Not many pundits would have picked Mitch Owen to be near the top of the tree for Big Bash League six hitters at the start of the season.
But that’s exactly where the allrounder sits as his Hobart Hurricanes enter the finals series chasing their maiden title.
Owen has enjoyed a breakout BBL and is the third highest run-scorer with 308 at an average of 38.50 and a strike-rate of 186.66.
He’s also hit 22 sixes – second only to Melbourne Stars blaster Glenn Maxwell’s 26.
“I’ve loved it. There was an opportunity there for someone to put their hand up and take that position,” the 23-year-old said on Monday about his move to opener.
“It started in the white-ball competition, opening in the one-day stuff for Tasmania. My batting is very simple. I keep it quite simple.”
Owen said he had modelled his game on fellow Tasmanian, state-level team mate and tall allrounder Beau Webster, who made his Test debut this summer against India.
The pair could go head-to-head in the finals, with Webster plying his trade for the Stars, who sneaked into the finals in fourth.
“I’m very close to Beau and try to mirror a lot of his game. I guess I try to clone myself a little bit … but also stick (to my game),” Owen said.
The Hurricanes, one of two teams without a title in the BBL’s 13 editions, finished top of the table after a run of seven wins.
They’ll face the second-placed Sydney Sixers on Tuesday night in Hobart for a spot in the final, with the loser afforded a second bite of the cherry.
Owen said it was yet to sink in that he was part of a Hurricanes finals campaign, after supporting the side as a “fan on the hill” during his younger years.
“It’s so exciting. To win the first silverware for the Hurricanes would be amazing,” he said.
“We’re proud to be in this position. Now it is … about putting our best foot forward to win.”
Hobart were below their best in Sunday’s final game of the regular season – a 40-run loss to the Stars on the road.
“(It was) probably not a reality check (but) just a bit of awareness we need to tighten a few things up to get back to where we were,” Owen said.
Owen said quick and skipper Nathan Ellis would be fit to play despite bowling just one over in the loss to the Stars.
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