The Hobart Hurricanes have signed cult hero Paddy Dooley until at least 2025, with the left-arm spinner eager to build on Paddy Dooley brilliant BBL|12 seasons with the club. While he made his Big Bash debut for the Brisbane Heat as a COVID replacement player at the tail end of BBL|11, the product of nine years of toil in Queensland grade cricket, it was the ‘Canes who gave the 25-year-old a full-time job this season.
Paddy Dooley re-signs with the Hurricanes
And, following a breakthrough season that brought as much success as it did attention to Paddy Dooley ‘double windmill’ bowling style, Paddy Dooley is eager to improve on his 19-wicket first season in the Apple Isle until at least 2025. “(I’m) extremely excited, simply the fact that Hobart gave me my chance with a full contract, being able to re-sign and keep progressing (is fantastic),” Paddy Dooley said today. “The key thing for them was they pulled me in for my first agreement and gave me a shot right away – getting to play every game I was available for was amazing.
Also Read: BBL: Jhye Richardson ruled out, Perth suffer double blow for Qualifier
“Loyalty was a huge one for me, the fact that I’ve been playing Brisbane grade cricket for nine years and this was my first contract, it’s certainly one I wanted to return. “I also like playing here, and I enjoyed staying here for two months.” The Hurricanes moved fast to recruit the spinner after he took nine wickets in Paddy Dooley first four games of the season, including 4-16 against the Perth Scorchers when he knocked over the likes of Faf du Plessis and Josh Inglis.
Also Read: Glenn Maxwell smashes BBL records with brutal 154 from 64 balls
Despite Paddy Dooley belief in his ability to perform at the highest level, Paddy Dooley admits he was startled by how fast he became his side’s and one of the competition’s most dangerous bowlers. “I knew I was going to remain; I believe it was after the third or fourth game that they were on the phone with my management to lock me down, so I was really eager to have it done as soon as possible,” he said. “I was thinking there would be a little regression in my results since I got off to a pretty terrific start, but it continued going well.
Also Read: Big Bash League: Highest Individual Scores in BBL
“I was really thrilled to gain that stability so I could keep focused on my cricket. “I’m amazed simply in general (with) how well I’ve gone, it’s been very amazing. I’m simply trying to bowl my best ball every time and avoid being hit for a six.” At the start of the season, Paddy Dooley’s cult hero status arose almost immediately, with the left-Jasprit farmer’s Bumrah-inspired action endearing him to fans throughout the nation. Its success astonished his opponents as well, with Perth Scorchers captain Ashton Turner describing it as “more than just a strange motion” after his team’s defeat to him in Launceston earlier in the season.
Also Read: BBL12: Unplayable Podcast: Wrapping up a wild Big Bash … so far
“The crowd has been wonderful – it’s strange because I have this crazy motion and I release the ball in a funny way, and I believe people have reacted to that,” he remarked. “Just the fact that it’s more praise than criticism, which, if I were an outsider, I’d be criticizing my own conduct, but it’s been very fantastic.” After placing sixth in the BKT Golden Arm standings at the end of the regular season, additional possibilities look to be on the horizon for the solicitor by day.
Also Read: BBL: Thunder set sights on finals run after ‘rollercoaster’ season
While Paddy Dooley says he would want to pursue red-ball opportunities both in Australia and overseas, he has sought guidance from colleague Tim David about joining the T20 and T10 circuits across the globe. “It’s absolutely something I have to think about; if I get an offer for a state role, that would be amazing, but there are other alternatives abroad and on the T20 and T10 circuit,” he remarked. “I’ve just got to assess what’s best for me in terms of getting my body healthy and playing as much cricket as I can against top-level opponents.
Also Read: BBL: Smith loving life at the top in T20s as SCG nears sell out
“Tim has been fantastic in providing me guidance on that since there are definitely benefits and drawbacks to both options. He basically stated as opposed to being a periphery man in a state setup, if you’re playing the T20 circuit you have the chance to play against strong players constantly. “Tim’s been fantastic; he’s highly observant and a terrific guy to bounce ideas off of.”
Also Read: BBL: Thunder set sights on finals run after ‘rollercoaster’ season