Launceston product Emma Manix-Geeves is focused on ‘releasing the shackles’ and playing more fearlessly to translate her strong 50-over form into the T20 scene after re-signing with the Hurricanes for a further season.
The 23-year-old top order batter returned to the Hurricanes after a three-year hiatus last summer, having stamped her class in the 50-over format with a breakout 2021-22 campaign.
She also was vice-captain of the Greater Northern Raiders when they claimed their first piece of Cricket Tasmania Premier League silverware in the T20 competition last summer.
However she is yet to make an impact in the T20 format at the elite level, and she believes playing with a more carefree mindset is key.
“I’ve not shown a lot in the T20 format, but my one day stuff has been on the improve and hopefully I can show my T20 game this season as well,” Manix-Geeves said.
“It’s definitely frustrating at times. I’ve grown up batting for hours in the nets and really love batting – I grew up a traditionalist so it is a challenge for me to evolve my game into the T20 format.
“Even in the 50-over game I’m a bit slower than I’d like to be, especially at the beginning of my innings. (It’s about) trying to release the shackles and be a bit more fearless in how I play. “In Tassie cricket growing up it was a little like ‘I have to bat a while here, otherwise we’ll be in trouble.
“It’s just trying to get out of that mindset and knowing if I don’t perform, the people around me will.”
The keeper-batsmen helped Tasmania to another WNCL title earlier this year, and is keen to learn more about the shortest form of the game from returning South African power hitter Lizelle Lee.
The acquisition of Lee and England top order batter Bryony Smith makes her task of breaking into the side tougher. But Manix-Geeves said she’s keen to learn from them.
“I did weigh up my options and see what was out there, but it was going to take a lot to leave Tassie,” she said.
“Although I might not get the opportunities that I’m after, I still love playing in the purple and I’ll do anything to play in this team.
“Lizelle Lee is one of the best T20 batters in the world. I’d say she’s one of my closest mates in the group.
“Just picking her brain and seeing how she goes about it is awesome. We’ve also got some new internationals, so getting some tips off them will be great.”
The Hurricanes begin their WBBL season against Perth Scorchers at UTAS Stadium on Friday, October 20.
Originally published as Manix-Geeves resolves to play ‘fearless’ cricket to make impact with Hurricanes