Tasmania’s Big Bash hub gives Hurricanes a golden opportunity to set early tournament platform

Four consecutive matches on home soil to start the BBL tournament presents the Hurricanes with the perfect chance to jump the competition as the side strives to capture the missing piece of silverware.

• Faulkner firmly in white ball plans for Tasmania
• Tassie cricket chiefs eye even more Big Bash content

ONE trophy continues to elude Tasmanian cricketers, and Hurricanes all-rounder James Faulkner is desperate to secure a Big Bash crown before he retires.

And with the state to host the first eight matches of BBL10 — four of which will feature Hobart — the side will get a golden opportunity to set a launching platform into this summer’s tournament.

While the majority of the Hurricanes’ squad is in Adelaide for the Sheffield Shield, white ball specialist Faulkner has been back home building himself to full fitness after some minor soft tissue concerns during the pre-season.

Hurricanes all rounder James Faulkner with Oliver Meers, 8, Lockie Tuckett, 9, and Nate Debnam, 7. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

He returned to action for CTPL club side University last weekend, and will continue ramping up his bowling loads ahead of the Big Bash opener against the Sydney Sixers on December 10.

“It’s bizarre times for all sports at the moment but I think everyone is first excited for it [the BBL] to get underway but even more so to have the start at home,” Faulkner said.

“It will be a really good way to kick it off. The Hurricanes obviously know the conditions as well as anyone.

“Every team wants to get off to a good start and get wins under their belt but the most important thing is to be hitting your straps at the right time.

James Faulkner bowls during a Big Bash League match earlier this year. Picture: JAMES ELSBY/GETTY IMAGES

“If you are doing that you are giving yourself every chance of holding up a trophy, and that’s what we are all here to achieve as a group.

“It’s one thing we haven’t got since I have been there and it is definitely one thing I want to grab before I finish up in the next two or three years.”

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