Sydney Sixers allrounder Steve O’Keefe believes the table-topping Melbourne Renegades will fire in the Big Bash League finals despite the absence of their two key players.
Some have suggested the Renegades, who finished with seven wins from eight games, won’t be able to reproduce the same dominance in the finals without Aaron Finch (national duty) and Marlon Samuels (eye socket injury).
But English opener Alex Hales, signed as Samuels’ replacement on Tuesday, put paid to that argument against the Sixers on Wednesday night.
Opening in the absence of Finch, Hales smashed 89 from 52 balls in preparation for Tuesday night’s sudden-death semi-final at Etihad Stadium.
It was hard to mount an argument that the team had actually been weakened by Finch’s omission.
“I think they’ve probably gained,” said O’Keefe, who was taken for 26 in one Hales-dominated over.
“They’ve picked really well.
“They’ve got all bases covered and they’re obviously the favourites going into the finals.
“They’ll be geared up for this semi, and fingers crossed for them. I hope they do win it because I think they’ve been the top side in the competition by miles.”
O’Keefe said it was unfair the Renegades didn’t advance straight to the BBL final, and a spot in the Twenty20 Champions League.
“They get to play at home (for the semi-final) but, if you have an off night, you’re out – which is disappointing.
“They’ve earned the right to go through to the final and go to India – they’ve only lost one game.”
Veteran tweaker Muttiah Muralitharan missed the Renegades’ 29-run over the Sixers, but is expected to return for the semi-final.
Hales was looking forward to a good night’s sleep after a whirlwind trip to Sydney, but also the chance to boost his new side to silverware.
“I’d been following it (the BBL) on TV back home,” he said.
“We’re top of the ladder deservedly, so I’m really looking forward to what can happen in the next week or so.”
For the Sixers, the loss was a disappointing end to a campaign that followed triumphs in the inaugural BBL season and the subsequent Champions League.
Despite some changes in personnel, O’Keefe declared there were no excuses for the fact they dropped off in batting, bowling and fielding.
“The guys we’ve got are better than what we showed and to finish second last is not a fair reflection on how good that squad is,” he said.