Hobart Hurricanes went on a dream run in the eighth edition of Big Bash League, winning all their opening five games. They topped the table with 20 points, only to be knocked out by Melbourne Stars, who finished fourth and were beaten by Hobart in both the games in the league stage.
Archer-less Hobart
Jofra Archer’s absence is a big setback for Hobart. The fast bowler picked up 18 wickets in the last BBL edition and made his mark for England in all three formats. Adrian Griffith, the Hobart coach, would be hoping James Faulkner and Riley Meredith can repeat their bowling heroics from BBL 08.
The fans will also be keen to see the 19-year-old Afghanistan spinner Qais Ahmad in action. Qais, who recently made his Test debut against Bangladesh, took a three-wicket haul in BBL 08 semifinal. The youngster was a replacement for Tymal Mills and impressed in the three matches he played.
D’arling’ Arcy Short
D’Arcy Short, hit 637 runs and took 10 wickets, scored average 90 fantasy points per match in the 2018-19 Big Bash League. The 29-year-old, unsurprisingly, bagged the Play of the Series award for the second season in a row.
David Miller, the second overseas player, is one of the biggest signings in the league this edition. The South African is making his first BBL appearance, and his presence would ensure depth in Hobart’s batting department, which is weakened by the absence of Matthew Wade, who will miss the start of BBL season.
Top three FPs scorers in BBL 2018-19 season:
D’Arcy Short (1356 points from 15 matches)
Matthew Wade (1062 points from 15 matches)
George Bailey (708 points from 15 matches)
BBL 2019-20 squad: D’Arcy Short, Matthew Wade (Captain), Ben McDermott, David Miller (Overseas Player), George Bailey, Simon Milenko, Caleb Jewell, Scott Boland, Jake Doran, James Faulkner, Nathan Ellis, Jarrod Freeman, Riley Meredith, David Moody, Tom Rogers, Clive Rose, Aaron Summers, Qais Ahmad (Overseas Player).
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