Summary
And that is where we’ll leave Sportwatch, alas. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday night. Even if it’s an early start tomorrow I’d recommend just watching the first five overs of Sixers v Heat to see if the home side can muster anything to match that crisp, powerful hitting from Lynn and Renshaw.
A big day for Adam Scott who won just his second Australian PGA, closing nicely to finish two shots clear on the final day. A less positive day for his hometown, Adelaide, who picked up dual 2-1 losses in both the A-League and the W-League. A late Emily Condon goal not enough for the Lady Reds’ first points of the season, while Ben Halloran’s super strike wasn’t enough to cancel out Kye Rowles and Milan Duric’s goals.
Haris Rauf’s five-wicket haul the headline act as Melbourne Stars maintained their two-from-two start to the campaign. And that’s Sportwatch!
Big Bash - End of innings: Heat 4/209 (20), Renshaw 60*, Cutting 9*
It’s a big slash outside off from Renshaw and he finds the rope. Then he goes the other side and that’s fifty! Impressive knock. Off just 36 balls. Wasn’t this guy a Test opener?
Curran pushes one wide, but it’s too far and he has to bowl again. And now Renshaw’s gone straight down the ground for six! What a final over he’s having. And that’s the end of innings.
A record-equalling 15 sixes from that innings. Good luck chasing that, Sixers.
Updated
Big Bash - Heat 4/191 (19), Renshaw 43*, Cutting 9*
Second ball, and crunch! Beautifully struck six from Cutting there. Ben Dwarshuis left feeling nauseous as that one flies back over his head. He tries the leg cutter on Renshaw, but he flicks it off the legs for another boundary. Good over for the Heat - can they bring up the 200?
Big Bash - Heat 4/177 (18), Renshaw 37*, Cutting 1*
A key wicket for the Sixers, as Peirson holes out. Renshaw almost follows him with a big top edge, but the fielder can’t quite reel it in. Next ball he crunches a four just to add insult to injury.
And one of the most unlikely sporting stories of the year is unfolding in London where Fallon Sherrock is breaking new ground for women in darts.
I have just proved that we [women] can beat anyone. I have beaten two of the best players in the world. If that doesn’t show that women can play darts, I don’t know what does.”
Staying with cricket, and a little bit of war of words emerging ahead of the Boxing Day Test between Australia and New Zealand, with mention of the hated “B word” coming out of camp.
The fuse has been lit.
Big Bash - Heat 3/162 (16), Renshaw 29*, Peirson 20*
Renshaw fires a gorgeous leg side six off Tom Curran. A hint of future Ashes rivalry there? A decent over - they need a few more 10-10+ overs here to really consolidate that opening. It does look a good pitch, so who knows what the Sixers can make of it.
Big Bash - Heat 3/145 (14), Renshaw 20*, Peirson 14*
So, after that early unbelievable Lynn innings, this feels almost glacial. It’s 32 off 27, the partnership though, so a decent period of steadying. They need to lift the tempo now though if they want to really capitalise off that blistering first 10 overs.
Full-time: Central Coast 2-1 Adelaide United
There’s the whistle, and what elation around Gosford stadium! It’s been a summer from hell inland of the Coast, but for one evening at least, minds can be taken off the bushfires and celebrate a bright spot in the A-League. Huge win for the Mariners, and they leapfrog both rivals Newcastle Jets and Brisbane Roar on the table.
Updated
A-League - 90 min: It’s five minutes added on, to the groans of the home fans. Strain looks to head an effort goalwards, but it doesn’t trouble the ‘keeper. Simon earns a foul from a push in the back from Elsey. That’s what he gives you - a big aerial presence, with an even bigger heart. Always a nuisance.
Big Bash - Heat 3/113 (9.4), Lynn 94, Renshaw 3*
And there it is!! Can you believe it - having put on an absolute masterclass, Lynn has holed out in the deep six shy of his century, Abbott claims it off the bowling of Manenti.
94 off 35 balls. Four fours and ELEVEN sixes. And all inside 10 overs.
You’d hope the Heat can steer it home from here, because anything less than a big win here would be a travesty.
Chris Lynn, take a bow.
Updated
A-League - 87 min: It’s getting nervous around Gosford. Another incredible stat from match commentary - it’s been four seasons since the Mariners won back-to-back home games. FOUR. They’re just a few minutes (plus added time) away from doing so.
No Ospeth, McGree or Blackwood for Adelaide through injury - which it must be said does limit their attacking options.
A-League - 82 min: And as so often happens, as one team chases a match, the other gets chances at the other end. Mariners don’t finish though, as Murray and Jair fail to connect with each other.
Now it’s Stajcic emptying his bench. Silvera comes on for Duric, Fox replaces the tiring Miller, and club captain Matt Simon comes on for Jair. Look for him to put himself about and to give this inexperienced Mariners XI a little, well, you won’t say calmer head, but perhaps older head?
