After starting their season with a win, Hobart Hurricanes next face Adelaide Strikers in the ongoing 10th season of the Big Bash League. Strikers don't have a star-studded line up and some of their key players, like Travis Head and Alex Carey, are away playing for Australia A.
So, Hobart are the clear favourites at the moment. But with the vagaries of T20 cricket always ready to spring a surprise, one cannot be too sure about the result of the upcoming match.
For Hobart, their overseas player Colin Ingram got a half-century in the match against Sydney Sixers. This is a good omen. BBL doesn't have too many high-profile players from other countries due to the ongoing bilateral series across the globe. Therefore, a foreign player coming good is a big boost.
But there is one trump card for the Adelaide side - Rashid Khan. Unlike some other players in the team, the Afghan leggie would be available in the early part of the tournament but would miss the later stages. His superstar status in T20 cricket is based on great performances in leagues such as these, especially BBL. He could be the man who literally turns the game around for his team.
Keys for Strikers
Adelaide Strikers would be missing two key batsmen from their first-choice line-up. Captain Head and wicketkeeper-batsman Carey are away with the Australian Test and A side respectively. So, a lot of responsibility will lie on the shoulders of Jonathan Wells. He had a great season last year and, with experience on his side, would be expected to lead the batting line-up.
There is also Matt Renshaw, a former Test opener looking to get back into the mix of the national team, but also among the more prominent players in the side. Other key batsmen could be Jack Weatherald and Matthew Short. The former has some credit in the back while the latter still needs to establish himself as a reliable player.
They may get some help from Englishman Phil Salt. The Sussex player is an explosive batsman who can put the opposition on the defensive. He is likely to be the man to grab the advantage for his side, if they do well.
While the batting line-up isn't the most impressive, the bowling attack would revolve around the wristy magician Rashid Khan. Enough has been said about his prowess. His experience of BBL is also more than sufficient.
The experience of Peter Siddle could come in handy if he plays. Then there are some youngsters. Wes Agar, younger brother of Ashton is in the mix. So is Daniel Worrall. But it is the spin department that is stacked up, not entirely surprising for a team whose home is Adelaide.
Apart from Rashid, there is Liam Briggs, another Englishman who bowls left-arm spin. Liam O'Connor is the back up leg-spinner, unlikely to play.
Hurricanes Looking Good
For the Hobart team, it will be a case of continuing the good work from the last match. Faulkner got good assistance from Riley Meredith. Both bowlers managed to stick to good lines and lengths in the final overs. Johan Botha didn't do much after his surprising comeback. Perhaps he needs some miles in his legs. Nathan Ellis, the star from last season, also had a weak showing. More would be expected of him.
In the batting department, apart from Ingram, Tim David shone with a fifty. Handscomb got a good start, and though he couldn't continue, he remains a key batsman in the middle-order.
One area which certainly needs to improve is the opening department. Both Will Jacks and D'Arcy Short were out for ducks. Short remains a danger though, a wicket which the opposition would target.
Adelaide Strikers vs Hobart Hurricanes: Match Details
Venue: Bellerive Oval, Hobart
Date and Time: December 13, 8:40 AM, 2:10 PM Local, 3:10 AM GMT
Broadcasters: Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV
Pitch Report
The first match of the BBL was played at this ground and produced a modestly-high scoring game. Usually, the pitch at the Bellerive Oval can be helpful to seamers but that is not expected in a T20 match of a high-profile league. Spinners too, won't have much help but Rashid's brilliance isn't always reliant on the pitch.
Weather and Toss
A very warm day awaits the players during the match-up on Sunday. There may be a smattering of clouds but they would be innocuous. In such a situation, the ball isn't expected to swing. A high-scoring match is likely and the team winning the toss could decide either way, whether to chase or defend.
Probable XIs
Adelaide Strikers: Jake Weatherald, Phil Salt, Matt Renshaw, Jonathan Wells, Matthew Short, Harry Nielsen (Wk), Danny Briggs, Rashid Khan, Peter Siddle (C), Wes Agar, Danial Worrall
Hobart Hurricanes: Will Jacks, D'Arcy Short, Colin Ingram, Peter Handscomb (C, Wk), Tim David, Macalister Wright, James Faulkner, Nathan Ellis, Johan Botha, Soctt Boland
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