Adelaide Strikers coach Jason Gillespie has supported the Sydney Sixers' last-ball tactics that aided their progression into Friday's Big Bash Final.
In what was a thrilling contest between the Sixers and Adelaide Strikers - headlined by Hayden Kerr's heroics - the game was brought to a sudden halt with one ball remaining and the Sydney franchise requiring two runs for victory.
With the injury-hampered Jordan Silk at the non-striker's end, the Sixers called for their middle-order batsman to retire out, bringing on a fitter Jay Lenton to come to the crease.
With two needed off the final ball, the Sydney Sixers decided to retire hurt Jordan Silk 👀
(via @BBL) pic.twitter.com/YAODQRcGV6
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 26, 2022
The move was questioned by many, including Strikers captain Peter Siddle, however the decision was under the laws of the game and therefore permitted.
Further queries were raised on social media, with fans believing retiring Silk was not within the spirit of the game.
If @SixersBBL retire hurt Silk. Thats up there with the Chapoell underarm. Absolute disgraceful #bbl11
— Dave ⚓️ (@Fid210) January 26, 2022
What crap to retire Silk hurt. Absolute dog move by the Sixers #bbl
— Greg Jericho (@GrogsGamut) January 26, 2022
Despite the calls of outrage, Gillespie stated that he had no issue with the Sixers' tactics after the loss.
I’ve seen some discussion regarding [the Sixers'] tactics late in the game retiring a batter (Silky)," Gillespie wrote to Twiiter on Thursday.
"As opposition coach, I had no issue at all with it. They were playing within the laws of the game and it was a sound tactic.
"All the best to them for the final."
I’ve seen some discussion regarding @SixersBBL tactics late in the game retiring a batter (Silky).
As opposition coach, I had no issue at all with it. They were playing within the laws of the game and it was a sound tactic.
All the best to them for the final.
Dizzy#BBL11— Jason Gillespie 🌱 (@dizzy259) January 27, 2022
The victory sees the Sixers progress to the BBL|11 Final on Friday against the Perth Scorchers at Marvel Stadium, with the winner set to become the outright leader for BBL titles with four.