Big Bash - Heat 2/90 (7.2), Lynn 74*, Renshaw 0*
We’ll they’ve got the wicket, the Sixers - but it’s not the one they wanted! Heazlett goes for 10 - he was desperately unlucky as his leg spun out of the crease and he was stumped after the ball ricocheted off the legs of the wicketkeeper Phillipe.
Lynn 74 off 27 balls. 8 sixes, and he’s striking at 267%.
A-League - 77 min: Mariners are dropping deep, looking to protect their slim lead, and don’t look away - the Reds are coming. Halloran goes to ground inside the box - was there a touch from the trailing leg of Oar? VAR lets it be.
Brooks now looks to drive through the heart of the Mariners defence, but they scramble it clear.
A-League - 73 min: I’m like a dog chasing two cars now - the last twenty minutes of this one are going to get very interesting as Adelaide trail Mariners 2-1 still, but meanwhile, Chris Lynn is batting like a man who’s sold his soul in the Big Bash.
Big Bash - Heat 1/73 (6), Heazlett 7*, Lynn 61*
Good grief. He’s just brought up his half century off just 21 balls, has Chris Lynn! The Sixers go back to their strike bowler, Abbott, but he gets the same treatment.
That’s a massive six - his sixth of the innings. He’s hit 57 off the 59 run partnership here, Lynn. This is just incredible batting. And now he squeezes one over the slip cordon and runs it fine.
That was one hell of a powerplay. Remarkable batting.
Updated
A-League - 66 min: They’re coming again, the Mariners. Alen Stajcic hasn’t even gone to his bench, that’s how happy he is with his XI, while Gertjan Verbeek has already made all three changes. Marrone, Maria and Troisi all given an early shower - Elsey, Kitto and Brooks the new men.
And Lewis Miller becomes the first Mariners booked as he slides in late in the tackle.
And if you missed the earlier story from the Australian PGA - a fine day for Adam Scott, and a return to winning ways:
Big Bash - Heat 1/40 (4), Heazlett 4*, Lynn 33*
Eep. They try the spinner Manenti, the Sixers, but he receives the same treatment as the quick. Chris Lynn is in a mood, ladies and gentlemen. He’s whacked that one so nicely it’s got stuck in the back of the scoreboard. They’ve had to replace the ball! 33 off 14. Can he keep it up?
A-League - 58 min: A cheeky curling effort from De Silva and it just drops onto the roof of the net! He had the Adelaide ‘keeper Richards scrambling there. And now it’s Jair through one-on-one, but he’s ruled offside. This is better from the Mariners.
Big Bash - Heat 1/27 (3), Heazlett 4*, Lynn 20*
So, we’re underway at the SCG and there’s an early breakthrough for the home side. Abbott picks up opener Max Bryant with his first ball, but it only brings in the big-hitting Chris Lynn who right on cue thumps a massive six.
And he’s just gone again off Dwarshuis. Too short and the big man goes WHACK. A six, followed by a four. And then another shoulder-opener over point for two before a single. Thirteen off four. Yikes.
The in-ground tannoy pumps out Maria Carey. All they want for Christmas here is Chris Lynn.
51 min: Michael Maria fouls Miller. He has to be careful, the man from Curacao. He was booked in the first half and the home side bay with frustration as he walks away, unpunished but for a freekick.
A-League: Goal! Central Coast 2-1 Adelaide (Halloran)
46 min: Oh my! The home fans had hardly retaken their seats and woof. That was something special as well! A break in play from midfield, before it was played out to Ben Halloran. Sharp feet and an even better finish - he jinks inside Oar and curls an unstoppable effort into the top bins!
No chance, Birighitti. That was a sumptuous finish. Throwbacks to his Socceroo days - a terrific strike.
Looks like Adelaide got the message at halftime...
— FOX Sports Football (@FOXFOOTBALL) December 22, 2019
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Updated
A-League: second half!
45 min: One change at the break for the Reds - Jordan Elsey comes in for Michael Marrone. You wonder if some harsh words were had in the sheds at the break?
We’re not far away from live Big Bash action. The Sixers have won the toss there and decided to put their visitors in first. We’ll pick that up when there’s developments of note.
A-League: Central Coast 2-0 Adelaide - half-time
45 min: And what a difference that goal just before the break makes! The Reds were really building into that contest, but what a moment of individual brilliance from the experienced Serb, Duric, to turn the contest. If there’s a club that’s earned a break, it’s this mob. Let’s hope the fans can continue cheering after the break.
Updated
A-League: Goal! Central Coast 2-0 Adelaide (Duric)
41 min: A first yellow of the contest, as Michael Maria goes into the book. It’s a decent delivery from Oar which is well cleared, but from way down-town, up steps Milan Duric - oh my! He’s thumped that from 30m. He’s got a foot like a traction engine - what a goal!!
