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Sixers import's BBL rollercoaster

3 minute read

Jordan Silk has backed Sydney Sixers teammate Tom Curran to bounce back after he was whacked for a franchise-record 58 runs from four overs on Thursday night.

JORDAN SILK of the Sixers plays a shot during the Big Bash League match between the Sydney Sixers and the Melbourne Stars at the SCG in Sydney, Australia.
JORDAN SILK of the Sixers plays a shot during the Big Bash League match between the Sydney Sixers and the Melbourne Stars at the SCG in Sydney, Australia. Picture: Matt Blyth/Getty Images

Tom Curran is clearly no Robinson Crusoe when it comes to riding the fickle rollercoaster of T20 cricket.

But few Big Bash League players have dealt with the wild fluctuations inherent to the short form of cricket quite like the England all-rounder has over the past nine days.

Curran was Sydney Sixers' best in their Boxing Day win over Perth Scorchers and the super-over hero in a thrilling triumph against crosstown rivals Sydney Thunder two days later.

Then came the downturn.

The right-arm seamer's four overs were sent for a franchise-worst 1-58 against Melbourne Renegades on Thursday night in the third-most expensive spell in BBL history.

Only Daniel Worrall (0-60) and Sri Lanka's Thisara Perera (0-59) have conceded more in a match.

Curran was on the receiving end of a brutal early Sam Harper onslaught and bore the brunt of Dan Christian's late hitting.

His first and last overs both went for more than 20 runs.

But Curran had the last laugh at Marvel Stadium when he helped Jordan Silk steer the Sixers to a six-wicket victory with one ball to spare.

"The way Harps came out and batted was superb, he really took (Curran) on and you can have those days," Silk said.

"Tommy's been an absolute star for us in the last two fixtures.

"He single-handedly basically won us that game in Perth and almost the same again in the derby the other night.

"We know Tom, he's a tough character and we know that's not going to hurt too much his belief and confidence."

Curran has taken nine wickets in BBL09 and averages 29.66 with the bat, sitting second in each category at the Sixers behind Sean Abbott (11 wickets) and Josh Philippe (34.60).

The 24-year-old's performances have been crucial to the Sixers' positive 4-2 campaign start ahead of Sunday's clash with Adelaide Strikers in Coffs Harbour.

"We're in a decent spot," Silk said.

"It's really important early in the season to build confidence and team morale."

Silk took over from Curran as the hero in the Sixers' most recent win, whacking 36 from 26 balls, including 15 of the required 17 runs off the final two overs.

His 81m six off Renegades seamer Richard Gleeson with three balls remaining tilted the match the Sixers' way.

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