Dooley up for fight in crucial clash with Scorchers

Dooley and recruit Peter Hatzoglou were economical but went wicketless in last week’s season-opening loss to Sydney Sixers.

That match was played on a slow Launceston deck, and it’s unclear whether the Hurricanes will opt for two spinners on the faster and bouncier Perth wicket.

But Dooley, one of the breakout stars of the last BBL season, hopes the Scorchers batters take him on.

“Given it (pitch) is more conducive for the quick bowlers and the bounce, the batters are going to target the spinners which brings us into the game to be wicket takers through the middle overs,” he said.

“It looks like there’s lot to offer for the spinners by the looks of things. It’s a different place to play with the larger square boundaries, and the shorter ones straight.

“I’ve been able to iron out a few things from that first game with a week of training.

“A big one for me is I’ve been playing state cricket this year, so the guys I’m bowling to (in BBL) I’ve already done so for extended periods.”

The shorter BBL season this summer means the Hurricanes will be desperate to avoid an early 0-2 hole with a loss to the defending champions.

They received a boost when spearhead Riley Meredith returned to play CTPL cricket on the weekend after he bowled just nine balls against the Sixers before leaving the field injured.

“They’ve got a lot of stars in their bowling line up and their batters. They’e got that culture and belief coming off a lot of success,” Dooley said of the Scorchers.

“It’s exciting for us knowing you’re going to be challenged in that situation.

“We were happy with our intent (against Sixers), the wicket just wasn’t conducive to our style of play. We think the Perth wicket will be beneficial for us with both bat and ball.”

The Scorchers began their title defence with a crushing seven-wicket win after dismissing Melbourne Stars for just 101 last week.

Originally published as Dooley up for fight in crucial clash with Scorchers