Meredith back to lethal best in Hurricanes’ loss to Stars
Hurricanes quick Riley Meredith was back to his intimidatory best in Thursday’s loss to the Stars. But the defeat makes the New Year’s home clash with the Thunder vital before a string of road games.
It’s a loss which puts them in a precarious position, but Riley Meredith’s return to his best was a major positive for the Hurricanes in Thursday’s home defeat to Melbourne Stars.
The 27-year-old quick has endured an interrupted start to the BBL after he left the field injured in the season opening defeat against the Sixers, and missed the subsequent loss in Perth.
He finished with 1-43 off four overs in the win over the Renegades, but his intimidation was back to its best on a rain-affected Blundstone Arena deck against the Stars.
Meredith caused eventual matchwinner Glenn Maxwell plenty of headaches and was unlucky not to dismiss him early in his spell of 2-15 off two overs.
Weather meant the Stars only needed to make 67 off seven overs, but Meredith’s initial spell gave the Hurricanes an outside chance for victory.
It (body) is feeling good. Obviously I had a bit of a hiccup early, but I’m feeling fine and ready to go,” Meredith said.
“It was probably a perfect start (to our bowling innings). Obviously defending 67 isn’t ideal, but Maxy (35 not out off 18 balls) was just too good in the end.
“I think we did pretty well. We had a great start and probably had a couple of half chances to catch Maxy there.
“I think we bowled pretty well, but they were too good.”
Unlike the Renegades win where Matthew Wade and Mac Wright made big scores to ensure a successful run chase, the Hurricanes made just 155 off their 20 overs with Caleb Jewell (45) their highest scorer.
“We probably just struggled to build partnerships really. We had a couple of guys make 30 odds and good starts, but we just need that one person to go on and make a big score and get us over the line.”
The loss makes the New Year’s Day home clash against Sydney Thunder a virtual must-win for the seventh-placed Hurricanes in this summer’s shorter season.
Their next three games against the Renegades, Brisbane Heat and Adelaide are all interstate.
“We generally play pretty well here (Hobart) so we’re always confident,” Meredith said. “Playing during the day always suits us. and it should be a good game. After a few losses early we’re pretty desperate to get a few wins up.”
Monday’s New Year’s Day clash will begin at 4pm at Blundstone Arena.
Originally published as Meredith back to lethal best in Hurricanes’ loss to Stars
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