Injury-prone Hobart Hurricanes quick Billy Stanlake back to full fitness ahead of BBL14

While he may have battled a host of injuries across the past few seasons, a Hobart Hurricanes fast bowler is confident he can play a role this summer. Here’s why.

Billy Stanlake is heading into his second season at the Hobart Hurricanes Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

While he may be heading into a BBL campaign with just one Hobart Hurricanes game next to his name, former Australian quick Billy Stanlake is confident he can play an important role this summer.

The 204cm quick, who made the move to Tasmania in 2022, is heading into his second season in purple but featured just once in BBL13 due to ongoing back issues.

But after an injury-free pre-season, and some consistent form in grade cricket, the Queenslander is hoping he can add to that tally this season.

Set to work alongside fellow quicks Nathan Ellis, Riley Meredith and Chris Jordan, Stanlake said while he would likely be guided on the state of his body game-to-game that he was hoping to get the opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way throughout the tournament.

Stanlake in action for Tasmania in One-Day action. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

“The body is feeling good though coming in so hopefully I can contribute,” Stanlake said.

“Obviously I just want to play as much as I can. I’ll have to wait and see how that unfolds with my body and the depth of our bowling line-up but I think we all complement each other.

“We are all a little bit different in our own certain ways, so if I do get an opportunity it’s just about adding another complementary role to those other guys and hopefully we can work well as a bowling unit.

One of Australia’s most promising young fast bowlers until injury cut him down, Stanlake said he had worked hard on making slight changes to his technique in the hopes of remaining healthy.

And while he’s confident some early wins will go a long way in giving the Hurricanes a chance to win an elusive BBL title, a strong declaration on his current health should have plenty of opposition batters nervous heading into the season.

“The back flared up again at the end of last season but I’m probably in the best physical nick I’ve been in for a long time,” he said.

“I’ve been able to fix up a few things with the (bowling) action over the pre-season and I think that, along with my health, are just sort of clicking together at the moment and it’s got me feeling really confident coming in to the season.

“I think my pace is probably the best it’s been and I think physically I feel as good as I have in the past five-to-six years so hopefully that translates into some good performances and I can play a part on the pitch.

“I think T20 cricket is a real momentum thing so if we can grab some early, I think it will go a long way in getting us to the place we want to be at the back-end of the tournament.”

Hobart’s BBL campaign kicks off against Melbourne Renegades on Thursday.