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Reinforced Hurricanes eye win against mercurial Stars

The match between Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Stars is a crucial contest for both teams. Both teams have been inconsistent in the season so far and are looking to get some momentum going as the tournment enters into a more tense stage. Stars, under the captaincy of Glenn Maxwell, are facing a slight wobble mid-tournament. Losing their last match to Sydney Thunder by a big margin would not have done them any good. But with the nature of T20 cricket being very fickle, and plenty of match-winning players in their squad, Stars can easily get back into winning form. For Hurricanes, a season that started brilliantly is now throwing some problems at them. From being at the top of the table, the team has now come down to third. But they are still doing better than most other teams and need to keep the ship steady to book their place in the play-offs. Maxwell's Stars Need Boost With Glenn Maxwell and Nicholas Pooran in great form, scoring big runs shouldn't be a problem for the Stars. But there are some problems with the top order. Andre Fletcher hasn't got going in this season. His partner Marcus Stoinis has been hitting the ball well but hasn't gone on. Even Hilton Cartwright and Nicholas Maddinson have been underwhelming. But the lack of runs from these batsmen have been compensated for, to some extent, by Maxwell, Pooran, and Ben Dunk's batting. Like many other teams, the Stars have benefitted enormously from leg-spin. Adam Zampa has shown his match-winning abilities in this season already. However, the ban on him would leave a big hole in the team. Nathan Coulter-Nile and Billy Stanlake are capable bowlers with varying styles. The former relies on swing while the latter uses extra bounce. The nature of the pitch would decided who gets the preference. Hurricanes Looking Solid Hobart Hurricanes scored a victory in their last match by the slimmest margin - 1 run. But their overall performance in that match and the season, so far, hasn't been bad. There had been some issues with the batting line-up but they have been sorted out due to the arrival of Dawid Malan, world's premier batsmen in T20Is. The shifting of Ben McDermott to the opening slot has re-inforced the top order. D'Arcy Short is always a big threat at the top of the innings. McDermott, Short, and Malan will be the power center of the batting order. Colin Ingram and Tim David could help lift the score late in the innings. The bowling of Hurricanes has got a big boost due to the arrival of Sandeep Lamichhane. The spinner from Nepal has been an impact player in T20 leagues around the world. With spinners like Mujeeb and Rashid proving to be trump cards for their respective teams, Sandeep's arrival is very important. Faulkner's absence would leave a big void. But Scott Boland has been impressive. Riley Meredith has genuine pace but hasn't fully capitalised on it. Much was expected of Nathan Ellis and Keemo Paul but both have been disappointing till now. Stars vs Hurricanes: Match Details Venue: Blundstone Arena, Hobart Date and Time: January 2, 11:35 AM IST, 5:05 PM Local, 6:05 AM GMT Broadcaster: Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV Pitch Report Hobart will be hosting a BBL match after a gap this season. In the previous matches, the pitch looked good for batting. But when the conditions were favourable, seamers also came into action. With many matches having been played so far, one wonders whether the pitches will show signs of wear and tear. The weather may also play a part in determining the nature of the contest. Weather and Bat Flip Clouds are expected to hang around on the day of the match. This could help the swing bowlers in both the teams. If the skies are fully overcast, the temptation to bowl first will be there for the captain who wins the bat flip. Probable XIs Stars: Sam Billings, Ben Dunk (Wk), Hilton Cartwright, Nick Larkin, Glenn Maxwell (C), Nicholas Pooran, Nick Maddinson, Liam Hatcher, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Billy Stanlake, Zahir Khan Hurricanes: D'Arcy Short, Ben McDermott (Wk), Dawid Malan, Peter Handscomb (C), Colin Ingram, Tim David, Johan Botha, Nathan Ellis, Riley Meredith, Scott Boland, Sandeep Lamichhane

