The Otago all-rounder has been one of the few shining lights for the Volts this season.
It has been more than a year since the team has won a twenty20 match and there has not been much to cheer about in the first-class competition as well.
But Hicks’ form with the bat is worth celebrating. The 22-year-old transferred south from Auckland this season in the expectation he would have to work hard for opportunities.
Jimmy Neesham was clearly ahead in the pecking order and all Hicks could do was wait.
He got his first opportunity during a first-class game in late November and impressed with a steady double of 35 and 63.
The 22-year-old batted with plenty of maturity to guide Otago to a six-wicket win against Wellington in a one-day game in Dunedin early last month. And he has been one of Otago’s most consistent batsmen in the T20 tournament with 171 runs at an average of 34.20.
He has scored those runs at a very decent clip, as well. His strike rate of 137.90 is the best in the team, with the exception of Jack Hunter, who has only faced three balls.
"He is certainly the shining light of our season so far," Volts coach Rob Walter said.
"He has moulded into the top order beautifully. His strike rate is nice and high in the short format and he gets the runs with quality, traditional cricket shots.
"He is a strong and powerful player and it has been great to see him make a move to Otago, get an opportunity and really stand up as one of our elite performers this season so far."
Hick has not played much of a role with the ball, though. It is a "work-on" as they say these days.
"Unfortunately, as a team we are struggling to get a win under the belt but I’ve been pretty happy with my own performances so far," Hicks said.
"The batting has kicked off but I haven’t bowled as much as I would like. But I have put a lot of focus on my batting.
"Hopefully, I can carry on putting in those consistent performances."
The team has not won a T20 game since December 21, 2016. That was against Central Districts at Pukekura Park.
Hamish Rutherford scored a century to guide Otago to 249 for three. Central fell just one run short, so it was a cracker of a match. The return fixture is this afternoon and Hicks shapes as one of the key players.He has batting at No3 and with that elevated position comes added responsibility.
"I enjoy the pressure but I’m also still learning my game and trying to figure out what will work for me. But I feel comfortable in the top order and it has been going well."
