A heartbreaking loss for the Sixers in the BBL15 final has sparked a debate about the scheduling of the tournament. Coach Greg Shipperd, with a sense of disappointment, shared his concerns about the grueling travel schedule his team endured.
The Long Road to the Final
The Sixers' journey to the grand final was a challenging one. Starting in Brisbane, they made a quick trip to Perth for the Qualifier final, only to return to Sydney for the Challenger, and then back to Perth for the deciding match. This back-and-forth travel took a toll on the team, leaving them with little time to prepare and train adequately.
'Not Ideal' Scheduling
Shipperd expressed his frustration with the scheduling, stating, "It wasn't ideal. We had to make two trips across the country in a matter of days, and it showed in our performance."
But here's where it gets controversial... Shipperd revealed that his team was the only one to provide feedback to Cricket Australia about the schedule. He questioned whether other teams were lax in their approach or if they simply didn't anticipate making it to the finals.
"There are bigger decision-makers involved, but I believe we could have had a more considerate schedule," he added.
The Impact on Performance
The captain, Moises Henriques, echoed these sentiments, saying the loss "hurt" especially after their confident start. He acknowledged that the team wasn't able to silence the passionate Perth crowd, falling short in their quest for the title.
Shipperd further analyzed the defeat, attributing it to their batting performance, which he felt was "15 to 20 runs short" of what was needed. He praised the Scorchers' opening pair for their resilience, admitting, "They outplayed us."
A Silver Lining?
Despite the disappointment, Shipperd found a reason to be proud. He highlighted the exceptional performance of star player Steve Smith, who, despite joining the team late in the season, became the Sixers' leading run scorer.
"Steve's impact was immense. His understanding of the game, coupled with his technical prowess, makes him a 360-degree player. He's an asset to any team, and I believe he deserves a spot in the T20 World Cup squad," Shipperd said.
And this is the part most people miss... Shipperd's comments on Smith's future aspirations. He hinted at Smith's desire to continue playing at the highest level, including his interest in the Olympics.
So, what do you think? Is the BBL schedule too demanding for the players? Should Cricket Australia reconsider their programming? And what about Steve Smith's future? The floor is open for discussion!
