Runs were a scarce commodity in the Big Bash Clash at the University of Tasmania Stadium between Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Sixers. Despite the Hurricanes setting a modest target of 136, the Sixers struggled to chase it down. Yet, Josh Philippe, the opener for the Sixers, demonstrated that scoring boundaries was achievable even on the challenging pitch.
He exhibited his prowess by dispatching a delivery from Nathan Ellis early in the second innings with authority. Ellis, charging in to bowl the second ball of his initial over, delivered a short and wide ball that caught the wicket-keeper batter off guard.
Philippe, seemingly prepared for such an opportunity, strategically adjusted his stance, clearing his front leg, and expertly dispatched the shoulder-height ball over mid-on for a one-bounce four, much to the delight of the crowd.
Although the shot bore resemblance to a double-handed forehand stroke reminiscent of players like Rafael Nadal and Monica Seles in tennis, Ricky Ponting, commentating on the match, likened Philippe’s stroke to a baseball hit due to its intense power and the cross-batted whiplash action.
Baseball style 🧢
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 11, 2023
How well did Josh Philippe hit this! #BBL13 pic.twitter.com/M6j81JtVdK
Despite Philippe’s impressive display, he succumbed to a soft dismissal off Corey Anderson’s bowling on the penultimate ball of the sixth over, departing after scoring 16 runs. Nonetheless, his earlier performance had already left fans buzzing with excitement.
