Winter Watch | Week 9

With the final of the Big Bash League and SA20 both taking place on Sunday, 25 January, the bulk of our Winter Watch series nears its end with many of our players currently overseas nearing their Sussex return with the start of the County Championship 11 weeks away. 

Since our previous update, there's been plenty going on across the globe. One player, in particular, will receive the plaudits. No prizes for guessing who it is. Anyhow, let's head to Australia...

Tom Alsop

One final group stage fixture with overwhelming consequences awaits Tom Alsop's Brisbane Heat as they look to qualify for the final stages of the competition. And they're up against their main challengers for the final qualification spot, too, in Sydney Sixers in what is a winner takes all situation.

Alsop will be raring to go if called upon, but to this date has been out of the playing XI since December 27.

James Coles

Well, it's about time the Sunrisers chose to play him...

And what an introduction! James Coles' wait for a first start with SA20s Sunrisers Eastern Cape was unequivocally worth it as the young star shined with bat, ball and even in the field. Heading out to the crease with his side struggling on 90-4 following a tumbling of wickets, Coles - alongside Tristan Stubbs - put on a partnership worth 88 runs. Coles scored 61 of those.

Off just 34 deliveries, too, in an innings that was adroit, well-timed and superbly managed. With the ball he claimed two wickets, including that of James Vince, and was even responsible for the dismissal of the dangerous Matthew de Villiers courtesy of a wonderful throw from the deep. Not bad. Not bad, at all.

Daniel Hughes

Since the Ashes' end and Steve Smith's return to Sydney Sixers, Hughes has had to make way at the top of the order for the latter stages of the BBL, so it's just the one game to catch up on, here. A run-a-ball 15 against Alsop's Heat helped his side to a precious win, yet there is still more work for Hughes' Sixers to do if they are to qualify for the final knockout fixtures of the competition.

Dan Ibrahim

Still very much featuring for Central Hawkes Bay in New Zealand, Ibrahim has played twice since we last caught up with him, though the results were not as he would have desired. 

Runs and wickets to report on, though! For Ibrahim made 18 in the first match, taking a wicket as well, which was shortly followed up with a 24 a week later. The latter score proved to be his side's highest of the match, while two wickets this time around paved the way for plenty of positives.

Nathan McAndrew

It's been a bit of a mixed BBL for McAndrew, who has bowled beautifully at times during this tournament but, like the majority of T20 bowlers, has had the occasional disappointment. He was back in the side for today's Sydney derby, and picked up a couple of wickets despite a wonderful Steve Smith rampage with the bat.

And that's been the story for his Sydney Thunder side, who have managed just two wins from their 10 matches this campaign. McAndrew has bowled well considering the circumstances. 

Tymal Mills

Heading back to South Africa and its vibrant SA20 competition, Mills was a constant in the Pretoria Capitals lineup at the beginning of the tournament, but has since been away from the XI for the past four matches.

It's been a good outing for our rapid bowler, though, with wickets taken and solid figures to boot. He'll head back to Sussex soon in good stead ahead of this year's Vitality Blast.

George Thomas

A very, very good winter for Thomas with both bat and ball over in New Zealand continued last weekend as his Cornwall side thundered to a 39-run victory over Napier Old Boys - Thomas playing his part with a handy 41 from 31 at the top of the order to help set the tone.

Thomas, captaining the side, opted not to bowl himself despite some quite outrageously good figures in previous outings, but it proved to be a decision that worked anyhow. Onto today, and another win for Thomas' side. 34 runs off the bat this time, but a wicket and tidy figures in yet another success in his time on the other side of the world.