Curbing his natural aggression has worked for Australia’s newest call-up but Ben Cutting knows the big plays, like international opportunities, are all about timing.
An intimidating fast bowler and big-hitting lower-order batsman, Cutting aims to showcase his explosive power for the Brisbane Heat in Monday night’s must-win Big Bash League match against the Sydney Sixers at the Gabba.
From there it’s on to the Australian one-day side where he hopes to ruffle Sri Lankan feathers with his signature rearing bumper which is most effective with its dangerous steep bounce.
“I’ve tried to curb my aggression with that as well (as batting brain explosions) and use it more as an impact weapon rather than a stock delivery, and that’s worked for the Big Bash as well,” said the 25-year-old.
“I’ll definitely use it. Hopefully not over-use it. They come from lower, slower wickets from back home.
“But some of them quite like it too, so you pick your target.”
Although Cutting may be down a list of nine or 10 quicks in contention for this year’s Ashes, he’s definitely on the radar for a tour to England.
He was 12th man for the first Test of last summer against New Zealand but a side strain two days later ruled him out of the rest of the season in a terribly frustrating blow.
“That’s the nature of the beast being a fast bowler,” Cutting said.
“It can provide you with opportunities but also take them away and that’s what happened last year.
“It’s been a long 12 months back.”
In an indicator to his Test hopes, chief selector John Inverarity denied Cutting was viewed as a limited-over player but one “who could be suited to all three forms”.
The Queenslander’s best displays have come in the Sheffield Shield where he has 119 wickets at 24 and 1068 runs at 26.
The Heat have lost Sri Lankan allrounder Thisara Perera, due to international duties, for the T20 clash with the Sixers.
Sydney have a Sri Lankan allrounder of their own, Sachithra Senanayake, set to make his debut while young paceman Josh Hazlewood will return from injury.
Brisbane Heat: James Hopes (capt), Alister McDermott, Nathan Hauritz, Dan Christian, Ben Cutting, Luke Pomersbach, Joe Burns, Chris Hartley, Peter Forrest, Chris Lynn, Chris Sabburg, Kemar Roach, Cameron Gannon.
Sydney Sixers: Brad Haddin (capt), Luke Feldman, Josh Hazlewood, Moises Henriques, Daniel Hughes, Josh Lalor, Brett Lee, Michael Lumb, Nic Maddinson, Stephen O’Keefe, Sachithra Senanayake, Daniel Smith, Steve Smith.
