Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) head coach Trevor Bayliss has revealed that there is an argument to play Kane Williamson at no. 3 after the team’s 20-run defeat against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 29th game of the ongoing IPL 2020 in Dubai on Tuesday (October 13).
Questions have been raised on Williamson’s batting position in the ongoing IPL 2020 since the SRH are struggling to find glue in the tournament having now suffered its 5th loss on Tuesday in the IPL 13, as if the Kiwi star play at No. 3 it could be very helpful for the franchise given his stature as international star.
Following the loss to CSK, Bayliss has opened up on the matter, saying Williamson, being an experienced cricketer, was given the task to mentor the inexperienced youngsters in the lower-middle order while batting at No. 4 for SRH in the ongoing IPL 2020 in the UAE.
Bayliss said at the post-match press conference: “We have got some good young players in our line-up, who are trying to get the experience. We are certainly top-heavy with the batters. We have done well in the past after scoring runs in the top-order. But certainly, we bought some good young players and we are trying to give them as much experience. They do not have as much experience as some of the players in other teams have. We are trying as much as possible.”
Read Also: IPL 2020: Would have been nice to have an extra batter, says SRH captain David Warne
He further explained, “Look, there is an argument for playing Kane higher up the order, obviously he is a high-quality player. Currently he is doing the job for us at number four and hopefully bat with some of the young guys in the lower middle order. His experience can help out the younger players. He is a very good player. If he bats at No.3, he can play bigger knocks but playing at No.4 is his role right now.”
On the 20-runs loss to CSK, the SRH coach pointed out: “Well, I think most of the teams have been batting first after winning the toss, especially here in Dubai. I think the wickets have been used now two-three times. Those winning the toss here will definitely bat first.”
Praising Sandeep Sharma, he added, “It was pleasing to see Sandeep bowling so well upfront. He was outstanding in the first three overs he bowled. We felt the wicket was a lot drier, so we went in with an extra spinner. I do not think we bowled particularly well against Sam Curran for a couple of overs.”
Bayliss concluded, “Obviously, Nadeem coming in and playing his first game, he did pretty well. Sandeep getting some confidence going ahead in the tournament augurs well for us. He has got his confidence back. Williamson keeps scoring runs; he is pretty consistent.
It's not that often that both Warner and Bairstow will miss out. We expect Warner and Bairstow to make their fair share of runs going forward; and if that happens, we will put a good score on the board.”
(With ANI Inputs)
