I know what a lot of people are thinking leading into the Sydney Thunder’s Big Bash League trial games against Hong Kong at Wade Park on Sunday – Shane Watson, Pat Cummins, Usman Khawaja and Andre Russell aren’t playing, is it even worth going to?
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
To answer that question; absolutely, definitely, 100 per cent.
Much like you’re guaranteed to be inspired, enthralled and pumped up tighter than a beach ball during any Keanu Reeves film, Sunday’s game guarantees fireworks even without the four previously mentioned stars, although the latter is still a very slim chance.
It’s disappointing those four won’t take to Wade Park, sure, but the quality of cricketers remaining in the Thunder’s squad is undeniable and from everything one reads, Hong Kong aren’t mugs either.
The latter side played in the last two World Twenty20 Cups, that takes skill no matter what nation you’re from.
Obviously Irish-born England skipper Eoin Morgan headlines the Thunder squad, but half a dozen of the other guys guaranteed to line-up at Wade Park were all in the Sydney side which won last year’s BBL final.
There’s plenty of international T20 and One-Day International experience, not to mention the calibre of youngsters turning out.
Jake Doran is one of the brightest prospects in Australian cricket, you’ll get to see that first hand, while veteran Ben Rohrer’s played at Wade Park before. He pumped a number of sixes virtually out of the ground that night, it was breathtaking hitting.
Plus, all of the Thunder guys are professional cricketers as are some of the Hong Kong squad. You don’t need to be a cricket buff to appreciate just how good they all are.
So throw Speed or Point Break on on Saturday night to let Keanu gee you up, then get to Wade Park on Sunday.
Don’t drive down Peisley Street on Sunday either, you’re seriously risking a little white cricket ball landing on your bonnet when the fireworks start.
The games kick off at 12.30pm and 4pm.
- Matthew Findlay