Travis Head Signs with Adelaide Strikers for Limited BBL Stint

Travis Head Signs with Adelaide Strikers for Limited BBL Stint

Travis Head, Australia’s versatile all-format player, has signed a one-year deal to return to the Adelaide Strikers for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season. However, his hectic international schedule will limit his availability to a maximum of three games.

Head, 30, captained the Strikers to the BBL title in 2017-18 but has not played for the club since the 2022-23 season. His return is a significant boost for the Strikers, who are looking to improve on their disappointing performance last season.

However, Head’s availability will be limited due to his commitments to the Australian Test team. The upcoming five-match Test series against India, followed by a Test tour of Sri Lanka and the Champions Trophy, means he will only be available for three matches on January 11, 15, and 18.

The BBL had hoped that Australia’s Test stars would be available to give the competition a boost at the back end of this summer’s tournament. However, there are concerns over player workload coming out of a gruelling Test series against India and with so little time to prepare for an overseas Test tour in spinning conditions in Sri Lanka.

Head’s workload has become a key consideration for Australia’s selectors and coaching staff since he became an all-format player in the last 12 months. There were concerns over his decision to play in the recent Major League Cricket tournament in July, which came on the back of a busy period of playing that included the ODI World Cup, five home Tests, a T20I and Test tour of New Zealand, the IPL, and the T20 World Cup.

Head is being rested from the ODI and T20I series against Pakistan ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, partly due to the upcoming birth of his second child. But his decision to add some BBL cricket in January means his next decent break will likely have to wait until after the Champions Trophy in February and March.

New Strikers coach Tim Paine is aware of Head’s workload but was keen to have him play some BBL matches. “We understand Trav has a hectic international schedule,” Paine said. “But we also know how much he loves getting back in the blue whenever the chance arises and we look forward to our fans being treated to more of his magic this summer.”

Matthew Mott Joins Sydney Sixers as Assistant Coach

Matthew Mott Joins Sydney Sixers as Assistant Coach

Matthew Mott, the former head coach of the England Men’s white-ball team, has joined the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League (BBL) as an assistant coach on a three-year deal. Mott’s appointment comes after his departure from the England setup following their semi-final exit at the 2023 T20 World Cup.

Mott, who previously coached Australia Women for eight years, will reunite with Greg Shipperd at the Sixers, replacing Cameron White, who was appointed head coach of the Melbourne Renegades earlier this year.

“I’m delighted to join back up with the Sydney Sixers,” Mott said. “Having started my coaching journey in Sydney many years ago, it’s a place that evokes both great memories and a comforting sense of familiarity, which I’m looking forward to.”

Mott’s spell as England’s white-ball coach began with a triumph at the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, but ended after a disappointing performance at the 2023 ODI World Cup and a semi-final exit at the 2023 T20 World Cup.

Prior to his time with England, Mott coached the New South Wales men’s side from 2007. His return to the state’s system will see him reunite with Rachael Haynes, who was a key member of the Australia Women’s team he coached to numerous successes.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to have Motty committed for the next three years with the club,” said Haynes, Sixers’ general manager. “When the opportunity arises to bring a coach of Motty’s calibre into your ranks, it’s a no-brainer.”

“His coaching resume speaks for itself. He has an incredible track-record of success around the world, and he’s proven he knows what it takes to build, and sustain, a winning culture.”

In the recent BBL draft, the Sixers retained James Vince and surprised many by selecting Yorkshire legspinner Jafer Chohan as their last pick. They had previously secured West Indies left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein.

Tim Paine's Witty Social Media Post Pokes Fun at Spinner's Botched Delivery

Tim Paine’s Witty Social Media Post Pokes Fun at Spinner’s Botched Delivery

Former Australian Test captain Tim Paine has once again showcased his witty side on social media, this time poking fun at a spinner’s hilarious delivery. Paine, who was recently appointed as the head coach of the Adelaide Strikers for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season, shared a video on Twitter of a spinner hilariously botching a delivery, with the ball slipping out of his hand and falling far short of the pitch.

