out and gave us a chance to win the game.”

[e-mail]