Is there a better leg in the #ALeague than Milan Duric?
— FOX Sports Football (@FOXFOOTBALL) December 22, 2019
We'll wait...
📺 Watch the #ALeague live on Fox Sports 505 NOW!#CCMvADL pic.twitter.com/pbvPRL7Sf6
Updated
37 min: Nikola Mileusnic is starting to see a bit more ball down Adelaide’s left, a danger sign for the home side. He had five goals last season, and he’s already bagged three this campaign. Could he add to that today?
32 min: Halloran with another swift counter, but he drags his shot wide.
And now they’ve earned a corner out of the Mariners. It’s definitely building for the Reds - a danger period for the home side. Only two of their six efforts have forced a save though - with a bit more sharpness they could be level, Adelaide.
27 min: Ben Halloran with another chance for the Reds, and he draws a fine save from Mark Birighitti.
They’re starting to work their way into this, Adelaide. The match commentary team has just dropped the stat - this is the fifth game in succession the Reds have conceded first, on the road. Do they need to tweak their travelling routine? A key period in the contest here - Mariners need to nip this momentum swing in the bud.
23 min: As mentioned, there has been a bit of cut and changing across this season already for Mariners coach, Stajcic. But you have to say as the experienced Kim regains full fitness, their midfield is one area where they’re really looking good. NZ youth international Gianni Stensness - pinched from the Phoenix academy - has been hugely impressive, with Milan Duric also one of the better imports coming in this season.
And speaking of football teams in Red. If you missed the global sporting news of the day, it’s Liverpool’s extra-time triumph over Flamengo in the final of the Club World Cup.
Roberto Firmino broke the hearts of his compatriots from Flamengo with the decisive goal in extra time as Liverpool triumphed in the Club World Cup. The Brazil international missed two clear openings in normal time but finally secured a title that had eluded predecessors in 1981, 1984 and 2005. Klopp’s team have achieved what no other in the club’s illustrious history have managed before. Plus a little pay-back for defeat by the Brazilian club in the final 38 years ago.
17 min: A first sight of goals for the Reds, as Nathan Konstandopoulos breaks through the middle, but he skews his shot wide! A very good chance for the visitors, spurned.
Gertjan Verbeek does not look best pleased with what’s he’s witnessed thus far from his side. With the games in hand they have, they could go second on the table. Not with showings like this, so far, mind.
12 min: And to confirm, it does appear Stajcic has shuffled his backline once again, with skipper Tommy Oar filling in at left back. Is that an adjustment to deal with the pace of Halloran and Al Hassan Toure? He did of course play there a fair bit in his earlier career.
Danny De Silva finds himself open in the box - but he slips just as he is about to pull the trigger! He recovers, and works youngster Isaac Richards with the shot. An A-League debut for the Reds ‘keeper, by the by, with Paul Izzo out injured.
8 min: So - what can Adelaide come up with now? It’s a bright start for the home side - they’ve definitely looked the sharper over the early passages.
So, to those team lists - here’s Central Coast:
Team news! @jordanmurray28 and @TommyOar10 return to the side as we get set to face @AdelaideUnited at 6pm! #CCMFC #CCMvADL pic.twitter.com/AKoG2B2s0q
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) December 22, 2019
And Adelaide:
Two changes with Nathan Konstandopoulos returning to the XI and Isaac Richards starts in goals to face Central Coast.
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) December 22, 2019
Outs: Izzo (adductor), Blackwood (calf strain), Opseth (still returning to fitness from an adductor).#AUFC #ADLvCCM #ALeague pic.twitter.com/8NjhUXFbO4
A-League: Goal! Central Coast 1-0 Adelaide (Rowles)
4 min: It’s a ball in from Tommy Oar, and they’ve not dealt with it, the Reds. The ball pinballs around, it’s back across from Miller, Marrone fails to clear well from the head, it falls to the central defender Kye Rowles, and he swivels on that and finishes as well as any striker! That was Alex Grant-esque (niche A-League non-headed defender goals crossover). What a start this for the Mariners! Just what the doctor ordered.
Kick off! Central Coast v Adelaide
1 min: We’re off! It’s a slightly more attacking line up named by home coach, Alen Stajcic - I’ll try and get you the starting XI’s from both sides shortly. But first, would you believe it!
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Let’s head straight to the A-League. The players are out on the pitch in Gosford, where there’s a minute’s applause for the memory of two firefighters killed during recent fires south of Sydney. Oh god, that’s got me right in the feels. Shout out to my dad and thousands more around the nation, either volunteers or professionals, doing what they can for their communities during this national calamity. My full respect.
Evening all! Cheers JP, a pleasure as always. Mighty! It’s true, I did bring my steed in. And my valerian steel. Watch me wield it with rapier-like incision. About the A-League. Or the Big Bash.