The video, originally posted by @SENTassie, joked about the Strikers’ potential interest in the hapless spinner, stating, “We’ve heard the Strikers have committed to selecting this world-class spinner with their pick.” Paine joined in the fun, quipping, “If only we had some space left in the salary cap for this mystery spinner.”

Paine’s appointment as the head coach of the Strikers marks the latest step in his rapid ascent through the coaching ranks. After serving as an assistant to Jason Gillespie last season, Paine was named head coach following Gillespie’s departure. His new role will see him leading a Strikers team that has shown great promise, particularly with their strong finish to the last BBL season, where they secured a spot in the finals.

Paine’s light-hearted approach on social media contrasts with his serious commitment to his coaching duties. He has already been active in the development of young talent, including his involvement with NT Strike in the Top End T20 series and his previous stint as an assistant coach for Australia A.

As Paine prepares to lead the Strikers into BBL14, fans can expect a blend of his cricketing acumen and his characteristic humour, both on and off the field. Paine’s appointment as head coach is a testament to his dedication to the sport and his ability to connect with players and fans alike.

BBL and WBBL Release Draft Nominations for 2023 Season

BBL and WBBL Release Draft Nominations for 2023 Season

The Big Bash League (BBL) and Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) have released their respective lists of nominations for the upcoming draft, scheduled for September 1. The BBL list features 432 players, while the WBBL list includes 161 players.

BBL Nominations:

The Adelaide Strikers have retained Adam Hose, Jamie Overton, and David Payne. The Brisbane Heat have retained Paul Walter and Tom Banton. The Hobart Hurricanes have retained Corey Anderson and Sam Hain. The Melbourne Renegades have retained Joe Clarke, Jordan Cox, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. The Melbourne Stars have retained Dan Lawrence, Imad Wasim, Liam Dawson, Olly Stone, Usama Mir, and Haris Rauf. The Perth Scorchers have retained Zak Crawley, Stephen Eskinazi, Laurie Evans, and Tymal Mills. The Sydney Sixers have retained Izharulhuq Naveed, Rehan Ahmed, and James Vince. The Sydney Thunder have retained Alex Hales, Zaman Khan, and Tom Kohler-Cadmore.

WBBL Nominations:

The Adelaide Strikers have retained Georgia Adams and Laura Wolvaardt. The Brisbane Heat have retained Bess Heath. The Hobart Hurricanes have retained Shabnim Ismail and Bryony Smit. The Melbourne Renegades have retained Eve Jones and Harmanpreet Kaur. The Melbourne Stars have retained Alice Capsey and Sophia Dunkley. The Perth Scorchers have retained Amy Jones, Lauren Winfield-Hill, and Danni Wyatt. The Sydney Sixers have retained Suzie Bates, Sophie Ecclestone, Jess Kerr, Chloe Tryon, and Linsey Smith. The Sydney Thunder have retained Heather Knight.

Paul Walter Set for BBL Return as Draft Nominations Announced

Paul Walter Set for BBL Return as Draft Nominations Announced

Paul Walter, the all-rounder who played a pivotal role in Brisbane Heat’s BBL title triumph last season, is set to return to the competition after being nominated for next month’s draft. Walter, a left-arm seamer and hard-hitting batter, became a fan favorite for Heat, claiming 17 wickets and earning a spot in the team of the tournament.

Heat holds retention rights for Walter, giving them the option to bring him back if another team attempts to select him. Walter’s full availability, including the finals, makes him a valuable asset for Heat, who boast a diverse bowling attack featuring Michael Neser, Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, and spin twins Matt Kuhnemann and Mitchell Swepson.

“I think we’ve got the best bowling unit in the competition,” Walter said during last season’s campaign. “I feel like I complement the rest of the attack quite well, and we’ve been good at managing games.”

