Photo Credit: Strikers Media
The Adelaide Strikers head west to confront the fourth-ranked Perth Scorchers in what could be an early taste of KFC Big Bash finals action.
Scorchers v Strikers
Friday, 24 January
Optus Stadium, Perth – 6:10pm local (8:40pm ACDT)
Broadcast details
Televised live on Channel Seven, Fox Cricket and Kayo
Radio broadcast via Macquarie and Crocmedia
Head to head
Adelaide Strikers: 7Perth Scorchers: 8
Last time
The Strikers notched their first win of BBL|09 in a 15-run DLS-adjusted victory to retain the Jason Gillespie Trophy in an absorbing Indigenous celebration match at Adelaide Oval. A crushing 83 off just 47 balls from opener Jake Weatherald accompanied by a half-century to Alex Carey lifted Adelaide to its second-largest BBL total ever (4/198) off only 18 overs. Three wickets to Rashid Khan and two apiece for Wes Agar and debutant Harry Conway nullified the Scorchers’ chase and sealed a well-earned win.
Talking point
Every match seems to take on added importance now with BBL finals just around the corner. Adelaide has already cemented its spot inside the top five, but remains locked in a race with the Sydney Sixers for a top-two finish and the valuable double chance that goes along with it. The Scorchers meanwhile are precariously placed in fourth spot with the Sydney Thunder and Brisbane Heat in hot pursuit. They’ll be desperate for a return to the major round after missing finals for the first time in club history last summer.
Stat attack
Peter Siddle continues to perform at an elite level for the Strikers on the Big Bash stage. He’s become a ‘death bowling’ specialist for Adelaide this season, entrusted with delivering the final over of the innings often with the result in the balance. Siddle’s combined figures of 5/36 from his five final overs with the ball illustrate just how important he has been for the team in BBL|09.
Striker to watch – Jon Wells
Wells is finally starting to receive the plaudits he deserves after yet another outstanding display against the Melbourne Stars on Wednesday night. He hit his fourth half-century of the season and finished not out for the sixth time to boost his BBL|09 batting average to a League-best 81. Wells has a knack for finding gaps in the field all around the wicket and has become one of Adelaide’s most important players.
Danger player – Chris Jordan
The former Striker will want to finish his Big Bash campaign with a bang in his final outing before linking up with England’s international squad. Jordan is Perth’s equal-leading wicket-taker in BBL|09 with 14 scalps and is an experienced T20 performer in world cricket.
Adelaide Strikers squad
Travis Head (c)
Wes Agar
Alex Carey
Harry Conway
Rashid Khan
Michael Neser
Liam O’Connor
Phil Salt
Matt Short
Peter Siddle
Billy Stanlake
Jake Weatherald
Jon Wells
Perth Scorchers
Mitch Marsh (c)
Ashton Agar
Fawad Ahmed
Cameron Bancroft
Tim David
Joshua Inglis
Chris Jordan
Matthew Kelly
Liam Livingstone
Joel Paris
Kurtis Patterson
Jhye Richardson
Ashton Turner
