Adelaide Thursday December 21, 2017

Big-hitting import set for Strikers debut

Cricket

Acting like a teenager is paying rich dividends for Adelaide Strikers import Colin Ingram.

Steve Larkin

Thursday December 21, 2017

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The big-hitting 32-year-old will make his Big Bash League debut against Sydney Thunder at Adelaide Oval tomorrow night.

The South African has dominated England’s Twenty20 competition in recent seasons and says there’s a simple reason for his successes.

“I probably play more now like I did as a 15-year-old,” Ingram said.

“I enjoy my cricket a lot more.

“After a number of years focusing on first-class cricket, I really restricted myself and my game.

“Over the last few seasons, I put some emphasis on enjoying my cricket again and making sure I express myself freely and the shots have come with that.”

While in England, where he smacked 29 sixes in the one-day cup earlier this year, Ingram crossed paths with Adelaide Strikers coach Jason Gillespie, leading to his BBL signing.

And Ingram admitted already eyeing off Adelaide Oval’s short boundaries square of the wicket.

“I do like to play square of the wicket. Hopefully I can … get a few over midwicket,” he said.

Afghanistan’s 19-year-old spinner Rashid Khan is another import on the Strikers’ books who will face the Thunder, who opened their BBL campaign with a win against home-town rivals Sydney Sixers on Tuesday night.

Evergreen allrounder Shane Watson underpinned that win, hitting 77 from 46 balls including six sixes as the Thunder chased down their 150-run target with a last-ball win.

– AAP