STRIKE ME LUCKY
Return of Ashes pair big bonus
THE return of Test heroes and “two of the best Strikers players ever” is set to ignite a “tough selection battle” at the Adelaide Strikers.
That’s the opinion of veteran Peter Siddle, who said next year’s Big Bash could well be his last.
Travis Head, who was man of the series in the Ashes, and recent Test debutant Alex Carey are set to play in Friday night’s do-or-die final against the Hobart Hurricanes.
Siddle said their inclusion would be a “massive” boost for the resurgent Strikers, who lost superstar Afghan import Rashid Khan last week.
“It’s pretty special,” Siddle said. “We’ve missed them all season. We’ve had to do the hard work to get to where we are now.
“To lose a couple but to now gain two of our best Strikers players ever … very handy.”
Seven players have returned for the Big Bash after their feats in the fifth Ashes Test in Hobart.
Scott Boland is a huge inclusion for the Hurricanes after breaking through at Test level, while Usman Khawaja will play for the Sydney Thunder, spinner Nathan Lyon for the Sydney Sixers and paceman Jhye Richardson for the Perth Scorchers.
Marnus Labuschagne played for the Brisbane Heat on Wednesday in the side’s final game of the season.
Siddle said the return of the Test stars would lift the Strikers, who are on a four-match winning streak.
“It’s exciting for all of us to have those guys back,” he said. “They had such an amazing series during the Ashes. They are buzzing. They are excited for us being in the finals and getting the opportunity to join us.”
However, Siddle said Strikers coach Jason Gillespie would have to make some brutal selection calls for The Eliminator on Friday.
Stand-in wicketkeeper Harry Nielsen will likely make way for Carey despite his strong form this summer “Sadly, I think it’s going to be him that will miss out,” Siddle said. “His work behind the stumps is outstanding. He’s done another terrific job for us.”
Siddle was unsure who would make way for Head but said it wouldn’t be club cricketer-turned-Big Bash sensation Ian Cockbain.
“To have someone come in and do the job he’s done has been outstanding,” Siddle said.
Siddle, 37, said he would be back for the Strikers next summer.
“I’ll definitely at least play one more season,” he said. “I think I’ll give myself one more year. I’m 38 next year, so I’m getting on, getting far too old and getting too tired.”