![Tim David and Ben McDermott [Source: @league11_in/X.Com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1734157518431_HobartHurricanesSWOT.jpg?type=mq)
Tim David and Ben McDermott [Source: @league11_in/X.Com]
The wait is over as the 14th season of the Men's Big Bash League will start from December 15, with the first match taking place between the Perth Scorchers and the Melbourne Stars. Brisbane Heat are the defending champions as they'll look to defend their crown.
In today's SWOT analysis, the focus will be on a strong yet underdog side in the Hobart Hurricanes. The team finished 5th in the points tally last season and will look to move a step ahed by challenging for the title.
Interestingly, Hobart Hurricanes have never won the BBL title before but this could be the season when they turned their fortunes around. Ahead of the tournament, we analyse their squad and look at their strengths and weaknesses.
Hobart Hurricanes squad for BBL 14
Iain Carlisle, Nikhil Chaudhary, Tim David, Paddy Dooley, Jake Doran, Nathan Ellis, Peter Hatzoglou, Shai Hope, Rishad Hossain, Caleb Jewell, Chris Jordan, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Mitch Owen, Billy Stanlake, Matthew Wade, Charlie Wakim, Marcus Bean
Strengths of Hobart Hurricanes For BBL 14
Explosive opening partnership
In Matthew Wade and Ben McDermott, the Hurricanes have one of the best opening partnership of the league. The left-right combination will work wonders for the side and both players have a different play style and as a result they compliment each other really well.
McDermott had an off-season in 2023/2024, but the Aussie batter is always a threat for the opposition and alongside the experienced Wade, he can take down the opposition attack with ease.
A wicket-taking death bowling attack at disposal
In Nathan Ellis and Chris Jordan, the Hurricanes have a bowling attack which can take wickets at every stage of the game. The two bowlers are different in their own rights and will be threat for the batters.
Both Ellis and Jordan will form one of the best death bowling duo of the league and scoring runs against them won't be an easy task. Even for Australia and England, Ellis and Jordan play more as a death overs specialists and they know their roles to perfection.
Weakness of Hobart Hurricanes For BBL 14
Inconsistency of Tim David
Tim David is one of the most destructive batters in the league, however, his inconsistency is going to be a big issue for the Hurricanes.
On his day, David can tear up any attack single-handedly, however, being consistent is David's main issue as he will play one good innings and for the next couple of matches will not contribute much, If David plays at his full potential, he can easily win Hurricanes 3-4 matches on his own, but for that to happen, he needs to understand his game-style.
No quality bowler up-front to support Meredith
The Hurricanes have only one pacer upfront and that is Riley Meredith. The likes of Chris Jordan and Nathan Ellis are more of death overs specialist and hence, if Meredith goes for plenty, the team doesn't have a solid replacement ready.
Moreover, Meredith is injury prone and if the express pacer is ruled out, the team will find it hard to contain runs at the top as they don't have someone who can control the run-flow.
Probable XI of Hobart Hurricanes for first match
Matthew Wade
Ben McDermott
Caleb Jewell
Shai Hope ✈️
Tim David
Nikhil Chaudhary
Chris Jordan ✈️
Peter Hatzoglou
Riley Meredith
Nathan Ellis (c)
Patrick Dooley
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