That will be the plat du jour over the next few hours - first up we travel to Gosford, for Central Coast Mariners v Adelaide United. And later on we’ll have Sydney Sixers v Brisbane Heat.
There’s a bit of golf, basketball and plenty more flying round. Get in touch via email or twitter if there’s something you’d desperately love to get off your chest.
Okie dokie, that’s all from me for now. Time to handover to the mighty Richard Parkin to steer you through the rest of the day.
W-League: Adelaide United 1-2 Canberra United - Canberra scored a late second through Hayley Taylor-Young to seal the three points away to Adelaide and cement their status in the top four. Emily Condon’s injury-time strike made it a frantic few seconds towards the end but the home side remain pointless and rooted to the foot of the ladder.
Melbourne Stars win by 52 runs
Aside from a mid-innings wobble with the bat Melbourne Stars dominated in Moe from start to finish. Marcus Stoinis led the way with the bat before a superb all-round bowling performance, highlighted by Haris Rauf’s stunning five-for, sealed the deal. That was the kind of performance to make the rest of the competition sit up and take notice.
WICKET! Meredith st Handscomb 2 (Hurricanes 111)
Meredith can’t do what Rose can and his massive mow in Moe is unsuccessful, Handscomb doing the business with quick gloves standing up. All over, not that there’s been much doubt for over an hour.
15.4 over: Hurricanes 111-9 (Rose 32, Meredith 2) In a forlorn run-chase Rose has stood up to the task and he slog sweeps Zampa for his third six of the day to add some respectability to the final reckoning.
15th over: Hurricanes 103-9 (Rose 25, Meredith 1) Rauf ends with 5-27 from his four overs. Brilliant fast bowling.
WICKET! Ellis b Rauf 12 (Hurricanes 98-9)
Rauf has been all raw pace today but the delivery after a searing bouncer he unfurls his first slower ball of the day - and it is executed to perfection - deceiving Ellis and sending the timbers rattling yet again. What a superb five-wicket performance.
14th over: Hurricanes 93-8 (Ellis 8, Rose 21) This partnership is restoring some pride to the Hurricanes. Another Rose six and four overthrows push Hobart towards three figures.
Golf: Adam Scott has done it! 2019 Australian PGA champion.
The Moment! Congratulations @AdamScott for a remarkable performance across the 2019 Australian PGA Championship!#AusPGA #PGATA pic.twitter.com/diesIPGeW4
— PGA of Australia (@PGAofAustralia) December 22, 2019
13th over: Hurricanes 79-8 (Ellis 6, Rose 10) Rauf continues his brutal spell but despite tying Rose up in knots he can’t snag his five-for.
12th over: Hurricanes 75-8 (Ellis 3, Rose 9) Finally something for Hobart to celebrate. Ellis and Rose work Zampa around for ones and twos before Rose slog sweeps for a very handsome six. The comeback is on! (Not really).
WICKET! Qais b Rauf 0 (Hurricanes 64-8)
Ooooof! Too fast, too straight, too good, from Haris Rauf. Tom Rogers Qais Ahmad is cleaned up as though he wasn’t even stood at the crease. Emphatic from the young paceman. This has been a serious performance with the ball by the Stars. The competition is on notice - and with Dale Steyn still to come in!
11th over: Hurricanes 64-8 (Ellis 1)
This is getting outta hand... 😲 Rauf with a four-fa sending Qais walking 🚶♂️ pic.twitter.com/S44zw454Vl
— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) December 22, 2019
Updated
WICKET! Rogers b Rauf 1 (Hurricanes 63-7)
Ooooof! Too fast, too straight, too good, from Haris Rauf. Tom Rogers is cleaned up as though he wasn’t even stood at the crease. Emphatic from the young paceman. This has been a serious performance with the ball by the Stars. The competition is on notice - and with Dale Steyn still to come in!
That's Rauf's THIRD in 1.4 overs‼️ Fast and full.Can't beat that 👏
— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) December 22, 2019
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Updated
WICKET! Wright c Handscomb b Rauf 10 (Hurricanes 62-6)
The Stars return to pace and the slippery Haris Rauf strikes second ball. Wright cannot handle a bouncer, gloving a simple chance behind to Handscomb.
Haris Rauf's wicket celebrations are something to behold.
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 22, 2019
... and also kinda scary 😳#BBL09 pic.twitter.com/vkR03ktznP
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10th over: Hurricanes 61-5 (Wright 10, Rogers 1) Zampa is close to another wicket in the over with another googly beating the bat, but the LBW appeal against Wright is turned down despite very strong claims to the dismissal. The Stars are rampant.
WICKET! Milenko b Zampa 1 (Hurricanes 59-5)
Zampa thinks he has Milenko with a wrong ‘un first up but Milenko survives despite what looked to be an inside edge behind. It matters little because another wrong ‘un leads to another inside edge, this time clipping the bails on its way through to Handscomb.
