Joel Paris says he is growing in confidence with each Big Bash League appearance, while Sam Whiteman is focused keeping it simple after returning to the top order.
Speaking after the Perth Scorchers’ 77-run win over the Hobart Hurricanes at Blundstone Arena, Paris confirmed the team had been delayed in Melbourne after their flight to Perth was cancelled.
They are due to take on the ladder leading Melbourne Stars at Optus Stadium on Wednesday night.
“The gods are not with us today,” Paris told SportFm. “We’ve got a few hours in Melbourne now to rest up and have a bit of a feed.
“We knew it was going to be a challenging part of the tournament.
“I’m super proud of the boys the way they’ve been able to conduct themselves.
“We’re on a bit of a roll at the moment, we’ve got some really good momentum. We are just taking each games as it comes. The flight schedule is not ideal but three on the trot and a bit of momentum and hopefully another win tomorrow night.”
Paris said he had been disappointed with his earlier appearances in the tournament but felt he had found his groove in recent matches, especially against the Brisbane Heat at Optus Stadium when he claimed 2-29.
“I thought I had much better rhythm and was a bit clearer in the game against the Heat the other night,” Paris said.
“I’ll keep trying to play my role, wherever that is. I’ll keep trying to develop my game and every game that I do play and get under my belt, I feel much more confident going into the next one.”
Whiteman has come in at three in the past two wins after coming into the 11 for his first appearances of BBL09.
While he is yet to make a big score, Whiteman says he knows the mindset he needs to succeed.
“It takes an adjustment, coming from club cricket, the intensity is right up there,” Whiteman told SportFM.
“Just for me it’s about actually giving myself a chance.
“If I do get another opportunity or get some time in the middle, it’s probably to just relax and watch the ball. In Big Bash you can have a lot of stuff running through your head and just have some clarity and keep it simple.”
Whiteman was proud of the team’s clinical performance in Hobart and said winning made the “crazy” travel schedule a lot easier.
Squad set to take on the Stars! ☝️change – Guthers out 🔄Joondalup batsman Jaron in 👀 More at https://t.co/b9ribTpOmK #MADETOUGH #TheFurnace pic.twitter.com/UWRXEqqztr
— Perth Scorchers (@ScorchersBBL) January 14, 2020
Whiteman, Paris and Tim David have all been named in the 13-man squad to take on the Stars.
All-rounder David has been more than handy with the bat in his four appearances, while he also opened the bowling against the Hobart, conceding just three runs.