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BBL15 SWOT analysis: Can Matt Short’s Adelaide Strikers break the 8-year title curse?

Kaushik Kashyap

Adelaide Strikers SWOT analysis. [Source - @strikersbbl/X]Adelaide Strikers SWOT analysis. [Source - @strikersbbl/X]

Adelaide Strikers will begin their 2025-26 BBL campaign on December 17 with a challenging away opener against the Sydney Sixers, aiming to bounce back after what was a disappointing last season that saw them finish bottom of the table.

With only one title in their history, won eight seasons ago, the Strikers look to change their fortunes through better consistency and a blend of experience and youth. Let’s dig in by looking at their squad.

Adelaide Strikers squad for BBL 2025-26

Matt Short, Hasan Ali, Cameron Boyce, Jordan Buckingham, Alex Carey, Mackenzie Harvey, Travis Head, Thomas Kelly, Chris Lynn, Harry Nielsen, Jamie Overton, Lloyd Pope, Alex Ross, Jason Sangha, Liam Scott, Tom Straker, Henry Thornton, and Luke Wood.

Strengths of Adelaide Strikers in BBL 2025-26

1. Explosive batting potential led by Matt Short

Adelaide Strikers boast an aggressive batting lineup led by Matt Short, combining power hitters and experienced T20 performers who can dominate every phase.

  • Matt Short scored over 500 runs in T20 leagues this year at a strike rate of 170, leading the attack.
  • Chris Lynn shone in the Vitality Blast mid-2025, scoring 222 runs in 4 innings at 198.2 SR, and recently struck nearly 220 in T10 cricket.
  • Mackenzie Harvey, a new recruit, impressed for the Strikers in the recent Top End T20 series 2025 - 306 runs at 51 average and 146.41 SR.
  • Jason Sangha strengthens the top four, striking at over 185 SR in the Powerplay last BBL season.
  • Middle overs are well-covered, with Alex Ross striking at 141 SR last season, while Lynn and Short also maintaining over 180 SR in that phase.

2. Varied and potent pace attack

Adelaide Strikers has a diverse pace attack, combining experience and skill to dominate in all phases of an innings, addressing weaknesses from last season.

  • Adelaide struggled in powerplays last season, averaging 38.06 with the ball in the first 6 overs and also conceded 10.48 RPO in the death.
  • Hasan Ali's addition is expected to fix powerplay woes, having taken 24 wickets at a 9.5 strike rate in powerplays across T20 leagues this year.
  • Luke Wood, a left-arm pacer, adds variation and has claimed 30 Powerplay wickets in 2025 for both country and franchise cricket.
  • Jamie Overton and Henry Thornton will continue to be the force in middle and death-over duties.

Weaknesses of Adelaide Strikers in BBL 2025-26

1. Finishing burden on Jamie Overton

While the problems with the pace attack have been addressed, Adelaide Strikers still face concerns in the lower-order, relying heavily on a few individuals for finishing and big hits.

  • Jamie Overton was last season’s lone reliable finisher, scoring 141 runs at 178.48 SR in the death overs.
  • Alex Ross struggled to sustain long innings from the middle-order duties.
  • There have been no significant additions of power hitters or all-rounders to bolster the lower order.
  • Harry Nielsen, the wicketkeeper, is inexperienced, adding further uncertainty in finishing.

2. Limited wicket-taking spin options

Adelaide Strikers’ spin attack is heavily dependent on Lloyd Pope, creating a potential vulnerability despite last season’s wicket-taking success.

  • Pope was the team’s leading spinner last season, taking 15 wickets, but lacks support this time around.
  • Including Cameron Boyce would require a compromisation in the pace department.
  • Control of like Darcy Short's spin is no longer available after his departure.
  • Pope’s recent form raises concerns, having taken only 12 wickets in 16 2025 T20 Blast games.

Opportunities

1. Powerplay bowling

After struggling with the ball inside the powerplay last season with a bowling average of 38.06, the revamped pace attack with Hasan Ali and Luke Wood gives the team a strong chance to gain early breakthroughs and go further this season.

2. Young pacer poised to make his mark

At just 20 years of age, Tom Straker has the talent and pace to make a mark in this BBL season. If given opportunities, he can showcase his skills, gain experience, and emerge as a key strike bowler.

Threats

1. Batting vs high pace

Adelaide Strikers’ batters struggled against right-arm pacers bowling at high pace last season, getting out 12 times and averaging just 15.17 against it. With little change in the batting lineup, this threat could once again trouble their batting.

Adelaide Strikers probable XI for BBL 2025-26

Matt Short (c), Mackenzie Harvey, Chris Lynn, Jason Sangha, Alex Ross, Jamie Overton, Harry Neilsen (wk), Luke Wood, Henry Thornton, Hasan Ali, and Lloyd Pope.

Expected finish: 5th