SACA and the ADELAIDE STRIKERS coined these capsule sketches for the two imports
Replacing a player of the calibre of Kieron Pollard is a difficult task, but that’s exactly what the Strikers have done in signing of Sri Lankan legend Mahela Jayawardena. The former national captain has played over 600 international matches, and is widely regarded as one of modern cricket’s greatest-ever players. Averaging an incredible 62.25 for the Central Stags in New Zealand’s domestic T20 competition, Strikers fans need not be concerned about there being any rust during Jayawardena’s first couple of matches. His leadership will also be a significant boost for some of the Strikers’ younger players.
Described by Shane Warne as having a leg-break “as good as anyone I’ve seen, ever,” Yorkshire-based Adil Rashid is a massive inclusion for the Strikers in BBL|05. A highly capable lower-order batsman according to Yorkshire and Strikers coach Jason Gillespie, the 27-year old made his Test debut for England in October this year, only to be left out of the team due to unfavourable conditions for their upcoming tour of South Africa. Having won a T20 title with the Redbacks back in 2010/11 before the formation of the Big Bash the following year, Rashid knows what it takes to win silverware in the short-form of the game and will be eager to replicate the feat this season
SEE http://www.adelaidestrikers.com.au/news/strikers-finalise-squad-for-bbl05/2015-12-10 for the full list of players and the Puff-UPs
OTHERS TO NOTE
Keen followers of domestic cricket had always known Travis Head was a special talent, but in BBL|04 the explosive left-hander made himself a household name with two match-winning knocks on the big stage. Since then the 21 year-old has been appointed South Australia’s youngest ever first-class captain and lead the Redbacks to second position on the Sheffield Shield table. Despite inconsistent form so far this year, Head showed everyone exactly what he was capable of when he smashed a blistering double-century off just 117 deliveries in the opening round of the Matador Cup, and could very easily prove a match-winner on any given night for the Strikers.
SON OF BOOF ! … Son of South Australian cricket legend and current Australian team coach Darren Lehmann, Jake Lehmann is forging his own reputation as a talented middle-order batsman. Claiming man-of-the-match honours in his first Matador Cup appearance this season, Lehmann wrote himself into the record books after scoring a double-century with fellow West End Redback Callum Ferguson, the duo surpassing father Darren and James Brayshaw’s record for the third-highest SA partnership in history.