Adam Zampa tries, and tries again.
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 22, 2019
Second time lucky! #BBL09 pic.twitter.com/jBQ0yQFADw
Updated
Golf: Adam Scott is now two up with one to play in the Australian PGA.
It's starting to look a lot like an @AdamScott victory after saving par with this putt on the 17th! Does Scott already have one hand on the trophy, or will there be a final twist to this extraordinary final day of play?#AusPGA #PGATA pic.twitter.com/5NTlk71p9B
— PGA of Australia (@PGAofAustralia) December 22, 2019
9th over: Hurricanes 59-4 (Wright 9, Milenko 1) Hobart are in quicksand now. The required rate is pushing ten rpo and wickets are falling at regular intervals. The Stars are going to be a handful for any side this season with the quality and variety of their bowling attack.
WICKET! Jewell c Hinchliffe 25 (Hurricanes 57-4)
Another one gone! Lamichhane is too good for Jewell, beating the batsman’s outside edge with a massive googly then inducing a top-edge from a sweep that flies into no-man’s land in front of the legside sweeper but Hinchliffe makes a lot of ground before diving to take a magnificent catch.
Jewell out for 25 as Handscomb was interviewed just before the ball again and another wicket falls 😂
— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) December 22, 2019
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Updated
8th over: Hurricanes 57-3 (Jewell 25, Wright 8) Melbourne Stars are down to spin it to win it and they have plenty of depth in the slow bowling department with Adam Zampa the third called upon this afternoon. He is tight for five deliveries but releases a loose sixth that Wright flicks to fine-leg for a now rare boundary.
7th over: Hurricanes 49-3 (Jewell 23, Wright 2) First look of the day at Sandeep Lamichhane and he concedes just three runs off the bat in an over full of guile.
WICKET! Miller b Maxwell 7 (Hurricanes 44-3)
Maxwell may not have fired with the bat but his golden arm is doing the business for the Stars. David Miller is his latest victim, the big South African looked in great touch but he advanced to the Victorian, yorked himself, and suffered the ignominy of rattled timbers.
6th over: Hurricanes 45-3 (Jewell 20, Wright 1)
YES MAXWELL‼️ Miller out for 7 👏
— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) December 22, 2019
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Live blog 📝: https://t.co/maQAdHWQTQ pic.twitter.com/M69BfQfWp4
Updated
Golf: Scott’s lead over Hendry in the Australian PGA has been trimmed to just one stroke with two holes remaining.
5th over: Hurricanes 41-2 (Jewell 20, Miller 6) Ten off the over, helped by Miller striding out and finding the middle of his bat with ease, including a four through point. But Rauf will consider it a win for him with that dismissal of McDermott.
WICKET! McDermott c Dunk b Rauf 5 (Hurricanes 35-2)
Haris Rauf’s first delivery is near enough 150kph but Ben McDermott is unfazed, presenting the full face of the bat to a length ball and watching it skip to the extra cover fence. But the bowler strikes back immediately! Short and straight and McDermott tries to pull but it’s too quick and hits the bat up near the stickers and he can only shovel a catch to Dunk at midwicket. The Stars have gone bang-bang.
Haris Rauf gets the big wicket of Ben McDermott, and absolutely LOVES it #BBL09 pic.twitter.com/mNoxQ1PowF
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 22, 2019
Updated
4th over: Hurricanes 31-1 (Jewell 20, McDermott 1) Big over for the Stars, curtailing Hobart’s rapid start and snagging the most valuable wicket in the competition in the process.
WICKET! Short c Worrall b Maxwell 9 (Hurricanes 30-1)
Maxwell keeps himself on - and what a good decision that is! A frankly rubbish delivery - short and on the batsman’s hip - is whipped by D’Arcy Short straight to Worrall at square-leg. A gift of a dismissal for the Stars, just as the TV boys were explaining how Short averages 70+ in wins and just teens in defeats. Is that an omen?
Handscomb: "If we can get Shorty out next ball that would be nice"
— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) December 22, 2019
Next ball... 😂
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Updated
3rd over: Hurricanes 28-0 (Short 8, Jewell 19) Another four for Jewell and it’s a whipcrack though cover that makes that sweet “clack” sound off the bat. Four more runs follow soon after with a backfoot drive that pierces the ring, and then another four through the offside, this one smoked Warner-like, all arms and hands through the line of the ball. Hobart are flying.
Golf: Adam Scott has made his move. He’s now two shots clear with just three holes left to play.
.@AdamScott sets up an eagle opportunity on the 15th, which was much more impressive than it looked off the club!#AusPGA #PGATA pic.twitter.com/urpbBmyyZi
— PGA of Australia (@PGAofAustralia) December 22, 2019
2nd over: Hurricanes 13-0 (Short 7, Jewell 6) Glenn Maxwell is an unlikely new ball bowler but he fashions half-chances against both batsmen in a rapid over. The ball with the most incident saw Jewell earn his first boundary of the day with a drive that just bounced in front of the diving mid-on.
