Former ACT Comet Matthew Gilkes is crediting an offseason trip to Northern Territory for his blistering early season Big Bash form.
The stylish left-handed opener has posted 84 runs in three innings for the Sydney Thunder so far this season, including a half century against the Melbourne Stars last week, and is set to line up against the Brisbane Heat in Queensland on Sunday as the franchise looks to halt a two-match losing skid.
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Gilkes was one of a half-dozen NSW-contracted players who headed to the Top End for the winter, joining Chris Tremain, Jason Sangha, Jack Edwards, Nick Larkin and Hayden Kerr.
It allowed him to continue playing cricket as most of Australia was stuck in lockdown, and Gilkes is reaping the rewards this summer.
"It was good to get up there, with my training at the moment the best thing possible for me was just to get as many games in as I can," Gilkes said.
"That's what I'm trying to work out with my batting, is just how to bat time and just how to work things out in the middle tactically and mentally."
The former Western District wicketkeeper scored a rapid-fire 20 last Monday night at Manuka Oval to help set up an opening-day win for the Thunder over the Heat.
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He then top-scored with 56 off 49 balls against the Stars last Friday, but was dismissed in the 18th over as the Thunder looked to be cruising to victory.
"I've just been working quite hard on my game and just trying to keep backing myself as much as I can," Gilkes said.
"We've had a few players out which has opened up a space for me.
"I didn't get any game time last year. Once I got that opportunity I really wanted to make sure I put my best foot forward to cement my spot in the team, and get the team in good positions to win games."
The Thunder will return to Canberra to play Perth on December 28.
James Buckley
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
