Swepson looking flippin’ outstanding in BBL
BRISBANE Heat legspinner Mitchell Swepson has added another string to his bow as he continues to press his case for national honours.
The 24-year-old claimed career-best figures of 3–14 as the Heat cruised to a ninewicket victory over the winless Melbourne Stars at the MCG on Tuesday night.
Swepson claimed a wicket in his first over, tempting Luke Wright (19) into a wild attempted slog that had him easily stumped.
He then had Kevin Pietersen (30) caught at long-on off a well-flighted delivery before dismissing Rob Quiney caught-and-bowled for a duck.
Better known for his ability to generate serious flight and turn, Swepson frustrated the Stars’ batsmen with variations of pace and bounce.
His use of an improved flipper was a sign of growing confidence considering the trouble it has caused him in the past.
“Over the last season I’ve tried to develop a flipper which I’ve bowled a couple of times now in the Big Bash,” he said.
“Sometimes it hasn’t come out too well, a couple of full tosses there.
“I think that’s sort of one I’ve added to my game.
“Tonight I used it a couple of times but other than that I’m still working on all my other variations as well.”
A top-rated prospect, Swepson was part of Australia’s Test squads in India and Bangladesh but is yet to represent his country in any format.
Spin great Shane Warne posted on Twitter that he would like to see Swepson “on a plane to South Africa”, where Australia will play four Tests starting in March.
Swepson’s improved BBL form could eventually pave the way for a spot in the national Twenty20 side, with Ricky Ponting among his admirers.
Ponting has confirmed he had held talks with Cricket Australia on potentially coaching the national T20 side.