ISLAMABAD: Deccan Gladiators batsman Tom Banton believes T10 game could fit in Olympics saying if you want to get into cricket as a movie, than it was a perfect way.
Banton was a key part of his team’s success in the ongoing Season 5 of Abu Dhabi T10. Gladiators have won six out of eight games so far in the tournament, and are currently at the top of the points table.
“Abu Dhabi T10 is obviously good fun. It’s my third year. Deccan Gladiators are my second team. The coaches have been awesome to work with. I have not been able to score big in a few innings, but, still, it’s been a lot of fun. I am happy to contribute to my team,” he said at a virtual press conference.
The Englishman described T10 as a form of a movie, and the perfect way to introduce fans to the format. “I think it could fit into Olympics. It is not too long. If you want to get into cricket as a movie, T10 is a perfect way. The Tests and even T20I is too long for some people,” he said.
When asked to name a player, who he believes has been the best in the format, Banton picked Deccan Gladiators spinner Wanindu Hasaranga. “I think he has been a pretty great player. The wickets are pretty suited for him to bowl. But he also is an unbelievable bowler who understands his variations and causes trouble for the opposition all the time,” he said.
Banton said because of the depth of the squad among Gladiators’ ranks, he can start hitting shots from the first ball itself. He, though, added that an opener must not lose concentration if he gets a few dot balls in attempting to hit big shots.
“As an opener, I need to give a good start to the team. Sometimes, you waste a few balls trying to do that. You have to accept you can get out first ball, or you can get a few dot balls. But you don’t want to worry about it too much, and you just have to enjoy your game,” he said.
Banton said batsmen who can hit big shots from any portion of the bat have a better chance of being successful in T10. “To be successful as a batter, you need to have power to not just hit shots from the middle, but from anywhere on the bat. I am working towards improving this aspect of my game,” he said.
The England international had taken a break from domestic cricket and Big Bash League in the summer to avoid staying in bio-secure bubble. “I just did not want to do the two-week quarantine. Now there is no quarantine. So it did not work out how I wanted to because I love playing for Brisbane. I hope I could go on and play next year. I am really feeling happy at the moment about what I am doing. That’s all that matters,” he said.
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