Pitch perfect for Simon Milenko as all-rounder plays crucial role in Hobart’s BBL win over Sixers

While Qais Ahmad (4-12) stole the headlines with three wickets in four balls, another Hurricane was wreaking havoc at the other end against the Sydney Sixers.

Hobart’s Simon Milenko bats during the Big Bash League match against the Sydney Sixers at Traeger Park in Alice Springs. Picture: DARRIAN TRAYNOR/GETTY IMAGES

SLOW, tacky pitches aren’t a favourite sight for BBL batsmen, but for Hurricanes all-rounder Simon Milenko they are the perfect opportunity to have an impact with the ball.

Having only bowled 6.2 overs and taken one wicket in the past two Big Bash tournaments, Milenko was in the thick of the action in Alice Springs as the Sydney Sixers crumbled in extraordinary fashion.

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While Qais Ahmad (4-12) stole the headlines with three wickets in four balls — and his famous forward somersault — Milenko was wreaking havoc at the other end by removing the dangerous Josh Philippe and Hayden Kerr in the one over to expose Sydney’s middle order.

His 2-29 was a vital contribution during a stunning collapse of 7-13 in 21 balls, and it all came purely via pitch conditions tailor made for medium pacers.

Simon Milenko bowls during BBL match between the Hobart Hurricanes and the Sydney Sixers at Traeger Park. Picture: DARRIAN TRAYNOR/GETTY IMAGES

“I am always working on it and always want to get myself involved in the game but being a medium pacer bowling on some of the pitches we do play on which are hard, fast and bouncy, you tend to just get lined up quite easily,” Milenko said.

“It is so important to have guys who are up pace like Riley Meredith for us and [Nathan] Ellis and then your quality wrist spinners become important in games on flat wickets.

“But this wicket was quite tacky and I think most of the balls I bowled were off cutters into the wicket, that medium pace is more effective on these kind of wickets than a Bellerive.

“There was more opportunity today and hopefully there will be others.”

Another gilt edged chance could arise on Sunday afternoon against the Melbourne Stars in Moe, another regional centre expected to produce similar conditions to those at Traeger Park.

“We will go to Moe with a bit of confidence and knowing we can play on these grounds that tend to be a bit slower with the pitches and we kind of know the formula that will work,” Milenko said.