English cricketers dominate the list of nominees, but most have limited availability due to England’s Test series in New Zealand and limited-overs tour of India. However, players like Olly Stone, Dan Lawrence, Jordan Cox, and Joe Clarke are likely to attract interest. Legspinner Rehan Ahmed, who was initially drafted by Sydney Sixers last season but withdrew due to international commitments, has nominated again.

Pakistan allrounder Imad Wasim, who Melbourne Stars have retention rights for, has full availability, as does slingy fast bowler Zaman Khan, who played for Sydney Thunder last season.

In the WBBL, England players are also well-represented among the nominees. Dani Gibson, who played a crucial role in the Hundred final, impressed for Adelaide Strikers last season, striking at 147.43 and claiming 10 wickets. She has full availability, although England has a T20I series against South Africa that overlaps with the WBBL finals.

South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt, who was initially nominated with full availability, now has availability of six to nine games. Strikers are the only club yet to name a pre-draft signing, but they are expected to fill that spot next week.

Ollie Pope Signs with Adelaide Strikers for BBL Season

Ollie Pope Signs with Adelaide Strikers for BBL Season

England’s stand-in Test captain Ollie Pope has signed a deal with the Adelaide Strikers for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season. Pope, who is currently leading England against Sri Lanka in the absence of Ben Stokes, will join the Strikers after the Test tour of New Zealand, which concludes on December 18.

Pope, a dynamic batsman and wicketkeeper, will be a valuable addition to the Strikers’ squad. He boasts an impressive T20 record, having scored 1295 runs at an average of 28.77 and a strike rate of 132.82. However, he endured a lean spell in the recent Hundred tournament for London Spirit, managing only 35 runs in five innings.

The 24-year-old will have the opportunity to team up with Ashes rivals Travis Head and Alex Carey, who recently signed a new four-year deal with the Strikers. Head and Carey will be available for a brief period during the BBL after the India Test series.

“Ollie Pope is an exceptional talent with a proven track record at the highest level,” said Tim Paine, the Strikers’ new head coach. “His dynamic batting style and wicket-keeping abilities are a fantastic addition to our squad.”

The Strikers had previously considered signing allrounder Jamie Overton as their pre-draft signing, but they will now have the option to use their retention option during the draft if they wish to bring back the England player, who made a significant impact last season.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan has not nominated for the BBL draft, meaning he will miss the tournament for the second consecutive season. Khan has international commitments with Afghanistan during the early part of the BBL and has also signed a contract with the SA20 league.

The BBL draft will take place on September 1, and the Strikers will be hoping to add further depth to their squad with some astute selections.

Nic Maddinson Eyes Test Return, Reinvents T20 Career with Sydney Thunder

Nic Maddinson Eyes Test Return, Reinvents T20 Career with Sydney Thunder

Nic Maddinson, a former Australian Test cricketer, is determined to make a comeback to the national team after a strong finish to the Sheffield Shield season with New South Wales. Maddinson, who returned to his home state after six seasons with Victoria, scored three centuries in three Shield matches last season, showcasing his improved batting skills.

Maddinson’s performances have reignited his Test aspirations, as he believes he is a significantly better player than he was during his previous Test appearances in 2016-17. He acknowledges that the competition for Test selection is fierce, but he remains motivated to represent Australia once again.

In addition to his Test ambitions, Maddinson is also eager to revive his T20 career after a disappointing season with the Melbourne Renegades. He hopes to find a consistent role with the Sydney Thunder, where he could potentially open the batting alongside David Warner.

Maddinson’s return to form has been attributed to his ability to adapt his batting style and overcome technical challenges. He believes that his experience in longer-form cricket has benefited his T20 game, and he is confident that he can make a significant contribution to the Thunder.

The Thunder’s top order, which includes Warner, Cameron Bancroft, Ollie Davies, and Sam Billings, is expected to be a formidable force in the upcoming BBL season. Maddinson is excited about the prospect of playing alongside such talented batsmen and contributing to the team’s success.

