Sams the man for the Sixers

CRICKET: Nic Maddinson expects Daniel Sams to continue his devastating form for the Sydney Sixers against the Perth Scorchers today.

The left-arm paceman was the standout performer for the Sixers in their Big Bash opening defeat to the Thunder, ending his debut BBL match with outstanding figures of 4-14.

“As the tournament goes on he’s going to be challenged, but I think he’s a great bowler,” Maddinson said. “Everyone in NSW has seen what he does in grade cricket and in our trial matches.

“There are games that are not going to go as well for him, but I think he’s got the skills and planning and the talent.

“That’s the beauty of being well planned and executing your skill – regardless of what teams have seen, if you’re executing your plan and forcing them to hit balls where you want, as he did the other night, that is really important.”

Maddinson expects the Sixers to adapt far better against the Scorchers than they did on Tuesday when they narrowly lost to city rivals the Thunder after Shane Watson blasted 77 off just 46 balls.

But Maddinson says they’re prepared for the Scorchers and know they have to extend their innings for as long as they can.

“It’s just adapting if we are thrown something a bit different or if we’re in a sticky situation. We just have to adapt to that and put a good total on the board because we do know the Scorchers defend low totals really well,” he said. “It’s about taking time and not losing wickets like we did the other night.

“We just didn’t adjust and adapt to Watson’s batting enough, which is what we’ll have to do if someone gets on a role again. But I think we’re pretty well planned and we match up pretty well.” Sixers v Scorchers, 3.10pm