KFC T20 Big Bash League 2016/2017
Adelaide Strikers vs Brisbane Heat
Match scheduled to begin at 19:10 local time (08:40 GMT | 13:40 PST | 14:10 IST | 14:40 BDT)
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ADELAIDE STRIKERS
The Strikers have made five changes to their squad from last summer, with England paceman Chris Jordan and former Hurricanes batsman Ben Dunk the big additions for this season. Key batsman Alex Ross has left to join the Heat, while Adil Rashid will be with England’s squad in India. Left-arm spinner Jon Holland is also injured and expecting to miss the opening stages, with a replacement yet to be named.
BRISBANE HEAT
The signing of Alex Ross from the Strikers is the biggest of the three new names on the Heat’s roster this year, while skipper Brendon McCullum will be available this summer after missing BBL 05 due to international duty. Young Bulls batsmen Sam Heazlett and Marnus Labuschagne are the other new faces, while James Hopes (retired) leads the outs.
Can you cricdict who will win this KFC BBL|06 T20 Match Adelaide Strikers vs Brisbane Heat?
Adelaide Strikers Squad
Brad Hodge (captain), Wes Agar, Alex Carey, Jonathon Dean, Ben Dunk, Travis Head, Jon Holland, Chris Jordan, Ben Laughlin, Jake Lehmann, Tim Ludeman, Michael Neser, Kieron Pollard, Kane Richardson, Craig Simmons, Kelvin Smith, Billy Stanlake, Jake Weatherald
Brisbane Heat Squad
Brendon McCullum (captain), Samuel Badree, Joe Burns, Ben Cutting, Alex Doolan, Andrew Fekete, Luke Feldman, Jason Floros, Sam Heazlett, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Lalor, Chris Lynn, James Peirson, Nathan Reardon, Alex Ross, Mark Steketee, Mitchell Swepson, Jack Wildermuth
Adelaide Strikers vs Brisbane Heat Head-to-Head
Adelaide Strikers hold a 60% win record over Brisbane Heat, winning three out of the five BBL matches in the past. The latter have wins in the remaining two games, both of which have been played at the Adelaide Oval. The two most recent matchups have been won by the Strikers.
Adelaide Strikers vs Brisbane Heat Betting Odds
Adelaide Strikers proved they were a formidable force last year by finishing at the top of the points table. This year too, they are coming with a decent enough squad and even though they don’t boast too many international names on their roster, the Strikers still start as favorites to kick-off their campaign with a win against Brisbane Heat. They are 1.81 with betfair and 1.72 with bet365. The fact that the Heat have beaten the Strikers in both the matches to be played at this ground make them a valuable bet at 2.16 and 2.10 respectively.
Adelaide Strikers vs Brisbane Heat Prediction
There is not much to choose between the two sides if we take a look at their head-to-head stats. Though one area where we feel the Strikers could gain a psychological boost is in the fact that they have defeated the Heat the last two times they have played against them. Moreover, playing at their home ground – in conditions they are more familiar with – will also give the Strikers an edge. However, they haven’t been able to beat the Heat at this ground which is something that the latter will derive a fair amount of confidence from.
Brisbane Heat have definitely come up with a better-looking squad from last time around but it is the lack of experience in their bowling attack that could make a difference in the outcome of this match.