In-form Englishman Tom Curran has volunteered to jump up the order as the Sydney Sixers search for a solution to their power play woes.
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The English allrounder was the lone shining light for the Sixers in their thumping seven-wicket loss to the Melbourne Renegades at the SCG on Wednesday night.
The Sixers were restricted to just 9-115 from their 20 overs however it could have been far more dire had it not been for Curran's 44 (from 30 balls).
The win was so emphatic - and the leaderboard so tight - that the Sixers were knocked from second to fifth and the Renegades jumped from fifth into second.
After nine games, Curran (41.25) is the only Sixers batsman other than Jordan Silk to average over 30.
Having used Jack Edwards, Joe Denly, Justin Avendano and Daniel Hughes as openers this tournament, they still haven't found the ideal combination to get their innings off on the right foot.
Three times they have lost three wickets during the power play - including against the Renegades on Wednesday when they were just 3-20.
As well, they have passed 50 runs after six overs just twice.
Opener Jack Edwards made just 11 against the Renegades and could be running out of chances after making double figures just three times - with a top score of 17 - this season.
"I think if you ask anyone - one to 11 - they want to have a go up the top," Curran said.
"It's the best place to bat. Whatever the team needs, whatever the skipper and coach ask, I'll be happy to do."
Curran will be available for the rest of the Sixers' regular round games however will depart before the start of the the finals to link up with the England ODI side.
Despite the thumping, the Sixers remain very much in the hunt for the top four.
They will also enjoy the next four games at home - a stretch that looks set to define their season.
"The boys are training hard so I can't see any reason why we won't turn it around," Curran said.
"We've got a little run of games here now and hopefully we can bounce back here strong.
"It's going to be tight in the middle of the table. We've got five games left, if we win three, four of out of them, I'm sure we'll be fine."
Australian Associated Press
