Big Bash League

[Donny]

Well, the (twofold) claim in the media was that his confidence was wrecked by Smithy's premature Test selection punt.

What selection punt, K ?

As far as I know, Smith isn't a National selector.

Don't shoot the messenger, Donny!! The media claim was Smith pushed really hard for him to be selected. (Hence a twofold claim: The same media claimed being out of his depth at that point at Test level harmed Maddinson's game.)

I'd have to search to try to find which cricket journalist(s) made this claim.

Still, just an opinion. As I said, Smith isn't a selector.

[K]

I neither bet on it being true nor on it being untrue. Former players (and long-time journalists) do have contacts on the inside, so one shouldn't just assume they make everything up. The direct quote about consultation with Smith at the very least makes this a plausible claim.
[Re. my last sentence, I see you saw the original version of my post. I edited it to add some stuff.]

[K]

[Donny]

2/118 after 14 overs.

Doolan 58*. Just hit 3 sixes.

[Donny]

Hurricanes need 29 runs off 12 balls.

Doolan 66*, McDermott 45*.

[Donny]

Strikers won by 11 runs.

[Donny]

Today.

Stars v. Thunder. MCG. 6:10 PM Local Time
-----------------------------

Scorchers v. Hurricanes. WACA. 6.25 (local).

[Donny]

Stars batting.

0/29 after 3 overs.

[Donny]

3/94 after 13 overs.

Handscomb 49* from 38 balls.

[Donny]

4/114 after 16 overs. Handscomb scored 57.

Gotch 24*.

[Donny]

6/147 (20 overs).

[Donny]

Thunder cruising.

0/64 after 6 overs. Khawaja 38* (21).

[Donny]

1/85. Ussy out for 44 (26).

Vince 33*.

[Donny]

1/97 after 10 overs.

[Donny]

2/121 after 14 overs.

Watto 26* (19).