Photo Credit: Sydney Thunder
Thunder enjoy Christmas in Canberra
As Sydney Thunder prepared for their Boxing Day KFC Big Bash League match against the Melbourne Renegades, all-rounder Chris Green described sharing Christmas in the Canberra ‘bubble’ with his teammates, coaching and support staff as one he’d long remember for its camaraderie and goodwill.
Green, who this year has undergone 40 COVID Tests and spent 34 days locked in hotel as part of the quarantine regulations that were required for him to play in the Caribbean T20 competition; the IPL and also the BBL, admitted it was “difficult” to be away from his loved ones on what’s traditionally a special day.
However, he said it meant a lot to spend time with what he described as his other family.
“Unfortunately, given the COVID situation we’re not allowed to be with our family and friends at this time of the year, and it certainly is difficult but it’s the job we signed up to do,” he said. “We’re around our own ‘Thunder family’ here and a few of the boys have organized a few activities . . . we’ll get through it . . . and we’re really looking forward to our Boxing Day clash.
“We’ve had some great games so far, and we’re really enjoying each other’s company. Everyone is getting along really well – and we’re enjoying our cricket, too.”
Coach Shane Bond said what pleased him most about his team’s back-to-back victories over the Brisbane Heat and Perth Scorchers was how the team had remained calm under pressure.
“What’s been done well is while there’s been some pretty tight run chases, there’s been no panic and we’ve gone about our work,” he said. “[A lot of that stems from our captain] Callum Ferguson because he’s a calming influence. Whether he’s batting or captaining there’s a real calmness about the way he goes about his work.”
Bond’s squad for the Renegades match contains Alex Ross – who missed the last game because of the groin injury he suffered in the win over Brisbane – and young gun Ollie Davies (pictured between Jonathan Cook and Nathan McAndrew) who made an explosive impact as Ross’s replacement in last Tuesday’s victory over Perth.
The coach said it pleased him to know 20-year-old Davies – who’s 36 from only 22 balls included three sixes – proved he could handle the pressure-cooker atmosphere of a BBL match.
“You hear a lot about how Ollie plays, and while you could see the potential you never know how that is going to translate as a player moves up a level,” said Bond. “We were confident he’d play well – but to see him go out there and play some great shots against [Jason] Behrendorff and being prepared to take on Fawad [Ahmed] was enormous.”
Bond also said he expected to see “even more” from Kiwi pace ace Adam Milne on a Manuka Oval pitch that he described as having “a little bit more in it” compared to the one Melbourne Renegades triumphed on over Sydney Thunder last summer.
“His skills, pace and match fitness will only improve from here,” he said of Milne who had a sizzling debut with the Scorchers scoring only 17 runs off his four overs. “He’s added a different dimension to our team with his pace and intimidation.
“It’s nice to have the sort of bowler because they bring confidence to the team.”
Important information for spectators wanting to attend Thunder-Renegades match:
Spectators wanting to attend the Thunder v Scorchers match are advised ticket sales will end at 6pm on Friday, December 25 in line with COVID directions. This deadline allows the venue to verify all ticket purchasers to ensure the safety of everyone attending the event.
Supporters and Members are no longer able to attend the game if they arrived into the ACT from Greater Sydney, Central Coast or Wollongong after 11:59pm on 20 December. In addition to this anyone who has visited Sydney’s Northern Beaches from Friday 11 December 2020 is also unable to attend the game and will receive a full refund.
Squad for Sydney Thunder v Melbourne Renegades at Manuka Oval, 26/12/2020
Callum Ferguson (12) (captain)
Jonathan Cook (50)
Ben Cutting (31)
Ollie Davies (9)
Brendan Doggett (35)
Matt Gilkes (22)
Chris Green (93)
Alex Hales (6)
Baxter Holt (27)
Usman Khawaja (18)
Nathan McAndrew (44)
Adam Milne (10)
Arjun Nair (24)
Alex Ross (49)
Daniel Sams (60)
Jason Sangha (32)
Tanveer Sangha (17)
Chris Tremain (20)
Sydney Thunder plays Melbourne Renegades at Manuka Oval in Canberra on Saturday, 26 December. The match can be accessed (6.10pm). LIVE: Ch7, Fox Cricket, Kayo, SEN
Thunder then plays Melbourne Stars at Manuka Oval on December 29 (7.15pm).
There’s two more opportunities to watch your Thunder heroes in action at Manuka Oval!
Sat 26 Dec | Vs Melbourne Renegades | Manuka Oval | 6:10pm
Tues 29 Dec | Vs Melbourne Stars | Manuka Oval | 7:15pm
Sydney Thunder Memberships
Memberships start from $40 and offer access to a host of new benefits and exclusive discounts. View all packages here.
All Thunder Members will get priority access to BBL|10 tickets plus a 20% discount.
For more information or to join the Thunder Nation, please contact our Membership Team on 02 8302 6092.
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.
