Photo Credit: Adelaide Strikers
Powerful opening batsman Phil Salt will return to Adelaide this summer after re-signing for a second season in Strikers blue.
Making his KFC Big Bash debut last year, the electric right-hander scored 361 runs at a strike-rate of 164, smashing 45 boundaries and 12 sixes and registering four half-centuries during the campaign.
Quickly becoming a fan-favourite due to his aggressive playing style, skills in the field and quintessential charm on the player mic, Salt is sure to be warmly welcomed back into the fold for BBL|10.
Strikers Head Coach Jason Gillespie, who has also guided Salt during his time with Sussex in the English domestic competition, spoke glowingly of the 24-year-old:
‘We are very pleased to have Phil returning to Adelaide for another BBL season. As quality a person as he is a cricketer, he adds plenty to our side on and off the field, and we are delighted he will be joining us again.’
Salt comes to the Strikers in good form, having been added to the English international squad for their recent ODI series against Australia.
In a warm-up match against Ireland, Salt belted a 58-ball hundred to put himself in contention for a debut with the national side.
Salt’s best BBL performance came against Brisbane Heat in January of this year, when he crunched an unbeaten 67 from just 38 deliveries at Adelaide Oval to secure a victory with 55 balls to spare.
Salt is relishing the opportunity to return to Australia for a second summer.
“Last year being my first in the Big Bash was very enjoyable and the standard of cricket was immediately on show,” he said.
“When the opportunity came to again be part of the BBL and the Strikers, it’s just something you can’t turn down.
“Adelaide is a great place, and to again be working with Dizzy and a great group of people makes me very motivated for the season ahead.”
With December Big Bash fixtures already announced, including the traditional New Year’s Eve fixture at Adelaide Oval, fans won’t need to wait long to see Salt in action once again.
The Strikers’ maiden BBL|10 contest is against Hobart in Tasmania on 13 December, with the first home game scheduled against the Scorchers on 28 December.
