Finn Allen on the Perth Scorchers’ fans doubting his abilities as the opener finds form in the tournament recently.
Finn Allen says it was fair for fans to doubt him following four consecutive failures, and he hopes he’s now won them back over.
Allen began the BBL season with scores of 6, 4, 0, and 0. He was a devastating top-order batsman for New Zealand. Allen, however, is back in form after a rousing 50 off 23 balls against Adelaide Strikers on New Year’s Eve and 68 off 31 in Friday night’s four-wicket defeat to Sydney Thunder.
A supporter even held up a banner that read “sorry I doubted you” after Allen’s fireworks versus Thunder lit up the 46,471-strong Optus Stadium audience. The 25-year-old was able to find the humorous side.
“I scored 10 runs in four games. I probably should have been doubted,” Allen said. “It’s nice, a few less people hate me [now]. T20 is pretty fickle. You’ve got to laugh, otherwise you’ll cry.
“It is what it is, you know. People are going to get upset when you don’t do well, and they’re going to love you when you do well.”
“V was just saying he backs me in to just keep playing my natural game,” Allen said. “I think for me, it was just being brave. It’s always easy to go into your shell after four failures, but that’s not what’s going to bring out the best of me and the best of my game.
“It’s almost harder, but I had to be brave, and I guess go out there and play the way I play.”
Allen is a crucial component of the Scorchers (3-3) as they try to secure a spot in the finals. When they host the Melbourne Renegades on Tuesday night, they will resume play.
All-rounder Aaron Hardie is in question after seemingly hurting his side while batting on Friday night, although spinner Ashton Agar (back spasms) has a chance to return for that game.
After attempting a reverse sweep, Hardie flinched in agony and grasped his side or ribs, preventing him from playing for the Thunder throughout their innings.