Match Preview: Distraught Heat face in-form Hurricanes in must-win game

Brisbane Heat have lost all their matches so far in the 10th edition of the Big Bash League (BBL). The situation is likely to get tougher as they now will face the team which is sitting pretty close to the top of the standings currently - Hobart Hurricanes. What would make the match even tougher for the Brisbane side is the challenge of getting over the hearbreak they suffered in their last match - against Adelaide Strikers - where, after a splendid comeback from a hopeless situation, they ended up losing by just two runs. But that ins't all! Heat suffered another major setback in the lead up to the last game when their captain Chriss Lynn ended up hurting his hamstring. He had to miss that match and isn't likely to come back any time soon. The clash of these two teams - at the opposing ends of the points table - promises to be an exciting contest, despite the big discrepancy in their performances so far. Heat Looking to Get Off the Mark Brisbane Heat is lying at the bottom of the table as of now. If they have to keep their chances of qualifying for the playoffs alive, they have to start winning. However, as of now, they have several issues to sort out. Their batting is not firing and their best player in this department - captian Chris Lynn - is out as well. New captain Jimmy Peirson played an astonishing innings in the last match but he would need support from the top order. Nobody except Lynn and Peirson has got a good score under their belt this season. This has to change if Heat want to move up the ladder. Interestingly, Brisbane's bowling is looking good. Xavier Bartlett and Jack Wildermuth have both bowled reasonably well. Mark Steketee also hasn't been bad. Mujeeb-Ur-Rahman, who shone with the bat in the last game, is their trump card and could make the difference with the ball. Hurricanes Seek Perfection Despite being very close to the top of the table, Hobart Hurricanes have room for improvement. To begin with, their bowling is looking over-reliant on James Faulkner and Scott Boland. In fact, Boland has also discovered his form in the last two games. Nathan Ellis, who made a big impression last year hasn't shone in this season, so far, while Riley Meredith is also yet to have a good, decent set of figures under his belt in the current edition. South Africa's former international Johan Botha is in the squad but whether he plays or not depends on the conditions. However, with there not being much contribution from Ellis or Meredith, he might be picked ahead of them. West Indian Keemo Paul hasn't had a good start to the season. But having invested in him, the team is likely to persist with the pacer. The batting department gets a huge boost with the arrival of Dawid Malan - the best batsman in world T20I cricket presently, according to the rankings. With Colin Ingram, D'Arcy Short, and Ben McDermott already in good form, Malan's entry would make the batting even more strengthened. Hurricanes vs Heat: Match Details Venue: Gabba, Brisbane Date and Time: December 27, 1:45 PM IST, 7:15 PM Local, 8:15 AM GMT Broadcasters: Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV Pitch Report Brisbane is traditionally a venue providing assistance to pacers. However, in its first match of the season, both Danny Briggs and Rashid Khan looked deadly. This may suggest that either the surface is dry or slow. Johan Botha may be brought into the team by Hurricanes. Weather and Toss The skies are expected to be clear but with the occassional cloud making its way across. The temperatures would be around 22 degrees, making the evening comfortable for players. Toss would not be that important and won't be affected by weather. Probable XIs Brisbane Heat: Sam Heazlett, Max Bryant, Simon Milenko, Dan Lawrence, Jimmy Peirson (C and Wk), Tom Cooper, Jack Wildermuth, Mark Steketee, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Xavier Bartlett, Ben Laughlin Hobart Hurricanes: D'Arcy Short, Will Jacks, Ben McDermott (Wk), Dawid Malan, Peter Handscomb (C), Colin Ingram, Tim David, James Faulkner, Johan Botha, Keemo Paul, Scott Boland

