BBL15 SWOT analysis: Can Tim David’s Hobart Hurricanes clinch back-to-back titles?

Kaushik Kashyap

Hobart Hurricanes SWOT analysis. [Source - AFP Photos]Hobart Hurricanes SWOT analysis. [Source - AFP Photos]

Hobart Hurricanes begin their 2025-26 BBL title defence on December 16 against Sydney Thunder at home in Hobart. Last season’s champions have a T20 side that ticks almost every box, ready to make it two titles in a row.

With a well-balanced squad and key stars in form, the Hurricanes aim to maintain their winning momentum. While they look strong on paper, there is still plenty to analyse, let’s dig into their strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities this season.

Hobart Hurricanes squad for BBL 2025-26

Nathan Ellis, Rehan Ahmed, Marcus Bean, Jackson Bird, Iain Carlisle, Nikhil Chaudhary, Tim David, Rishad Hossain, Chris Jordan, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Mitch Owen, Billy Stanlake, Matthew Wade, Tim Ward, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster and Mac Wright.

Strengths of Hobart Hurricanes in BBL 2025-26

1. All-round batting

Hobart Hurricanes boast an explosive yet stable batting unit filled with top-tier stars who cover every phase of a T20 innings. With proven powerplay hitters, experienced anchors, and emerging finishers, their batting versatility stands out as a major asset.

Mitchell Owen – Powerplay beast

  • Hobart were one of the most destructive powerplay batting sides last season striking at 156.06.
  • Mitchell Owen topped PP runs in BBL last season – 349 runs at a stunning 216.77 SR.
  • Ben McDermott & Matthew Wade are there to provide proven experience and stability in early overs.

Tim David leads the middle-order

Hobart’s middle order remains one of the strongest in the league, anchored by Tim David.

  • Tim David holds the 3rd-highest T20 batting strike rate in 2025 (min. 1000 runs): 177.30 SR.
  • In middle-order T20 innings this year, David has 1000+ runs at a blistering 179.37 SR.
  • His strike-rate climbs to 197 for Australia as middle-order batter in T20Is in 2025.
  • Hurricanes had the best middle order last season: 35.29 average & 149.58 SR.
  • Four Hurricanes batters struck above 140 SR with 50+ runs in the middle-overs (7-16) phase last season.

Hobart Hurricanes' batters in 7-16 overs in BBL 2024-25

Batters
RunsStrike-rate
Nikhil Chaudhary185134.06
Tim David171180
Ben McDermott156148.57
Mitch Owen87164.15
Matthew Wade85144.07

Rishad Hossain boosts late-overs finishing

Hobart Hurricanes did not enjoy their best phase with the bat in the death overs last season, but their new additions in Rishad Hossain bring the firepower and depth needed.

  • Hobart struck at 146 in the death overs last season, with Tim David carrying most of the load.
  • Rishad smashed a 207 SR in death overs for his T20 teams in 2025 which also reads 143 SR and 212 SR for Bangladesh in T20Is and ODIs, respectively.

2. Spin all-rounders plethora

The Hurricanes boast an impressive trio of spin-bowling all-rounders, each offering valuable leg-spin and genuine batting contributions. Their presence provides scary depth to the Hurricanes with both bat and ball.

  • Rehan Ahmed arrives after a strong year, batting high in the order across English domestic cricket and the Hundred.
  • Nikhil Chaudhary is peaking, with a maiden first-class century and consistent wicket-taking form.
  • Rishad Hossain adds explosive depth in batting, with 49 T20 wickets in 2025 at a standout 15.71 strike rate with the ball.

This depth is further enhanced by two more bowlers who can contribute with the bat, with captain Nathan Ellis and Chris Jordan adding valuable lower-order stability for the Hurricanes.

Weaknesses of Hobart Hurricanes in BBL 2025-26

1. Struggle against left-arm pace

Hobart Hurricanes’ batting lineup has shown a notable vulnerability against left-arm pace in 2025. Except for Ben McDermott, most of their top-four batters have been dismissed frequently against left-arm pacers. Even last season their worst batting average against any type of bowling was for left-arm pacers i.e. 21.41 with 12 dismissals.

Hobart Hurricanes' potential batting top-4 against left-arm pacers in 2025

Players
Average
Dismissals
Mitchell Owen13.0713
Matthew Wade222
Ben McDermott41.6
3
Tim David23.58

2. Lack of bowling strength in all-phases

Hobart Hurricanes’ bowling unit lacks depth and consistency across every phase of the game. Heavy reliance on a few pacers leaves gaps, making them vulnerable in powerplays, middle overs, and the death.

  • Powerplay: No genuine strike bowler besides Riley Meredith limits early breakthroughs.
  • Middle overs: Control and wicket-taking depend mostly on Nathan Ellis, giving opposition batters freedom.
  • Middle-overs bowling average last season was 31.04, among the worst in the league.
  • Death overs: Conceded 10.28 RPO last season; only Ellis maintains some control, while Chris Jordan and Meredith remain inconsistent.

Opportunities

1. Boosting bowling value for star all-rounder

Mitchell Owen has a chance to significantly enhance his bowling value this season. With a lot more bowling experience for Australia and other T20 franchises this year, he can deliver impactful overs for Hobart Hurricanes while building strong confidence ahead of T20 World Cup selection.

Threats

1. Mitchell Owen’s inconsistent batting form

Mitchell Owen was Hobart Hurricanes’ star last season, scoring 452 runs, topping the league charts. However, his batting form since then (BBL 2024-25) has dipped noticeably, as reflected in the table below, rising as a potential threat to the team’s firepower at the top-order.

Teams
RunsAverage
In T20Is for AUS16320.4
In T20 leagues42919.5

Hobart Hurricanes probable XI for BBL 2025-26

Mitchell Owen, Matthew Wade, Ben McDermott, Tim David, Rehan Ahmed, Nikhil Chaudhary, Chris Jordan, Nathan Ellis (c), Rishad Hossain, Riley Meredith and Billy Stanlake.