Dizzy backs fill-ins to do the job
STRIKERS coach Jason Gillespie opposes extending the Big Bash League to a marathon Indian-style fixture, but will not use controversial programming as an excuse for devastating Adelaide’s title dream.
Adelaide supplies skipper Travis Head, spearhead Billy Stanlake and keeper-batsman Alex Carey to Australia’s T20 triseries squad before tomorrow’s BBL semi-final against Melbourne Renegades.
The Strikers finished the home-and-away round in second place, behind champion Perth, but Melbourne Renegades are $1.80 favourites to win the semifinal at Adelaide Oval.
Adelaide — seeking its first title — was undefeated in regular-round games at home and toppled Dwayne Bravo’s Renegades away last month
“We feel we have the players to go out there and perform well on Friday night, whoever comes in can do a fine job,” Gillespie said. “We are not the only side that has had issues with players being unavailable. Perth Scorch- ers at one point had eight or nine players out.
“We put the best possible squad together for any absences and help players achieve their goals of representing their country. We just work our best way through it.”
The credibility of the BBL has taken a hit over player availability and scheduling. Finishing the competition before its key target segment — children — return to school has support.
However, Cricket Australia is understood to covet the introduction of a 14-game home-and- away season in 2017-18 despite falling attendances and ratings for its expanded 10-game fixture this summer.
Impressive keeper Harry Nielsen, 22, will debut tomorrow in place of Carey — second on the BBL aggregate with 425 runs at 52. Wes Agar must cover quick Stanlake’s 11-wicket contribution at a frugal 6.4 economy rate.
Head’s match-winning 96 on Australia Day against England served as a reminder of the quality batting and leader Adelaide is denied in a bid for a breakthrough trophy.