1st over: Hurricanes 5-0 (Short 5, Jewell 0) Bosh, have some of that! Daniel Worrall’s first delivery is line and length and D’Arcy Short just caresses it through the covers for four. The bowler fights back well though, conceding just a single from the following five balls by bowling full and wide.
BBL: The Hurricanes run-chase is ready to go.
W-League: 10 mins: Adelaide United 0-1 Canberra United - There’s been a goal in the W-League with Canberra United taking an early lead away to Adelaide United. Leena Khamis with a tidy finish.
.@Leena_Khamis moves to 5th on the all-time scorers list with a cracker 💥#ADLvCBR #WLeague
— Westfield W-League (@WLeague) December 22, 2019
🎥: @FOXFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/9LzCGxONJZ
Updated
Golf: The Australian PGA is hotting up. After 14 holes of the final round Michael Hendry and Adam Scott are tied for the lead on 12 under with Wade Ormsby one stroke further back. The title looks to be between that trio at this late stage.
.@AdamScott sets up this nice birdie and regains the joint lead!#AusPGA #PGATA pic.twitter.com/4WI9UDq8fE
— PGA of Australia (@PGAofAustralia) December 22, 2019
Melbourne Stars 163-4
Yet another delicately poised BBL contest at the halfway stage with Melbourne Stars posting about par at Moe, a total they would have expected to exceed when they were 81-0 after ten overs.
20th over: Stars 163-4 (Stoinis 81, Cartwright 13) Ellis is going to have a handy career in T20 cricket. He is a bowler full of variations and nerves of steel. With Stoinis on the charge he goes through his bag of tricks to go dot, dot, two... and then - oh dear - letting slip a loose full toss that is hammered for six. He shows excellent grit to bounce back with dot, one.
19th over: Stars 153-4 (Stoinis 72, Cartwright 13) Rogers returns and he has the misfortune to concede the first boundary in an age, Stoinis muscling a yorker straight down the ground. It gets even worse when Cartwright finally finds the middle of his bat, launching a massive mid-iron high over long-on. The Stars finally gathering some late momentum.
18th over: Stars 139-4 (Stoinis 65, Cartwright 6) In their opening match the Stars left a stack of runs out on the field because they failed to get Maxwell on strike often enough, and they’re doing the same again only this time with Stoinis. Cartwright scores only one run from the opening three balls of Ellis’ over and by the time the set batsman is facing he’s lost all timing. It’s now over 30 deliveries since Melbourne’s last boundary. Credit to Hobart for sticking in when the game was running away from them, but this has been poor game management from Melbourne.
17th over: Stars 136-4 (Stoinis 64, Cartwright 4) A terrific end to a superb spell from Riley Meredith. He is a quick, unpredictable, wicket-taking weapon. Another over without a boundary for the decelerating Stars leaves the young paceman with figures of 3/27.
16th over: Stars 132-4 (Stoinis 62, Cartwright 2) The flurry of wickets has reined the Stars in and brought out a more circumspect side to Stoinis. Qais’ final over goes for just five.
WICKET! Handscomb b Meredith 3 (Stars 127-4)
15th over: Stars 127-4 (Stoinis 59)
Peter Handscomb comes and goes in the blink of an eye. A couple of nicely timed shots suggest the elegant right-hander is on for a decent knock but he misjudges a full straight one from the pacy Meredith - that keeps a touch low - and he is unceremoniously castled.
Peter Handscomb's off-stump getting real horizontal, thanks to the express pace of Riley Meredith #BBL09 pic.twitter.com/NT2dvJ65dI
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 22, 2019
Updated
WICKET! Maxwell c Qais b Meredith 2 (Stars 122-3)
Maxwell’s cameo is over! Meredith’s radar is off at the start of his over and after slinging a wide down the legside he throws one well outside off that Maxwell slashes at, the ball traveling down to third man where Qais runs in and takes a terrific catch diving forward. The batter and umpires are unconvinced by the take but the third umpire is decisive and in favour of the fielder. Big moment in the match and a terrific intervention from Qais.
Maxwell OUT! After a review, the catch is good 🙌
— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) December 22, 2019
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Updated
14th over: Stars 121-2 (Stoinis 57, Maxwell 2) Maxwell is fortunate to survive just one delivery. Qais throws out a wide one that the Stars skipper chases and sends a thick edge spiralling just wide of gully. Unperturbed he then reverse sweeps acrobatically - for a single.
WICKET! Dunk b Qais 19 (Stars 118-2)
Qais Ahmad is back, which means he’s spinning the ball into Ben Dunk’s arc, which means another six over cow corner. But the bowler exacts his revenge! Dunk ends with 19 off 12 when he fails to pick the slider and the zing bails light up. Time for Maxwellball.
