August 30, 2024

Adelaide Strikers History, Player Line-Up and Team Standing

The Adelaide Strikers are a professional cricket team based in Adelaide, South Australia, competing in the Big Bash League (BBL). Formed in 2011, they replaced the Southern Redbacks, who previously played in the KFC Twenty20 Big Bash. The Strikers play their home games at the Adelaide Oval, donning a distinctive cornflower blue uniform. Their most notable achievement came in the 2017–18 season when they won their only BBL title.

Over their 11 years in the BBL, the Adelaide Strikers have had many standout players. These include versatile all-rounders like Johan Botha, Michael Neser, and Kieron Pollard, alongside top batsmen such as Travis Head, Chris Lynn, and Mahela Jayawardene. Their bowling lineup has featured talents like Rashid Khan, Peter Siddle, and Ben Laughlin. Additionally, the team has been anchored by reliable wicketkeepers Alex Carey and Tim Ludeman, contributing to the Strikers’ competitive presence in the league.

The Adelaide Strikers are currently led by Matthew Short as captain, with coaching from former Australian cricketer Jason Gillespie.

Adelaide Strikers History

The Adelaide Strikers were established in 2011 with the launch of the Big Bash League (BBL). During the initial player sign-up period from June 30 to July 22, 2011, teams could contract up to 18 players, including two international players. Michael Klinger, captain of South Australia, became the Strikers’ first captain, while Darren Berry, then coach of the Southern Redbacks, was appointed as the inaugural coach.

In the 2016-17 Big Bash League, the Adelaide Strikers were recognized as the most entertaining team, achieving a Big Bash Entertainment Index (BBEI) score of 2177.

Adelaide Strikers New Year’s Eve match

Since BBL03, Cricket Australia has made it a tradition to host a Strikers home match on December 31st each year, popularly known as the New Year’s Eve (NYE) Clash. This event quickly became a fan favorite, drawing large crowds to the Adelaide Oval. The Strikers enjoyed a remarkable 6-0 winning streak in these NYE matches, with highlights like Travis Head’s memorable century in Season 3 against the Sydney Sixers.

However, the Strikers’ winning run ended in BBL09 when they narrowly lost to the Sydney Thunder. Since that defeat, they have struggled on New Year’s Eve, currently enduring a five-year losing streak.

Adelaide Strikers Rivalry

The Adelaide Strikers, a prominent team in the Big Bash League (BBL), have cultivated intense rivalries over the years, particularly with the Melbourne Renegades and the Melbourne Stars. The rivalry with the Renegades is fueled by several closely contested matches, with both teams often vying for crucial wins that can shape their standings in the league. The Strikers’ rivalry with the Stars is marked by high-stakes encounters and memorable clashes, often featuring standout performances and dramatic finishes. These rivalries add excitement to the BBL, making matches involving the Strikers highly anticipated by fans.

Adelaide Strikers Team Lineup 

Adelaide Strikers Batters: Alex Carey, Travis Head, Adam Hose, Henry Hunt, Thomas Kelly, Chris Lynn, Harry Nielsen, Matthew Short, D’Arcy Short and Jake Weaterald

Adelaide Strikers All-Rounders: James Bazley, Jamie Overton, and Rashid Khan

Adelaide Strikers Bowlers: Wes Agar, Cameron Boyce, Brendan Doggett, Ben Manenti, David Payne, Lloyd Pope, Henry Thornton

Adelaide Strikers Current Standing in BBL 2024

As of the 2024-25 Big Bash League (BBL) season, the Adelaide Strikers have not yet played any matches, so their current standing is yet to be determined. The season is set to kick off on December 15, 2024, with all teams starting on equal footing, aiming to secure a top-four spot to advance to the finals. The Strikers will be looking to build on their past performances and make a strong start when the season begins