Hobart captain George Bailey ultimately let his bat do the talking after a slip of the tongue gave broadcasters a few nervous moments in the Hurricanes' six-wicket BBL win over Brisbane Heat.
The home side chased down an imposing 208 scored by the Heat at Bellerive Oval, Bailey smacking an unbeaten 28 off 12 balls to help see his side home with an over to spare.
Earlier a miked-up Bailey dropped a clanger in the field - and not of the spilt catch variety.
After Dan Christian hit yet another six out of the ground to take the Heat score to 2-164 after 16 overs, officials seemed to have some trouble locating the ball.
A somewhat bemused Bailey offered: "We got a pill? We got a ball? Is that the end of the innings then? Are they declaring?" before letting slip with a "f-- me" just seconds later.
Network 10 and later Bailey apologised to viewers.
But he need not have worried.
Chasing the hefty total his openers Ben Dunk (67 off 40) and Tim Paine (55 off 25) set a team opening partnership record of 120.
The Hurricanes pushed on in the middle overs before Bailey was joined by Darren Sammy (one off one), the duo ultimately needing 20 from the last two overs for the victory.
They did it in just one.
Earlier on a lively Bellerive pitch the visitors set a cracking pace with openers Jimmy Peirson (57 off 35) and Peter Forrest (62 off 43) adding a 119-run partnership to set a new first-wicket record total for the Heat.
The inspired Brisbane innings included 10 sixes and also starred Christian who added 34 runs from just nine balls.
Of his side's performance with the bat, Bailey said the challenge of a big total can make all the difference.
"When it's 200 (or more) all those fears ... or any worries just go out the window and all it's about is just striking the ball as well as you can," he said.
"And it's amazing how many times that can kick start a player's innings."
The skipper repeated his apology for his on-air blooper, adding that he doesn't swear often.
"If it's a word anyone hasn't heard I'd be surprised," he added.
Returning from a hamstring injury for his first game of the tournament with Brisbane, batsman Forrest said he thought the Heat posted a strong total.
"I'm in a bit of shock, I thought we batted pretty well.
"I was hopeful but I know how these games go when you've got set batsmen and quality players like they've got."
Tasmanian keeper Paine was named man of the match.
Share