Steve Smith Signs with Sixers, Dismisses Retirement Plans

Steve Smith Signs with Sixers, Dismisses Retirement Plans

Australian cricket legend Steve Smith has dismissed any thoughts of retirement, despite being overlooked for the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup. The 35-year-old recently signed a three-year deal with the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League (BBL), indicating his continued passion for the game.

Smith’s decision to join the Sixers suggests he intends to play at least four BBL matches this summer, fitting them in between the final Test against India and the tour of Sri Lanka. Despite his omission from the T20 World Cup squad, Smith remains committed to competing in all formats of cricket.

“I don’t have any plans [to retire], I’m just enjoying playing at the moment,” Smith told reporters. “I’m pretty relaxed and I’m looking forward to this summer.”

Smith’s recent performances as an opener for Australia have been mixed. In the home summer against the West Indies and New Zealand, he averaged just 28.25 in eight innings. However, his career average of 56.97 suggests he is still a formidable batsman.

The veteran batsman admitted that his teammates prefer him at number four, where he has spent most of his Test career. However, he emphasized that he is willing to bat anywhere for the team.

“I’m happy wherever and I’ll bat anywhere for the team,” Smith said. “For me it’s just a position.”

Smith’s future role in the Australian Test team remains uncertain. He is expected to play in the upcoming five-Test series against India, but it is unclear whether he will open the batting or return to his preferred position at number four.

Warner, Smith Sign New BBL Deals, Boost League's Star Power

Warner, Smith Sign New BBL Deals, Boost League’s Star Power

David Warner and Steven Smith, two of Australia’s most decorated cricketers, have committed their futures to the Big Bash League (BBL) with new contracts. Warner has signed a two-year deal with Sydney Thunder, while Smith has inked a three-year contract with Sydney Sixers.

Warner, who recently retired from international cricket, will be available for a full BBL season for the first time in his career. The explosive opener has played just eight games for Thunder over the past two seasons, but he is now set to be a mainstay in the team’s lineup.

Smith, on the other hand, could potentially play a full BBL season beyond his Test career. The former Australian captain has not ruled out retiring from Test cricket over the next three years, which would free him up to play more games for Sixers.

The Test stars are set to be available for a handful of games between the end of the Sydney Test against India and their departure for the Sri Lanka tour on January 21. This includes the BBL’s knockout stage, which begins on the same day.

Other Test team-mates Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey have also re-signed with their respective BBL franchises, Brisbane Heat and Adelaide Strikers. Labuschagne will return to Heat, the reigning champions, after India’s Australia tour concludes on January 7. Carey has signed a four-year deal with the Strikers, with whom he has played all 56 BBL games of his eight-year career.

The signings of Warner, Smith, Labuschagne, and Carey are a major boost for the BBL, which is set to begin its 14th edition in December. The league has been struggling to attract fans in recent years, but the presence of these star players is sure to generate excitement and interest.

BBL and WBBL Release Initial Player Nominations for Draft

BBL and WBBL Release Initial Player Nominations for Draft

The Big Bash League (BBL) and Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) have released their initial batches of player nominations ahead of the upcoming drafts. Among the notable names is Shamar Joseph, who could return to the tournament where he made his triumphant Test debut.

Joseph, who has been in impressive form for the West Indies, has nominated for the BBL draft. He could potentially join his former teammate Finn Allen, who has already signed with the Perth Scorchers.

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur is among the first group of players confirmed for the WBBL draft. She could be retained by the Melbourne Renegades, who she has played for in the past. Other notable Indian players in the draft include Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma.

England captain Heather Knight and left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone have also nominated for the WBBL draft. However, their availability for the entire tournament is uncertain due to England’s tour of South Africa.

Other notable retention options include Jamie Overton (Adelaide Strikers), Alex Hales (Sydney Thunder), James Vince (Sydney Sixers), Alice Capsey (Melbourne Stars), and Shabnim Ismail (Hobart Hurricanes).

Players are drafted in either Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze categories, and clubs must select at least two during the draft. Those signed under pre-draft agreements are allocated a pick that matches their salary band.

The BBL and WBBL drafts will take place on September 1.

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