Round-up for the week ending 4th February: Jofra in Big Bash final

Hobart Hurricanes, the team of Sussex’s Jofra Archer and Tymal Mills, made it all the way to the Big Bash final for the first time in their history this week. Tymal was not in the side for Thursday’s semi-final against Perth Scorchers, but Jofra took 0-28 from three overs and another excellent catch as the Hurricanes cruised to a 71-run victory to set up a meeting with Jason Gillespie’s Adelaide Strikers in the final.

Opening the attack in Sunday’s final in Adelaide, Jofra was not alone amongst the Hurricanes’ bowlers in suffering at the hands of the Strikers’ batsmen as the home side racked up 202-2 batting first. Jofra’s four overs went for 46 runs, but included the wicket of Alex Carey as compensation. In their reply, the Canes’ kept up with the required rate throughout the powerplay, but slipped behind thereafter as wickets began to fall and they fell 26-runs short of their target.

Jofra finished his debut Big Bash as the equal third highest wicket-taker (16) and with a spot in the team of the tournament.

Two other Sussex players were in action in Adelaide this week. On Tuesday, Michael Burgess and Phil Salt took the field for Adelaide University CC in their West End Twenty20 Cup semi-final against Port Adelaide. Michael continued his electric form from the quarter-final, scoring 72 from 39 balls at number three, including smashing four fours and six sixes. Batting at four, Phil made 13 from ten delivers. AUCC made 172-8 in their 20 overs, which proved to be just enough as they snuck to a five run win, with Michael taking a catch and affecting a run out.

Both Michael and Phil also represented AUCC on day two of their South Australia first grade match against East Torrens on Saturday. Declaring their first innings at 166-3 having secured a first innings victory, AUCC looked to claim an outright victory. During the East Torrens second innings, Michael was productive behind the stumps, snaffling two catches and a stumping, whilst Phil picked up a wicket as he bowled four overs for 15 runs. With AUCC requiring 274 for victory, Michael hit his second half-century of the week, making 90 from 74 balls from number two, and Phil scored 24 from 26 deliveries at number three. AUCC were bowled out for 213, however, giving East Torrens an overall win and ten points. The 20 points AUCC gained from their first innings victory puts them in second place in the table, five points behind Tea Tree Gully with a game in hand.

In New South Wales, Delray Rawlins and Ollie Robinson both represented their clubs in the first grade competition, with both days of their two-day matches taking place this weekend.

For Sydney CC, Delray bowled five tidy overs for 12 runs as their opponents, University of New South Wales were dismissed for just 156 batting first. In reply, Sydney made 246 with Delray scoring 15 off 11 balls from number eight. There was time for UNSW to reach 106-3 in their second innings on Sunday. Delray was again economical with the ball, conceding 13 runs from his five overs.

Ollie was the pick of the St. George bowlers as they bowled Northern Districts out for 248 on Saturday. He took 3-57 off 19 overs. St. George secured a first innings victory on Sunday, surpassing Northern Districts’ score with four wickets remaining. Batting at number six, Ollie was caught for one.