Long-time Big Bash League easybeats Sydney Thunder have finally shed their perennial losers tag and superstar allrounder Jacques Kallis says the Twenty20 franchise has found the momentum they have craved for several seasons.
After back-to-back wins over Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Stars the Thunder face fellow undefeated shortformers Adelaide Strikers on Monday without Australian Test No.3 Usman Khawaja.
A win over the Strikers at Spotless Stadium will equal the Thunder's output from their last three campaigns.
"Obviously we've got a bit of momentum now and hopefully we can carry that through into the next match," Kallis said on Sunday.
"We're just going to try and do the basics correctly and then hopefully recognise those big moments in the game when they do appear and try and play them better than what they do."
Khawaja starred with an unbeaten 109 in the Thunder's last-start win over the Stars, a knock that cemented his return to the Australia side for the Boxing Day Test against West Indies.
Kallis is confident the Thunder have become enough of a well-rounded side to overcome the loss of key personnel.
Ryan Gibson comes into the Thunder's 13-man squad in place of Khawaja.
"We are a well balanced side, a better balanced side than last year," said Kallis, who is enjoying his second season with the Thunder.
"We can play on all types of wickets and in all conditions.
"It is sad that we lose Usman but we have a number of exciting players who can take his place."
Captain Michael Hussey starred with 80 not out in the Thunder's defeat of the Sixers in the BBL05 opener, the outfit's first ever win over their crosstown rivals.
West Indian Andre Russell has starred with the ball in both games.
Kallis and Shane Watson are yet to get amongst the runs but both have made vital contributions with the ball.
"It (so many allrounders) gives you options, you can either play the extra batter or extra bowler," Kallis said.
"To have three allrounders in one side is a real luxury, it gives us those options that perhaps other teams don't have."
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