Some pundits had even scratched the Adelaide Strikers from the list of title contenders given Rashid’s undeniable importance as the focal point of their attack for many years.
But Boyce, 34, remained unfazed and he wasn’t going to feel suffocated by pressure at this stage of his career.
“It didn’t really affect what I was going to do,” Boyce told ESPNcricinfo about how he felt upon hearing of Rashid’s withdrawal. “I felt like if I played, I would just play my role. It was pretty clear to me and it didn’t really feel like my role would be different if he was there or not.”
Boyce is taking a pragmatic approach these days after a rollercoaster ride as a once high-profile prospect, where he was cursed with the tag of “the next Shane Warne”, despite playing seven T20Is for the Australia from 2014 to 2016 before his career ended. derailed by injuries.
But he was able to extend a BBL career that has appeared on several occasions, most recently two seasons ago when he was run out by the Melbourne Renegades on the day he took four wickets in as many balls.
He is grateful that he was able to save his career at BBL, while enjoying spending the rest of the year living a “normal life” as a family man and studying for an MBA.
“I’ve been bowling since I was 15, so I feel like I know my game, I can prepare the way I need to,” Boyce said. “Sometimes it’s almost refreshing to go in with no expectations and not play all year. Then come out and try to bring out some of the big guys.
“It’s kind of fun. I’m really enjoying this preparation and I don’t think I’m going to change that.”
Boyce has proven to be a stabilizing figure for the Strikers, who defied Rashid’s absence and a poor start to the season to advance to Saturday’s knockout final against two-time defending champions Perth Scorchers at Optus Stadium .
Boundaries get smaller, bats get bigger, and boys get stronger. So it’s really hard work
Cameron Boyce
He replaced Rashid as best he could with Boyce named in the BBL team of the tournament. Only left-arm spinners Steve O’Keefe and Matthew Kuhnemann have a better economy than Boyce’s 6.37 for bowlers with more than 20 overs.
Boyce was invaluable bowling after the powerplay and during the middle overs. He used his wealth of experience to outwit batters by cutting the pace and bowling at speeds of around 80 kmph. Boyce has the courage to throw the ball, but he rarely gets hit.
In consecutive late-season matches against the Hobart Hurricanes, who were also vying for a place in the final, he did not concede a boundary in eight overs and bowled 22 dot balls.
“I think naturally as you get older your pace drops off a little bit,” Boyce said. “I feel like my plans are very clear. I play a little slower, but it’s not something I think about consciously. I feel like one of my strengths is to m “Adapt to the situation and understand where the hitters are trying to hit me.”
Boyce’s performances were particularly impressive given that Adelaide Oval can be unforgiving for bowlers with its short square boundaries from the wicket.
“I’m just trying to stick to my plans, focusing on a bit more overspin and getting guys to hit straight,” he said of bowling at the Adelaide Oval. “I don’t think there are many places in BBL anymore where it’s nice to bowl unless the wicket is low and slow.
“The boundaries are getting smaller, the bats are getting bigger and the boys are getting stronger. So it’s really hard work.”
Boyce will next face another batter-friendly pitch, with the hard surface at Optus Stadium being particularly troublesome for spinners. The Sixers opted for seamer Jackson Bird instead of the in-form O’Keefe in their remarkable win over the Scorchers on Tuesday to clinch second place.
He had fared slightly better a few days earlier at Optus Stadium to concede 28 runs from four overs – although Hardie crushed him once in the stands – only to be spared by the weight of the Scorchers’ massive 211 for 4.
“I think it’s going to be a high-scoring game again, so we just have to make sure our plans are clear and hopefully limit them as much as possible,” Boyce said as the teams split their matches this season.
Boyce’s starring role this season should allow him to extend his long career in the BBL, which began with the Strikers in late 2012, but the coach could possibly give him a taste of the recently concluded WBBL season.
Hunted by Brisbane Heat coach Ashley Noffke, Boyce began working with the team’s spinners before being given a wider role.
“I made really good connections with a lot of girls,” Boyce said, with Heat finishing second to the Strikers after an epic final. “I think some girls are naturally attracted to me because I’m still playing. I understand the ups and downs and I can relate to what they’ve been through.
“I found it really enjoyable and it’s definitely something I’d like to continue over the next few years. But I feel like I have a bit of cricket left.”
Right now, he’s hoping there are three games left for the Strikers, who are aiming to add to their lone BBL 07 trophy. Having won a BBL title with the Renegades five years ago, Boyce has known the feeling championship, but a triumph with the Strikers would be extra special.
“My BBL journey started with the Strikers. I’m certainly excited about being able to win a flag here,” he said. “We probably owe it to our fans, it’s been a while since we last fought. We have some momentum now and can continue with that, so hopefully we can make it to the final.”
Tristan Lavalette is a journalist based in Perth
