Wright, Buttler go large in Big Bash

England

Cricket365
December 20, 2013

England all-rounder Luke Wright and wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler adequately prepared for next month's limited-overs series against Australia by striking fruitful cameos in Friday's opening Big Bash League fixture.

Wright, who has been named in the T20I squad, orchestrated a quickfire 70 in a final total of 208 for seven from the Stars. His vigil was lined with eight fours and a quintet of handsome sixes – and spanned a mere 32 balls.

Buttler, who has been selected for January's five ODIs and three T20Is, romped to an inventive 49 from 28 deliveries, five fours and a solitary six included – as the Renegades reached an insufficient 132 all out.

Seamer Wright also snared the key wicket of opener Aaron Finch – and duly welcomed the Man of the Match award despite stiff competition from fast bowler Jackson Bird, who clinched four vital wickets.

Fellow Englishman Chris Tremlett, Ravi Bopara will feature in the Sydney Sixers' campaign, while all-rounder Chris Woakes and Eoin Morgan are playing for the Thunder – and batsman Alex Hales the Adelaide Strikers.

"I'm not entirely using this as a way to get acclimatised, this is a very important competition, not only to the club but to myself as well," Bopara told <i>ESPNcricinfo</i>.

"I'd love to come and do well, and hopefully have a future in the Big Bash as well, it's not just about these four games – it would be a lovely place to keep coming back to play."