Gerard Whateley has described the Melbourne Stars’ capitulation in yesterday’s BBL final as the “greatest sporting choke” seen in Australia.
Needing 146 runs to win their maiden Big Bash title, the Stars were sitting pretty at 0/93, before losing 7-19 in 30 balls to collapse to a 13-run loss to cross-town rivals the Melbourne Renegades.
“The events of yesterday’s Big Bash final won’t be forgotten in these parts anytime soon,” Whateley told SEN’s Whateley.
“They were stupefying really – it must be the greatest sporting choke we’ve seen on these shores.
“53 runs required from 43 balls with all 10 wickets in hand. The way the game is played these days you could almost do that batting blindfolded.
“The numbers will always stand as the chalk outline to an implosion – a condemning 7-19 in 30 calamitous balls.
“Think of it through Eddie McGuire’s eyes. He’s watched Collingwood lead for more than 100 minutes of the AFL Grand Final and get pipped and then the Melbourne Stars lose from an unlosable position.”
The Stars have now lost two finals and five semi-finals since the competition’s inception in 2011.
Listen to the best of Monday's edition of SEN's Whateley with Gerard Whateley in the player below