BBL 10 | Match Preview: Adelaide Strikers seek to stop Hobart's Hurricane

Just two days after facing each other, Hobart Hurricanes and Adelaide Strikers would be up against each other once again in the 10th edition of the Big Bash League (BBL). The first round went to the Hurricanes as they registered an 11-run win over Strikers at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart. The venue now changes to Aurora Stadium in Launceston. For the Hurricanes, riding high after two consecutive victories, there is very little that needs to be changed. The Strikers, on the other hand, have started their season with a loss. They would look for more contributions from their primary batsmen who went down in a heap against the Adelaide side. The trump card of Strikers, leg-spinner Rashid Khan, also had an uncharacteristically off day in his team's opening match of the season. His quality and consistency in the past suggests he will get back his form sooner or later. Hurricanes Looking Good With two victories in two matches, the Hobart team is off the blocks without any hiccups in BBL. For them, one of the biggest positives has been the form of their leading bowler James Faulkner. The left-armer had a good outing in both the games so far. Johan Botha, former South African spinner making a comeback in cricket, struggled in the first match but regained his composure in the second. His form provides strength to the spin-bowling department and justifies his place in the playing XI. There is some concern for the Hurricanes regarding the form of Nathan Ellis. The find of the last season, he is yet to hit his stride. One good match could bring him back into the kind of form that made him one of the team's most valuable players. The Hobart side did suffer a big setback in its first match, against Sydney Sixers, when both their openers, including T20 specialist D'Arcy Short, were sent back to the pavillion for ducks. But both hit back in the second game to put on a partnership of 63 in the match against Strikers. Short was in full flow again, scoring 72 off just 48 balls. His form at the top of the order will be very important. The middle order looks reasonably stable with Colin Ingram havaing scored a fifty and Peter Handscomb looking solid, though without a substantial score to his name. Tim David and James Faulkner provide good depth to the batting line-up. Improvements Needed for Strikers One match is too small a sample to judge any team. The collapse suffered by Adelaide in their first game may be more a result of ring-rust than anything else. A knock of 33 by Matt Renshaw is somethign to be looked upon favourably. So was, the blazing knock of 62* by Daniel Worrall. But the rest of the line-up had an off day. In the bowling department, Rashid Khan will often be the pivot around which the attack would revolve. His lack of success in the first game proved very costly. But that wouldn't worry his team since this was just one game. What would give them hope is that Wes Agar and Peter Siddle went for economy rates under eight, with the former picking up two wickets also. It would be interesting to see whether either of the two gets the new ball in the upcoming match on the back of their efforts against Hobart. Hobart Hurricanes vs Adelaide Strikers: Match Details Venue: Aurora Stadium, Launceston Date and Time: December 15, 1:45 PM IST, 7:15 PM Local, 8:15 AM GMT Pitch Report Being a less-used stadium, there is bound to be some mystery about the nature of the pitch at this secondary venue in Tasmania. While the pitch at Hobart can assist swing bowlers, the one at the Aurora Stadium seems, going by the matches of BBL it hosted last season to be good for batting. But, with COVID having prevented much cricket, until the first match, it would be difficult to accurately predict the nature of the wicket. Weather and Toss Overcast conditions and a bit of rain is expected on the day of the match, especially in the evening. This could work in the favour of seam bowlers. Hobart usually assists swing bowling when the weather is overcast. Whether Launceston is the same, we will find out during the match. The clouds and precipitation could incline the captain winning the toss to bowl first. Probable XIs Hobart Hurricanes D'Arcy Short, Will Jacks, Coling Ingram, Peter Handscomb (C, Wk), Tim David, Macalister Wright, Tim David, James Faulkner, Nathan Ellis, Johan Botha, Scott Boland Adelaide Strikers Phil Salt, Jack Weatherald, Matt Renshaw, Harry Nielsen (Wk), Jonathan Wells, Ryan Gibson, Daniel Worrall, Rashid Khan, Peter Siddle (C), Wes Agar, Danny Briggs

BBL 10 | Strikers vs Hurricanes: Match Preview, Predicted XI, Pitch and Weather Report

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 oppositon 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 XI 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

Akshay Saraswat ∙ 9 Dec 2020

BBL Matchday 1 Preview | Sydney Sixers and Hobart Hurricanes to kick start season 10

