Kiwi fast bowler responds after copping abuse on social media following loss to the Renegades
Thunder star hits back at internet trolls
Sydney Thunder quick Mitchell McClenaghan says internet trolls have "nothing to be proud of" after they targeted him following his side's loss to Melbourne Renegades on Wednesday night.
Kiwi quick McClenaghan conceded 48 from his four overs at Manuka Oval, including 25 runs from the final over of the Renegades' innings, as the Thunder fell short by nine runs to end their hopes of playing in the finals.
McClenaghan tweeted his thanks to the Thunder's supporters, but then turned his attention to those who'd abused him on social media during and after the match.
Thank you very much to all the amazing #thundernation fans who have supported our lads all season long. Not to be tonight however thoroughly enjoyed some hard cricket with some great new mates.%E2%80%94 Mitchell McClenaghan (@Mitch_Savage) January 24, 2018
For all those who feel the need to be abusive to any player on social media understand that it’s a tough game and your hate will only fuel our desire to get better and won’t break us. It’s More a reflection on who you are as a human being and definitely nothing to be proud of.%E2%80%94 Mitchell McClenaghan (@Mitch_Savage) January 24, 2018
Having picked up the key wicket of Renegades skipper Dwayne Bravo, McClenaghan conceded two fours and two sixes in a decisive final over as Beau Webster (18 from just four balls) launched an impressive late cameo that pushed the Renegades to a total of 6-189.
The Kiwi import was the Thunder's second-highest wicket-taker (and the equal eighth-highest in the competition) in his first BBL season, taking 11 wickets at 32, but his economy rate of 9.17 from 10 matches is one of the most expensive among the leading bowlers in the tournament.
A 20-over specialist who turned down a New Zealand contract last August to pursue a future in overseas T20 leagues, McClenaghan is renowned as a wicket-taking bowler rather than a player who simply keeps the run rate down.
Of the 58 bowlers to have taken 150 or more wickets in T20s, McClenaghan's strike rate of a wicket every 17.1 deliveries is the 11th best but his career economy rate (8.30 runs an over) is the fourth-highest among that group.
"I got to coach him at Mumbai a few years ago and he's an out-and-out wicket-taker in T20 cricket," former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, who coached the Kiwi in the IPL, told cricket.com.au at the start of the tournament.
"He's a big, strong left-armer who bowls a heavy ball and knows the game inside out."
McClenaghan, a key pillar in Mumbai's Indian Premier League title win last year, will now turn his attention to this weekend's IPL auction, where he's available at a reserve price of around $200,000.
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