Sydney Sixers players are rallying around teammate Tom Curran as the Englishman prepares to appeal a four-game ban for intimidating an umpire during an incident before last week’s match against the Hobart Hurricanes.
Cricket Australia announced on Thursday night that Curran had been charged with a level three offence under the code of conduct for intimidating an umpire when he completed a practice run up on the pitch in Launceston despite being told not to.
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Henriques fully behind suspended Curran | 02:25
The Englishman ran straight at the umpire who moved at the last moment to avoid a collision, with Curran subsequently banned for four BBL matches, although the Sixers have confirmed they will appeal.
It remains unclear when that appeal will take place given all parties involved need to source legal representatives over the Christmas period, with the Sixers in action again on Boxing Day against the Stars.
Sixers skipper Moises Henriques spoke before Friday’s epic one run win over the Strikers and told Fox Cricket that he was “very surprised” that Curran had copped such a lengthy ban based on a short clip that he says didn’t provide all the context.
The umpire clash that saw Curran banned! | 01:03
“It took 10 days just to get a hearing in the first place which is very unusual,” he said.
“We’re definitely going to appeal.
“All the players and all our staff are in behind him.
“It’s been a pretty tough time for ‘TC’ over the past 11 or 12 days sitting on this, and knowing what he’s like, he’s taken this to heart and he’s really worried about the assassination of his character.
“It’s a big claim so I’m wishing him the best.”
Sixers veteran Jordan Silk backed up his captain’s claims when asked about Curran.
“He’s an absolutely loveable guy,” he said.
“We’ve obviously missed having him around the last couple of seasons. We loved when he was here a few years ago. He’s obviously doing it tough at the moment.
“I think Mo’s probably spoken quite a bit around the whole situation and as a teammate I just throw my arms around him and tell him I’ve got his back.
“Hopefully we can register a few more wins and he’ll be a lovely addition coming back into our team.”
While Curran remains at long odds to be available for their next game, the Sixers again showed on Friday night that they are the kings of the thrillers with another dramatic win at home.
Silk was the hero with an unbeaten 66 before the bowlers put the clamps on as the Strikers fell short with a two off the final ball.
The result means the Sixers are unbeaten after three games despite being without Curran and wicket-taking machine Sean Abbott who had a stomach bug.
“It’s probably become a bit of our DNA,” Silk said, thrilled to get a win in Daniel Hughes’ 100th game.
“We like having these 150-160 totals, and we relish having to defend those.
“I reckon the Scorchers would say the same that they like defending a total that’s maybe a bit sub-par.
“We just back ourselves all the time and stay really aggressive with the ball and in the field.”
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