BBL 2019-20: Jhye Richardson lands a delivery outside the pitch; batsman still opts to hit it

Jhye Richardson is a bowler, who depends on variation and doesn’t quite have the pace up his sleeves. The speedster is currently plying his trade for the Perth Scorchers in the 2019-20 edition of the Big Bash League (BBL). He hasn’t had the best of times thus far in the tournament. He hasn’t gotten a single wicket in the seven overs he bowled where he has leaked as many as 78 runs.

In his previous game against the Melbourne Renegades in Perth, he gave away 41 runs in his quota of four overs. However, he tried his heart out in getting into the minds of the batter. One of his effort was on show when he bowled to Sam Harper in the Renegades’ run-chase. In the second ball of the fourth over, Harper bowled a delivery outside the pitch in the quest to follow the batsman.

Harper tried to give himself room on the leg-side and tried to scoop the leather over the region between fine leg and square leg. But, Richardson gauged Harper’s intention and tried to not give him the delivery he wanted. In the end, the right-handed Sam had to alter his stroke. The batsman played the cut shot but could only get the ball to point where the fielder was placed.

Here is the video

Doesn't even matter if it lands on the cut stuff. Sam Harper just wants to get bat on ball!

A @KFCAustralia Bucket Moment | #BBL09 pic.twitter.com/RpCd2eB5Fr

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 21, 2019

Perth Scorchers coming out trumps

Unlike Richardson, the Scorchers had an excellent day on the field. Mitchell Marsh and Co started the tournament with an eight-wicket defeat at the hands of Sydney Sixers at the SCG. However, the hosts came back strong versus the Renegades, winning by 11 runs. After being put in to bat first, the Scorchers racked up a massive score of 196 for the loss of seven wickets in their allotted 20 overs.

Marsh scored 56 runs from 22 balls and got the apt support from Cameron Bancroft, who also turned up with a quick-fire half-century. During the run-chase, the Renegades were in the game for most part, but the Scorchers didn’t drop the gun. Shaun Marsh and Beau Webster scored fifties, but couldn’t avoid the home team from winning the game. Fawad Ahmed chipped in with a couple of wickets.