LLOYD Pope is the first to admit he's far from the finished product, but he's already making an impression on the 2019/2020 Australian summer of cricket.
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Fresh from taking 3-23 in the Sydney Sixers' victory over Sydney Thunder in the Sydney derby last weekend, Pope is in the mix to show his wares on the Mid-North Coast on Sunday night.
The clash against the Adelaide Strikers at a sold-out C.Ex International Stadium in Coffs Harbour will be a history-making venture as the venue hosts a Big Bash League fixture for the first time.
It will also be the first time the Sixers have played a home match outside of the Sydney Cricket Ground.
"I think it's really good that the BBL is branching out to a couple more country towns," Pope said.
"I saw a game played in Moe and we played in Alice Springs as well so we're giving some opportunities to the fans that normally would have to travel a long way to get to the games."
It's another example of what Port Macquarie could potentially host if the sporting infrastructure was improved around the Hastings.
While Pope grew up a short 25-minute drive from Adelaide's CBD, he still understands the importance of country cricket.
"I know there is some really strong cricket played out there so for us to keep providing that interest and show that BBL cricket is exciting, it will hopefully help to promote grassroots cricket."
After a lean BBL|08 campaign, the 20-year-old leg spinner has been impressive in magenta so far in BBL|09.
He admitted he hadn't made significant changes to his own game and it was more a case of learning on the run about the shortened format.
The absence of regular spinner Steve O'Keefe also helped to elevate Pope to the number one spinner's role over the last couple of matches.
"When 'Sokky' got injured it opened up an opportunity for me so I'm glad I could fill his shoes a little bit and take a couple of wickets," Pope said.
"He's been a great help and doesn't try to make me bowl like he does.
"He listens to what I've got to say and tries to help me out and develop me into my own bowler which is something I'm really appreciative of.
"It's nice to get some rewards for some of the hard work I've been doing off the field."
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