Follow-up hit: Davies in spotlight again but keen to shine brighter

When big-hitting Sydney Thunder batter Ollie Davies burst onto the Big Bash scene last year, he knew there would be detractors.

“As you go up, people are going to criticise you,” he said.

Sure enough, after Davies’ strong start to the Big Bash, including an innings of 48 with five sixes, Australia’s former Test fast bowler Stuart Clark went on the offensive. He described Davies’ dismissal in a Marsh Cup game as “embarrassing”. Davies ignored the comment, instead choosing to focus on his game.

“I actually didn’t find out about [the comment] until the day after when Mum walked through the door and showed me,” he said. “[Clark] actually came and spoke to me before the final and wanted to clarify what he said. I guess I didn’t really listen to it too much. It’s a good challenge to prove him wrong. I’m just trying to focus on myself.”

The 21-year-old, who plays for Manly-Warringah in grade cricket, initially struggled with the extra attention.

“I didn’t deal with [the hype] too well last year,” he said. “I was on social media a bit last year and looking at people saying good things, which felt good but also made me put a lot of pressure on myself.

Thunder young gun Ollie Davies made a huge impact in his debut season.Credit:Getty

“Hopefully, leading into this season, I’m able to deal with that a little bit better.”

Davies is in doubt for the Thunder’s first game after fracturing his thumb just over a week ago. However, he is confident the layoff won’t affect his batting.

“I’m the type of player that doesn’t need too many balls if I’m feeling good. I don’t tend to bat very long in the nets, so I don’t think it has impacted me too much,” he said. “Hopefully, this two-week break will let me freshen up and give me the chance to hit the ball even cleaner.”

While many Australian players seek opportunities in England during the off-season, Davies, a keen surfer, believes finding a balance between cricket and other passions is important.

Tanveer Sangha is a rising spin star.Credit:Getty

“As much as I love cricket, I don’t think I’d want to be playing it 18 months in a row. I’d prefer to go on a surf trip,” he said. “If I’m not doing [other] stuff, I’d burn out and I don’t think I’d want to keep playing.”

Davies is part of a group of Thunder players being tipped to take the tournament by storm this year. He is full of praise for his teammates, especially Tanveer Sangha, who is tipped for Australia honours in the next few years.

“He is one of the best, if not the best, spin bowler in the country,” he said. “It won’t be long until he’s playing cricket in all formats for Australia.”

Davies believes former Thunder captain Callum Ferguson played a significant role in the Thunder’s player development success.

“I remember having a few chats with him before my debut about plans going out to bat,” he said. “It was just helpful to get all that knowledge.”

While Davies wants to build upon his strong Big Bash season last year, he is also looking to showcase his red-ball skills when the Sheffield Shield returns in February.

“A lot of people see me as just a white-ball player,” he said. “I’m hoping if I can do well in the Big Bash, it will be a stepping-stone to playing a few Shield games.”

As for whether he would prefer a baggy green or Australian T20 cap, Davies is neutral.

“If I could play for Australia in any format, I’d be absolutely over the moon,” he said.

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