Thunder clap for young Sangha
Billings’ high praise
SYDNEY Thunder star Sam Billings has hailed the impact of Jason Sangha after the 22year-old smacked an unbeaten half-century to help the Thunder inflict Perth Scorchers’ first loss of the Big Bash season on Tuesday night.
After the Thunder’s opening pair Matthew Gilkes and Alex Hales were dismissed cheaply, Billings and Sangha looked to steady the ship.
The duo then piled on a 113run partnership, during which Billings hit 12 boundaries on his way to a score of 67, his highest of the season.
Sangha drew plenty of praise from the Englishman, as the youngster continued his recent run of form with an unbeaten 56.
“He’s very technically correct,” Billings said. “Got a
great technique and a great temperament. I think the credit really has to go to him because he’s had to wait a long time for his opportunity.
“That’s sometimes the hardest thing to do. You put too much pressure on yourself to really grab that opportunity.
“But he’s played some proper cricket shots and played beautifully up at the Gabba and here (Canberra).”
Billings was also thanking his lucky stars that he was able to take to the field at Manuka Oval.
The 30-year-old had a close shave with Covid when he was deemed a casual contact after he spent Christmas Day at Bronte Beach.
“Unfortunately, on Boxing Day, I got a text from a mate that he tested positive on a rapid antigen test,” Billings said. “I’ve had two PCRs, which were both negative. All my antigen tests were negative as well but I had to tell.
“Thankfully, all is OK and I don’t have to do anymore isolation because I’ve done maybe the most in world cricket in the last year or so.”
The victory over the Scorchers was the Thunder’s second in its past three matches and the team will be looking to extend that record when it takes on the Adelaide Strikers on New Year’s Eve.