Kumar Sangakkara may open for the Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL

Former Sri Lanka captain and wicketkeeper-batsman Kumar Sangakkara may open the batting for the Hobart Hurricanes in the upcoming Big Bash League as he has confirmed his availability for the tournament. Sangakkara had a successful stint in the recently concluded BPL where he opened the batting for his team Dhaka Dynamites.

He failed to make an impact down the order in the BPL but his fortunes changed when he was elevated to the opener’s slot along with Mehedi Maruf. Ben Dunk’s move to the Adelaide Strikers who was an opener for the Hurricanes might help Sanga’s cause in the upcoming season.

“I’ve batted at No.3 in the Caribbean Premier League, opened in the BPL and then a few batting order shuffles come the finals and I was batting at No.5. My game is ideally into that top four. When you look at (the) T20 make-up of sides around the world, you always have that kind of balance – you always try and have your power hitters staggered so that you have some at the top, one in the middle and maybe a couple to finish off,” said Sangakkara.

“One thing I’ve found in T20 cricket is a good solid start is still as important as in any other format. The wickets in Bangladesh are not the easiest to score runs on – of course, less bounce – and here, the bounce and pace would probably mean a better time for batsmen,” he added.

The tournament is scheduled to start on 20th December with the Sydney Derby between the Sixers and the Thunders. The Hobart Hurricanes will play their first match against the Sydney Sixers on 23rd December.

Sangakkara who retired from international cricket in 2015 is one of the greatest ambassadors of the game. He was a treat to watch during his heydays and his record speaks for itself. Even in the last phase of his career, the champion batsman struck 4 centuries in 4 consecutive ODI matches to create a record.