Bowled him! Qais gets Dunk with a nice slider out of the hand 👌 Maxwell is next up 👀
— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) December 22, 2019
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Updated
13th over: Stars 111-1 (Stoinis 55, Dunk 13) D’Arcy Short is asked to stem the bleeding, and he does a fine job with his left-arm spin... until he lets himself down with a full toss from his final delivery that Dunk climbs into and sends flying way into the cheap seats.
12th over: Stars 101-1 (Stoinis 53, Dunk 5) Fresh from that spectacular catch Milenko comes on to bowl, but he is greeted by the firm blade of Marcus Stoinis who larrups the ball into the sightscreen for the day’s second maximum then chops behind square on the offside for four. The Stars star then brings up his half-century with an insouciant drive over cover that demonstrated his forearms are as powerful as they look. He started slowly and he’s received a couple of lives but Stoinis is now taking the game away from Hobart.
Golf: New Zealand’s Michael Hendry still leads the Australian PGA by one stroke through 11 holes. Adam Scott is alongside Nick Flanagan in joint second.
11th over: Stars 85-1 (Stoinis 38, Dunk 4) Ben Dunk surprisingly walks out at three (perhaps keeping the right-left combination going?) and the surprise is only reinforced by four dot balls, all while Glenn Maxwell waits in the dugout. But any pressure on Dunk is eased by yet another misfield gifting the Stars yet another cheap boundary.
WICKET! Maddinson c Milenko b Meredith 40 (Stars 81-1)
Hobart need a hero - and they’ve found one - Simon Milenko flying through the air in the gully to snare a superb diving catch. Nic Maddinson got plenty of bat on a fast length delivery from Riley Meredith and it went like a missile to the right of Milenko but he flew and wrapped two big hands around it to secure a much needed breakthrough.
Just what the Hurricanes ordered. A little bit of Simon Milenko magic at backward point 😲 #BBL09 pic.twitter.com/sSNpHbLJib
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 22, 2019
Updated
10th over: Stars 81-0 (Maddinson 40, Stoinis 38) ... and now a misfield on the legside boundary to gift Stoinis four. The Stars allrounder shouldn’t be on strike, but he is, so what does he do? Swivels for a massive six, of course.
At the halfway mark the Stars are in a superb position.
Really poor out-cricket from the Hurricanes. Stars too good a team not to take advantage of their opposition’s generosity. Long way back from here. #bbl09
— Ric Finlay (@RicFinlay) December 22, 2019
9.2 overs - Oh boy, another escape for Melbourne! Maddinson wanted a piece of Ellis and after missing a reverse sweep he is cleaned up comprehensively by a superb yorker. But the third umpire intervenes and calls a no-ball for the narrowest of front line indiscretions. Such a frustrating afternoon so far for Hobart.
WICKET ... or is it?!?!
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 22, 2019
Nope, it's a BUCKET BALL! (free hit) #BBL09 pic.twitter.com/jztMbd8eEl
Updated
9th over: Stars 69-0 (Maddinson 40, Stoinis 28) Stoinis is easing into his work now and he drives the day’s first maximum with a clean loft over cover. He’s fortunate to survive next ball but his thin edge off Qais is wide of the keeper and runs away for four more.
The strength of Marcus Stoinis is on show in Moe 💪 #BBL09 pic.twitter.com/opmldCtjSo
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 22, 2019
8th over: Stars 57-0 (Maddinson 39, Stoinis 17) Nathan Ellis is on to bowl and he opens with a gimme for Stoinis who whips a full toss off his pads for four. Trent Copeland on TV (who is excellent) explains how Ellis is well liked in Sydney grade cricket and possesses a range of slower balls in the manner of Ian Harvey. Next ball, a wobbly delivery so Harvey-like it could have been scripted.
Nic Maddinson from @StarsBBL moves into the Top 10 #BBL Most Run Scorers‼️ pic.twitter.com/E2hGTe7Ass
— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) December 22, 2019
Updated
Golf: Meanwhile at Royal Pines...
We have ourselves a new leader! Michael Hendry nails this birdie putt on the 10th to go one shot clear at the top!#AusPGA #PGATA pic.twitter.com/q040rD3d3O
— PGA of Australia (@PGAofAustralia) December 22, 2019
7th over: Stars 50-0 (Maddinson 38, Stoinis 11) The exciting Qais Ahmad gets an early whirl and he deceives the out-of-sorts Stoinis with a tempting leggy before extracting a leading edge that lands safely. It’s a totally different contest with Maddinson on strike though and his wristy reverse flick for four keeps the Stars moving forward.
6th over: Stars 43-0 (Maddinson 33, Stoinis 9) The Hurricanes have been brave, backing Rose in for a third over, and he continues to deliver, pinning both batsmen to the crease and exposing Stoinis’ leaden-footed technique with the ball fired into his pads. Maddinson eventually breaks the shackles with a late cut for four but Rose and Hobart will be delighted with his figures of 0/12 from three powerplay overs.
