It might only be a one-off appearance but Todd Murphy says Steve Smith’s inclusion for the Sydney Sixers on Friday night will be “massive” for the BBL season.
Smith is set to go head-to-head with David Warner if the Sydney Thunder’s boom recruit can pull off his ambitious plan to helicopter in from his brother’s wedding in the Hunter Valley.
The former Test captain blasted 346 runs at a strike rate of 175 in a five-match stint last season and will add to a top order that is beginning to find rhythm after James Vince (79) and Daniel Hughes (41) orchestrated a comfortable chase of the Melbourne Stars’ 156 on Saturday night.
The BBL is back! Watch every match live with no ad breaks during play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial Today >
“I think it’s massive for the Sydney Smash (to regain Smith), I’m not sure if Davey will play as well,” Murphy said.
“We know how good (Smith) has been for us over the last year in particular and what he can bring.
“Hopefully we can build on the back of that win and take some momentum into the finals.”
Murphy (2-15 off four overs) turned the game for the Sixers after a difficult start at the MCG.
He lured Glenn Maxwell into a wide delivery to end his explosive 31-run cameo after he had bowled the in-form Beau Webster for a duck.
The Victorian spinner said his move interstate for the tournament had paid off and credited evergreen teammate Steve O’Keefe for his improvement in the white-ball format.
“I think the wealth of knowledge is one thing but (O’Keefe) is so invested in the other spinners coming through and he really wants to pass on the information he’s learned over his career,” Murphy said.
“(The interstate move) comes down to wherever the opportunities presented but I think it can be really beneficial.
“It’s just refreshing to work with new players, new coaches and even just getting to be around guys like Moises (Henriques).
“They throw different things at you that you might not hear from Victorian people, so I suppose the vast majority of information you can get – the more, the better.”
Bancroft states case to replace Warner | 02:11
Melbourne Stars import Dan Lawrence said his teammates were “flat” in the aftermath of wicketkeeper Sam Harper’s serious injury the night before the game but did not think it had affected their performance.
“I didn’t see what happened, I was in the shower,” Lawrence said of Harper, who is on the mend after being hit in the head while batting in the nets.
“I don’t really know the ins and outs of what went on but from what I’ve heard it wasn’t that pleasant.
“The boys were a little bit flat but I don’t think it affected us too much. If anything, it probably motivated us to perform well for him.
“From what we are hearing, he’s improving and doing a lot better, which is amazing to hear.
“So fingers crossed he makes a good recovery.”
Discussion about this post