Perth Scorches hero Craig Simmons who scored fastest BBL century says he’d score 200 these days

Former professional cricketer Craig Simmons, who smashed the fastest century in Big Bash League history, has joked he’d of scored 200 these days and that he was ‘regurgitating his chicken roll’ during his heroic innings.

The West Aussie opener, who was selected from grade cricket at age 31, made his century for the Perth Scorchers in the 2013-14 BBL season against the Adelaide Strikers.

Craig Simmons (pictured), who smashed the fastest century in Big Bash League history, has joked he’d of scored 200 these days and that he was ‘regurgitating his chicken roll’ during his heroic innings

The West Aussie opener (pictured celebrating with Adam Voges), who was selected from grade cricket at age 31, made his century for the Perth Scorchers in the 2013-14 BBL season against the Adelaide Strikers

The left-hander needed just 39 balls to bring up the ton at the WACA on a Thursday evening and help his side to a thrilling five run victory.

‘Simmo’ has long since retired from the sport professionally, but his record still stands and he is reminded of the fact anytime a player looks like beating it.

Marcus Stoinis looked like he might come close to toppling the mark on New Years Eve with a jaw-dropping knock of 74 runs off 34 balls for the Melbourne Stars against the Adelaide Strikers.

Simmons took to Twitter on Saturday night to give his thoughts on the matter.

‘Simmo’ has long since retired from the sport professionally, but his record still stands and he is reminded of the fact anytime a player looks like beating it

‘Gee the messages come flooding in every time someone gets close to beating the fastest 100, on reflection if I had a 10 over drinks break like the guys do these days i would of scored 200 . Was cooked and regurgitating chicken roll every time I had to run for Sam whiteys shanks,’ Simmons tweeted.

It’s not the first time that Simmons has referred to the meal he had before his mythical knock – in January 2020 he went into a bit more detail about the order. 

‘I have no doubt someone will break the fastest 100 record eventually, but I don’t reckon anyone will work in the morning before playing then grab chicken treat on the way to the ground,’ he said on Twitter.

Although Simmo is best remembered for his swashbuckling innings against the Adelaide Strikers, he has always cherished his stunning 112 against the Sydney Sixers that same season more

When somebody asked for specifics on the meal, he replied: ‘Chicken roll, large chips and a 600ml coke. Nearly all came up in one of my rare singles.’

Although Simmo is best remembered for his swashbuckling innings against the Adelaide Strikers, he has always cherished his stunning 112 against the Sydney Sixers that same season more.

The Sixers had a world-class attack that included Brett Lee, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood – and Simmons hit 11 sixers while steering his side to victory and into the final.

Simmons says he cherished his century later that summer against the Sixers more than his heroic knock against the Strikers

‘Yeah, I always cherish that one more,’ Simmons told ESPN. ‘The first one was literally just an all-out attack with really not much pressure. It’s just a pool game, go out there and try your luck. 

‘The semi-final, I remember it, it was really tough work early. The ball was swinging a bit and the wicket was a little bit tacky, and I think I might have been six off 16 balls – so I certainly took my time.

 ‘As a player, you want to perform in the big moments. Semi-final, away ground, to get the Scorchers into a final and to go on to win was pretty big.’