CANES FEVER

GET in early and avoid the queues as the Hurricanes aim for a sellout to open their Big Bash campaign on Thursday night.

The new era under incoming coach Gary Kirsten and imports Tymal Mills and Jofra Archer will begin against the Melbourne Renegades at Blundstone Arena on Thursday followed by a first ever clash at Launceston’s UTas Stadium on December 30 against the Sydney Thunder.

Cricket Tasmania chief executive Nick Cummins said both events were on track to see the full house sign go up.

“It (Thursday night) is on track to be a sellout,” Cummins said.

“The weather is suggesting that will be the case, hence it is why people should buy in advance otherwise I think we will have a lot of people show up on the day and it is a good way to beat the queues.

“The Launceston game is absolutely flying and could be sold out before the day is done.”

Memberships are selling well and are close to equalling last year’s record of 3000 before a ball has even been bowled. Mr Cummins said they hoped to crack the 4000 mark.

The Hurricanes’ pre-season form has been exceptional with two big wins over the Melbourne Stars and the Sydney Sixers. Mr Cummins said Mills with his raw power and Archer’s athleticism would get fans excited.

“Archer could become a cult figure in terms of the way he looks and the way he plays,” he said. “He’s an incredible athlete. “With his bowling he coasts in and then the pace comes out of nowhere and he also hits sixes as well. If he performs I think he will quickly become a crowd favourite.”