Not at his fluent best but Kevin Pietersen did enough to see the Melbourne Stars to the top of the Big Bash tree af Perth stumbled to 7-134
Match Report:
ScorecardKP leads charge as Stars take top spot
The result: Perth Scorchers 7-134 (Tye 42) lost to Melbourne Stars 3-137 (Pietersen 44*, Stoinis 40*) by seven wickets with 16 balls to spare
Match in a Tweet: KP carves up the WACA as Stars cruise to a relatively comfortable win that takes them top of the Big Bash League
Image Id: /~/media/8A3DEB6FC3904449A52EF626309D7813The opening explosion: Ben Hilfenhaus picked up the first wicket with the last ball of the second over, and Michael Beer added two more in the next six balls. Beer was in the mix next over as well, taking a catch from the bat of Shaun Marsh at leg slip for Scott Boland's first wicket. It was an explosive start, but not the type the home side wanted.
The new allrounder: Four down for not many after four overs and out strolls … AJ Tye? Social media light up, as did the Network Ten commentators. "The first nightwatchman in the history of the Big Bash" said Damien Fleming. More known for his slower balls and death bowling, tailender Tye had a previous best of 18* in 45 T20s and averaged just 10.55. It proved something of a masterstroke from Perth coach Justin Langer – over the next 33 balls Tye smashed his way to a very important 42 runs until he was well caught by a leaping David Hussey.
The rematch: Mitchell Johnson and Kevin Pietersen have a fair bit of history. The tale has been told through their respective autobiographies, and played out in dramatic fashion on the field across Ashes series. And the two great warriors went head-to-head once more, albeit in a forum about as far removed from an Ashes contest as you can imagine. But old habits die hard, so it was no surprise when Johnson peppered his old foe with the short stuff. The only problem was there wasn't more of it.
The ego check: In a classic piece of 80s cinematic gold, Maverick was told he was "writing cheques your body can't cash". The Melbourne Stars own maverick, Kevin Pietersen, could have been accused of the same thing as he launched into former England teammate Tim Bresnan. The first ball he faced from Bresnan he charged with a wild swipe, he took 12 from the next over. Perhaps luckily for Bresnan, Pietersen's timing was a little off, or this match might have been finished earlier.
Klinger can't cling on: Perth were given a great opportunity to remove KP early on when a miscued shot flew high in the air towards Scorchers skipper Michael Klinger. Unfortunately for the home team, the captain couldn't hold onto the high ball, later explaining on the mic he misjudged the influence of a swirling breeze.
The guest commentator: Suddenly, English cricket's most curmudgeonly commentator Geoffrey Boycott was calling the Big Bash League! No, the ex-England Test player hadn't brought his tales of rhubarb and his grandmother's batting prowess to Australia, it just turns out Andrew Symonds can do a ripping impersonation.
The most painful single: Perhaps ever... We've never been hit by a bowler as fast as Mitchell Johnson below the belt, but can only imagine it leads to an instant existential crisis and lots of tears. For most professional players, it usually takes a moment or two on the haunches, a barely hidden giggle from the batting partner and a pat on the back from the team physio before you're right again. No so poor Marcus Stoinis. Having worn one from Johnson - and it wasn't the slower ball - his teammate Kevin Pietersen called him through for a quick single. Stoinis barely made it, having to adjust mid-pitch, before collapsing safely to the turf. Still, probably best to get off strike, eh?
Batsman's revenge: Stoinis had the last laugh, however, cracking a couple of big shots to put the game beyond reach for the Scorchers and ensure the Stars go top of the Big Bash League table.
Race to the Finals: The win takes the Melbourne Stars top of the Big Bash League for the first time in BBL|06. All top four teams are separated only by net run rate as it sets up a thrilling conclusion to the season. The Stars next play on Tuesday, when they host an under-manned Brisbane Heat, who will be missing superstars Chris Lynn (Australia) and Brendon McCullum (over rates suspension). They then face another top-four match in their final game, the last of the regular season, when they host the Sydney Sixers at the 'G on January 21. Perth now travel to Hobart, where they'll seek to secure their final spot against the Hurricanes, also on January 21 in that day's early match.
.@ScorchersBBL XI: Klinger, Marsh, Bell, Bancroft, Turner, Cartwright, Agar, Bresnan, Richardson, Johnson, Tye #BBL06
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 14, 2017
.@StarsBBL XI: Quiney, Wright, Pietersen, Handscomb, Stoinis, Hussey, Gulbis, Hilfenhaus, Boland, Beer, Gannon #BBL06
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 14, 2017