Big Bash League 2018-19, Hobart Hurricanes vs Adelaide Strikers: Preview and Predicted Playing XI
With only a handful of games left in the Big Bash League 2018-19 season, Hobart Hurricanes have seemingly booked a semi-final spot with a brutal nine-wicket over Brisbane Heat. The defending champions, Adelaide Strikers, are next in their sights.
The scenario is far from ideal for the men from Adelaide as they need to win each of their next three fixtures and hope for other results to go their way. With a lot at stake for Adelaide, the final match at Launceston is sure to be a cracker.
The Hobart Hurricanes perspective
Batting:
The last time the Hurricanes faced the Strikers, it was a landslide win for them courtesy of their opening pair of D'Arcy Short and Matthew Wade doing the damage. Both Short and Wade have been brilliant this season, with the former occupying the top spot in the run-scorers charts with 541 runs to his name.
The two have been ably supported by the trio of George Bailey, Ben McDermott and Caleb Jewell with cameos whenever necessary. But they will have to be at their best against a formidable bowling lineup led by Rashid Khan.
Bowling:
Jimmy Faulkner and Jofra Archer have been superb for the Hurricanes, picking up 31 wickets between them. With David Moody showcasing his ability at the death, the Hurricanes are well equipped in the bowling department to tackle Alex Carey and Co.
Expected Playing XI:
D'Arcy Short, Matthew Wade (c & wk), Caleb Jewell, Ben McDermott, George Bailey, Simon Milenko, Jarod Freeman, Jimmy Faulkner, Jofra Archer, David Moody and Clive Rose.
The Adelaide Strikers perspective
Batting:
Alex Carey and Jake Weatherald are key to the Strikers, but both of them failed in the previous game against Sydney Sixers.
Colin Ingram and Jono Wells are the only ones who are in decent form, with Ingram scoring 301 runs this season.
Matthew Short is unavailable after being omitted due to a poor run of form. He should be replaced by either Cameron Valente or Harry Nielsen.
Bowling:
The bowling has been disappointing in recent games, with even the world's best ranked T20 bowler, Rashid Khan, failing to make an impact. Peter Siddle is unavailable for this match and should be replaced with Liam O'Connor, whose leg-spin proved to be effective in the previous games.
The onus is on Billy Stanlake to break through the stubborn pair of Short and Wade and propel the Strikers to a crucial win.
Expected Playing XI:
Alex Carey (WK), Jake Weatherald, Jake Lehmann, Colin Ingram(C), Jono Wells, Cameron Valente, Rashid Khan, Michael Neser, Billy Stanlake, Liam O'Connor and Ben Laughlin.