Revenge set to be sweet if Stars recruit can help sink Sixers
SYDNEY Sixers reject Nick Larkin is relishing the chance to come-face-to-face with the team that dumped him in tonight’s Big Bash Final at the SCG.
Picked up by Melbourne as an injury replacement last year after he was tossed on to the scrapheap by the Sixers, the NSW batsman delivered the performance of his career to pilot the Stars into the decider.
NSW stalwart Trent Copeland believes Larkin was wrongly pigeonholed as a red ball player, but Larkin’s scintillating unbeaten 83 for the Stars in the grand final qualifier at the MCG showed the Sixers exactly what they’re missing out on as the BBL’S two glamour teams prepare to go to battle.
“At the time, sure (it was frustrating the Sixers didn’t recognise potential), but I’m here now and we’re headed to the final to play them,” said Larkin, who has made three first-class hundreds for NSW.
“It’s just a funny world we live in. There were times where I would have loved to play for them but now I’m loving my time with the Melbourne Stars and I couldn’t be happier being down here with this team.
“I’ve always considered I’ve got a bit more game than maybe other people think.
“It’s just about getting the opportunity to show it and when you do get the opportunity, actually showing it.
“I don’t think I’m just a red ball player but as a professional athlete you have to go out there and prove it every time.”
In a top order featuring two of the most destructive T20 batsmen in the world, Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell, the unheralded Larkin looked every bit their equal in the pressure-cooker of a knockout grand final qualifier, as he banished the Sydney Thunder from the competition.
Larkin says getting cut by the Sixers was a blessing in disguise.
“It’s a sliding doors moment with cricket, sometimes those things really work out in your favour and then you make the best of the situation,” he said. “The Sixers have a really good roster and my skill set was probably covered up there, so an opportunity popped up here last year for injury. They liked what I did last year and luckily they brought me to play this season.
“It goes without saying (it was my best BBL performance). I just hung in there through the tough bits and that was the key.”
There is concern tonight’s final could be washed out with wet weather predicted.