International star Alex Carey will return to his hometown Adelaide this week, with the national gloveman confirmed to take the field for the Strikers in their huge KFC BBL|13 clash against Hobart Hurricanes at Adelaide Oval.
A veteran of 55 Big Bash fixtures, all played in Strikers blue, Carey will slot seamlessly into a batting line-up that has consistently produced big scores this season. With two centuries, 11 half-centuries and an average of 34.63 in the BBL, Carey is a huge in for a Strikers side battling it out for a place in Finals.
In consultation with Cricket Australia medical staff, Travis Head will not be available for Big Bash selection during the break between International Test Series’. Local Replacement Player Lloyd Pope retains his place in the squad.
Squad of 15 v Hurricanes: Matthew Short (c), Wes Agar, James Bazley, Cameron Boyce, Alex Carey (wk), Brendan Doggett, Adam Hose, Thomas Kelly, Chris Lynn, Ben Manenti, Jamie Overton, David Payne, Lloyd Pope, D’Arcy Short, Henry Thornton
The game is a massive one for both sides, with Hobart sitting one place above Adelaide in the standings, just outside of the all-important top four. With an immediate rematch set for Thursday, the back-to-back contests will go a long way to deciding the Finals fate of Strikers and Hurricanes.
Matt Short (351) and Chris Lynn (267) remain the two most prolific run-scorers in the competition to date, with Short hitting a remarkable five 50’s from his six starts with the bat this tournament. Short also has the most sixes with 17, one ahead of Renegades young-gun Jake-Fraser McGurk.
Last time the two sides met at Adelaide Oval, Short was the hero as his side chased down 230 in a match that became an instant classic, with the skipper bringing up the winning runs and his maiden BBL century in front of an enthralled crowd.
First ball Tuesday night is set for 7.10pm ACDT and tickets can be bought by clicking here.