3 minute read
In-form Hobart Hurricanes batter Ben McDermott is looking to force his way into the Australian side for next year's T20 World Cup title defence on home soil.
BBL star Ben McDermott feels he may have to rely on at least one of Australia's big names retiring in order to win a spot in the team for next year's T20 World Cup.
McDermott is the flavour of the month after becoming the first player to hit consecutive centuries in the domestic competition.
The 27-year-old's brutal 127 off 65 balls against the Melbourne Renegades on Wednesday night led the Hobart Hurricanes to a third-straight victory.
It followed his scores of 67 and 110 not out, rounding out a hat-trick of match-winning displays in the space of six days.
McDermott has played 17 T20I matches but missed out on this year's World Cup, when Australia lifted the crown for the first time.
The powerful right-hander has his sights firmly set on the next edition, with Australia to defend their title on home soil in October-November.
But he faces a tough ask to dislodge the likes of Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, Mitch Marsh, Aaron Finch and David Warner in a stacked team.
"It's definitely the goal, but there's a lot of talent throughout that whole line-up," McDermott said.
"They just won a World Cup so I don't think the squad's doing anything wrong, but you never know.
"It would be great to be there and be amongst another World Cup win. It looked pretty fun.
"(My chance might come) when one of those big boys are done, just right place and right time.
"If I can keep scoring runs and they want to retire, then maybe I can slip in there.
"But I don't know, I'm not really thinking about that too much at the moment.
"I'm just enjoying myself in the Big Bash. I love this time of year, it's good fun."
McDermott became the first player to hit three BBL centuries when he posted the third-highest score in competition history with his knock of 127 at Marvel Stadium.
The career-best innings included nine sixes and as many fours.
McDermott revealed post-match he has made some technical tweaks for limited overs cricket, such as altering his grip on the bat, and is reaping the rewards.
After five matches this season, he is averaging 88.25 at a strike rate of 170.53.
"I get a bit more compact and my hands tighter with my body in the longer format," McDermott said
"I'm loosening up and getting as much power as I can in the short form."