Defending champions from the last season, Sydney Sixers would feature in the opening match of this season as they take on Hobart Hurricanes at the Bellerive Oval, in latter team's city. Both sides would be missing key players due to their presence in the Australian team as well as some international imports who are coming later in the season. Sixers enjoyed a great season last year where they performed strongly in the league phase and remained clinical in the finals also to win the title. Hurricanes, on the other hand, reached the play-offs but couldn't progress further. However, starting the season at their home ground does given them a good chance in this match. Sixer's Combination This year, they would be missing Steve Smith as the latter would be busy with the Australian national side. So would be Mitchell Starc, though he thinks he could make an appearance towards the end of the season. So, the Sydney team would be relying heavily on last season's find Ben Dwarshuis. He would lead the attack and hope for good support from the other frontline bowlers in the team, as well as the all-rounders who have a good presence in the team. In the absence of Tom Curran, who also withdrew due to the stress of being in bio-bubbles, the Sixers would have to rely on the expertise of bowlers such as Jackson Bird and Gurinder Sandhu with the new ball. But there are some very prominent names among the all-rounders who can make a mark. Carlos 'Remember the Name' Brathwaite has been signed up by the team. Along with him, there is captain Moises Henriques and Daniel Christian. All three of these players are capable bowlers. All three are all-rounders as well, which will help balacne the team. The batting looks more solid with the enigmatic James Vince in the line-up. Vince, a failure at the international level, has been very impressive in T20 leagues, especially BBL. His opening combination with Josh Philippe is likely to continue. The likes of Daniel Hughes and Jordan Silk will have to take greater responsibility in the absence of Steve Smith. Henriques too, now becomes the most crucial element of the middle order witih Smith not in the line-up. West Indian Brathwaite has a great opportunity to regain some of that stardom which he gained after his heroics in the final of World T20 in 2016. He would be used in the lower order to give a much-needed boost to the team. Hurricanes' on Home Soil Hurricanes would not just be playing at home but may be favorities owing to the presence of some highly capable players. D'Arcy Short and Matthew Wade formed a devastating opening partnership last season. If Wade plays in the first match, this opening pair would pose a great threat to the opposition. A lot would also depend on captain Peter Handscomb. The nuggety batsman has managed to carve a niche for himself in the shortest format also. His appointment as captain shows the faith this team have shown in him. While not a big striker of the cricket ball, Handscomb may be useful in the middle overs to keep the scoreboard moving at a decent pace. An important addition to the team is South African Collin Ingram. He adds much needed experience to the middle order as well as big-hitting ability. Handscomb and Ingram's addition makes the batting line-up look a lot more reliable. The bowling department would be enthused by the entry of veteran South African Johan Botha. Out of international cricket for nearly nine years, Botha's comeback into the league is a surprise. But he would add experience to the bowling unit. The main focus, however, would be on last season's star performer with the ball for this team, Nathan Ellis. He proved to be the perfect T20-style bowler with yorkers and slower balls in his armoury. Ellis' efforts last year played a key part in taking his team to the play-offs. He should get good help from James Faulkner. Once a member of Australia's World Cup-winning squad, Faulkner can get the ball to bounce sharply from the left-arm over angle. Not to mention, Faulkner is also a very dangerous batsman down the order. Two other men would be in contention to be members of the pace battery. Scott Boland is the local option while Keemo Paul from West Indies has been brought over with great hopes also. Paul would be ahead on the pecking list at the moment. Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Sixers: Match Details Venue: Bellerieve Oval, Hobart Broadcast: Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV Date and Timing: December 10, 1:45 PM IST, 7:15 PM Local, 8:15 AM GMT Pitch Report The pitch at Hobart is different from the ones at other venues of the country. In first class matches, it provides great help to swing bowlers. Jackson Bird had been very successful here in the past thanks to that quality of the wicket. However, for a T20 match, there isn't likely to be too much grass. That should make the surface more batsmen-friendly. Weather and Toss Weather is expected to suit the players by remaining cool. Some clouds are expected to appear in the skies but not threaten any rain. Since it's an evening match, the captain winning the toss may not be too bothered about batting first and second. In such situations, batting first seems to be the default option. Probable XIs Hobart Hurricanes: D'Arcy Short, Matthew Wade, Colin Ingram, Peter Handscomb (C), David Moody, Ben McDermott (Wk), James Faulkner, Johan Botha, Nathan Ellis, Scott Boland, Macalister Wright Sydney Sixers: Josh Philippe (Wk), James Vince, Daniel Hughes, Moises Henriques (C), Jordan Silk, Jack Edwards, Carlos Brathwaite, Daniel Christian, Steve O'Keefe, Ben Dwarshuis, Jackson Bird Dream11 Fantasy League Team: Josh Philippe, James Vince, Colin Ingram, Peter Handscomb, Moises Henriques, Jordan Silk, James Faulkner, Carlos Brathwaite, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Steve O'Keefe

BBL 2020-21: Botha comes out of retirement for Hobart; Tom Curran pulls out

Former South African spin all-rounder Johan Botha has come out of retirement to play for the Hobart Hurricanes, the side he abandoned in the 2018 season midway. Botha,38, says he wants to finish his long BBL career with a flourish and not the way he did last year. “Obviously, the Hurricanes is the last team I finished with, and it wasn’t quite the end I wanted,” Botha who has joined the Hurricanes as local talent, after becoming a naturalized Australian citizen, was quoted as saying in the Hurricanes’ official Press Release. “I figured I’m as fit as I’ve ever been, and I feel I can still make a contribution to the team. I’ve missed playing but I didn’t really want to put it out there and say ‘can you pick me’ in case it didn’t work out, so we kept it quiet from when we first chatted about it at the Shield hub in Adelaide, and it slowly built up from there,” he added, divulging the details of how he came to such a decision. Botha has over the years represented three teams in eight seasons of the league, taking 39 wickets in 65 games while scoring 619 runs at the same time. Botha will be joined by Charlie Wakim, as replacement players for Matthew Wade and Tim Paine whilst they, are on international duties. The Hurricanes play the Sixers in the inaugural BBL game at the Blundstone Arena on 10th December. On the other hand, Tom Curran, the English bowling all-rounder became the second England player after fellow teammate Tom Banton to pull out of the BBL citing bubble fatigue. "I'm really sorry not to be playing in this year's Big Bash. As you'll already know, it's been a very challenging year and I've been in bubbles since July,” Curran said in a statement. "I feel very lucky to play for the Sixers, I have loved my time with you all over the last two seasons and I can promise you, this decision was not taken lightly. I will hopefully be back for many years to come, recharged and ready to go again, but for now I just need some time, normality, see family and be home," added the 25-year-old who has taken 157 wickets and scored 972 runs in 133 T20 games in his career.

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