ADELAIDE STRIKERS
LAST SEASON: 3rd (6 wins, 1 loss, 1 no result)
PREDICTION: 6th
In: Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka), Billy Stanlake (Queensland), Adil Rashid (England), Jake Lehmann (South Aust), Patrick Page (development rookie), Usman Safi (community rookie).
Out: Johan Botha (Sixers), Shaun Tait (Hurricanes), Adam Zampa (Stars). Kieron Pollard (injury).
Retained: Jono Dean, Travis Head, Brad Hodge, Jon Holland, Ben Laughlin, Tim Ludeman, Michael Neser, Gary Putland, Kane Richardson, Alex Ross, Craig Simmons, Hamish Kingston, Kelvin Smith.
THE BRIEF
Were the surprise packet of last season finishing the preliminary rounds in first place only to suffer a heartbreaking defeat to the Sydney Sixers in the semi final.
It was a tough call have them sliding down the table but there is some serious short form quality amongst their outs in Botha, Pollard and Zampa.
Brad Hodge is essentially a new recruit given how little he played due to injury last season. Yes, he is all class but he is also in his twilight.
They have a few X-factors which is why i wouldn’t be surprised if they launched an egg squarely on my face.
THE FAB FIVE
BRAD HODGE (batsman/assistant coach)
Having missed all but two matches last season with a broken arm, Australia’s finest Twenty 20 gun for hire will be desperate to make an impact in Adelaide having crossed from the Melbourne Stars prior to the start of last season.
Hodge has amassed more than 6000 run in Twenty 20 cricket around the world and brings not only skill and experience to the Strikers squad but also more the knowledge of more than 20 years at the top which he no doubt imparts as assistant coach.
MAHELA JAYAWARDENE (batsman)
A late replacement for the injured Kieron Pollard, they don’t get much better than Sri Lankan great, Mahela Jayawardene.
While his impact in the test arena was far more prolific than his Twenty 20 numbers, Jayawardene still averages almost 30 across almost 200 T20 matches.
By no means as damaging as Pollard but his stability and experience will all but make up for that. The constant stream of international stars to the Big Bash is quickly making it far more than just a hit and giggle which T20 was originally viewed.
TIM LUDEMAN (wicket-keeper/batsman)
Cemented his place as one of the most exciting batsmen in the Big Bash with a record equaling 18 ball half century in the opening match of the season against the Stars last summer.
An excellent gloveman and match winning opening batsmen, Ludeman has the ability to take a game away from the opposition in a matter of overs if given half a chance.
MICHAEL NESSER (all-rounder)
Strikers MVP in BBL 03, he missed all of BBL 04 with injury.
10 wickets at 14 and a strike rate of well over 100 with the bat, Nesser proved dynamic two summers ago and both he and the Strikers will be desperate to see him recapture that form this summer.
BEN LAUGHLIN (bowler)
The all time leading wicket taker since the inception of the club based Big Bash League and the Strikers leading wicket taker last season with 14.
Having crossed from Hobart to Adelaide prior to BBL 04, Laughlin is a fan favourite given his outstanding bowling ability at the death.
Also in deep competition with Tim Paine as Mark Howard from Channel 10’s BBL bromance.