5th over: Stars 38-0 (Maddinson 29, Stoinis 8) Riley Meredith is invited to send down his rapid right-armers but he’s quickly despatched to the boundary by Maddinson, first pulled through mid-on, then carved over cover, and finally guided behind point.
4th over: Stars 25-0 (Maddinson 17, Stoinis 7) Good grief! Absolute shocker from the Hurricanes. Stoinis does not look comfortable against Rose this over and eventually slices a thick edge high towards point where two fielders converge - but neither goes for the catch. That should have been a dolly for Meredith or Qais but the ball tamely hit the turf. Two early let-offs for the Stars.
Ball goes up, fielders converge...
— #7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 22, 2019
Ball hits ground 🙈 #BBL09 pic.twitter.com/dpoC4Y7kBE
Updated
3rd over: Stars 22-0 (Maddinson 17, Stoinis 5) The Stars have come out all guns blazing, without a great deal of shots finding the middle of the bat. However, in Rogers’ second over Maddinson does smoke a pull for four through midwicket then slashes four more high over gully. Melbourne clearly trying to take advantage of the hard ball and the powerplay on a surface expected to slow up later on.
2nd over: Stars 12-0 (Maddinson 8, Stoinis 4) Clive Rose shares the new ball and he beats Maddinson first up before tying the left-hander down with a couple of dots. A single brings Stoinis on strike for the first time today and he immediately drills a drive straight back to Rose who shells a low caught and bowled opportunity. Stoinis rubs salt into the wound by slog-sweeping a four.
Stoinis dropped catch with 'Umpire Cam'! 👀
— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) December 22, 2019
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Updated
1st over: Stars 7-0 (Maddinson 7, Stoinis 0) Nic Maddinson starts superbly, driving straight for a couple then square for four, but he throws the kitchen sink at the next three and either misses or mistimes a succession of awkward swipes before farming the strike with a dabbed single. Broadly line and length from Rogers with the ball. Nothing to report in the air or off the pitch at this stage.
Game 2 underway - let's go #TeamGreen! pic.twitter.com/6gN5oUIqf7
— Melbourne Stars (@StarsBBL) December 22, 2019
BBL: Marcus Stoinis and Nic Maddinson are out in the middle for the Stars, Tom Rogers has the ball for the Hurricanes. We’ll be underway shortly.
BBL: Back to Moe, where Dale Steyn has just told Channel Seven he probably could have debuted for the Stars today, but the South African paceman remains sidelined for the time being.
.@DaleSteyn62 is pinpointing the Stars' next match for his BBL debut.
— #7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 22, 2019
He chats with @copes9 #BBL09 pic.twitter.com/aIFQxm4Xk4
Golf: Meanwhile over at the Australia PGA, Adam Scott has just dropped a shot to create a logjam at the top of the leaderboard heading into the closing stages at Royal Pines.
We currently have four joint leaders! Could we be in store for a playoff this afternoon?#ausPGA #PGATA pic.twitter.com/MHgpbaukDW
— PGA of Australia (@PGAofAustralia) December 22, 2019
Stars win the flip and will bat first.
Green Melbourne are unchanged from the side that impressed against Brisbane Heat on the Gold Coast.
Hobart make two changes from the XI that suffocated the Sixers in Alice Springs with George Bailey and James Faulkner making way for Mac Wright and Tom Rogers.
We won the flip and will have a bat. 🏏 We've named an unchanged team for today's clash against the @HurricanesBBL. #WeWillShine 💚 pic.twitter.com/vozCB97zQF
— Melbourne Stars (@StarsBBL) December 22, 2019
The @StarsBBL have won the toss and have elected to bat first so we will be taking the ball in the first innings! #TasmaniasTeam #BBL09 pic.twitter.com/64TAkqYzSU
— Hobart Hurricanes (@HurricanesBBL) December 22, 2019
Preamble
Hello everybody and welcome to another busy Sunday Sportwatch.
The first half of the day is going to focus on the BBL clash between the Stars and Hurricanes. Both are unbeaten at this early stage of the season and with Glenn Maxwell on display the unfamiliar surrounds of Moe in Victoria’s east look set to host an entertaining contest.
During the cricket we’ll have updates on the W-League fixture between the Uniteds of Adelaide and Canberra. That one kicks off at 4pm.
After 6pm Richard Parkin will take the reins and he’ll have the A-League duel between Central Coast and Adelaide to report on, as well as the Sixers against the Heat in the BBL.
In amongst all that we’ll be keeping an eye on the final round of the Australian PGA, checking in with how New Zealand are warming up for the Boxing Day Test, and plenty more besides.
If you want to contribute to the conversation, you can drop me an email, or send a tweet to @JPHowcroft.
