Photo Credit: Sydney Thunder
Young gun gave Thunder fans a taste of what he is capable of, with some classy stroke play as he hit a quick-fire 20 runs
Sydney Thunder had a near perfect start to their BBL|11 campaign, with a dominant win over the Brisbane Heat at Manuka Oval.
According to batsman Matthew Gilkes, the team felt in control with both bat and ball during the match.
“We thought we put a pretty good team effort together to restrict them to 140 – it was a great effort with the ball,” said Gilkes. “We were all really happy to go on and chase it three wickets down, especially after losing a couple of early wickets.”
Gilkes gave Thunder fans a taste of what he is capable of, with some classy stroke play as he hit a quick-fire 20 runs.
While he’s also known for his wicketkeeping, Gilkes is happy to leave the glovework to English import Sam Billings and stick to contributing with the bat.
“We had a couple of injuries and have Uzzie in the Test squad so that opened up a spot for me in the squad which was nice,” said Gilkes.
“It was good to get a few out there the other night and can build on that in the next couple of games.”
“I want to get an opportunity any way that I can, and in red ball cricket over the last few years I have played as a batter so I am comfortable being out in the field.”
The win was also the first for Chris Green as Thunder captain in the absence of Usman Khawaja. Gilkes was impressed with how his teammate went about his new role.
“Greeny actually reads the game really well,” said Gilkes. “I’ve found that over the last few years of playing with him and I think he has stepped into that captaincy role nicely.”
“We had a couple of trial games against the Sixers last week, and we all thought he did really well.
“Sam Billings has also stepped up into a vice-captaincy role.
“The experience and knowledge he’s brought and the leadership will be really handy for Greeny.”
Thunder’s season continues on Friday against the Stars
Sydney Thunder BBL|11 Home Games
Sun 12 Dec | V Melbourne Stars | 7:15pm | Sydney Showground Stadium
Sun 26 Dec | V Sydney Sixers | 6:05pm | Sydney Showground Stadium
Tues 28 Dec | V Perth Scorchers | 7:15pm | Manuka Oval
Sun 2 Jan | V Adelaide Strikers | 7:15pm | Sydney Showground Stadium
Thurs 13 Jan | V Hobart Hurricanes | 4:00pm | Sydney Showground Stadium
Wed 19 Jan | V Melbourne Renegades | 4:40pm | Sydney Showground Stadium
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Name of Author: Sydney Thunder
The Sydney Thunder is an Australian professional cricket team competing in the Big Bash League (BBL). Based at Sydney Showground Stadium, the Thunder, along with the Sydney Sixers, succeeded the New South Wales Blues from the defunct KFC Twenty20 Big Bash.
