Strikers lock in Head as skipper

Travis Head is set to juggle captaincy across all three formats of the game in South Australia after the young batsman was appointed skipper of Adelaide Strikers on Wednesday.

The 23-year-old replaces outgoing veteran Brad Hodge in the role for the upcoming KFC Big Bash League season and is the youngest skipper in the Strikers' history.

While yet to debut in Test cricket, Head has experience beyond his years having played 39 one-day and T20 matches for Australia since his maiden appearance in green and gold in January last year.

Having captained South Australia 40 times since becoming the Redbacks' youngest first-class skipper when appointed aged 21 in 2015, Head is hopeful of the Strikers' prospects for BBL|07.

"It’s a privilege to be named captain. We’ve got such an exciting squad this season and a good mix of youth and experience," Head said.

"We’ve got amazing fans, an incredible home ground at Adelaide Oval and I know the guys are really hungry to have success.

"There’s good continuity in the team with a few players who have stuck with us for several years plus a few big recruits like Colin Ingram, Rashid Khan and Peter Siddle.

“We can’t wait to get started.”

While he was down on his usual explosive form in the BBL last summer, striking 76 runs at 15 with a strike-rate of 95, Head scored his maiden international century in an ODI against Pakistan in his hometown of Adelaide in January.

The left-hander signed a new contract with the Strikers in September and will lead a side featuring new recruits Peter Siddle, Afghan leg-spinner Rashid Khan and South African big-hitter Colin Ingram.

The Strikers have four more spots to fill on their 18-player squad list for BBL|07.

Adelaide Strikers squad: Travis Head (c), Wes Agar, Alex Carey, Jono Dean, Colin Ingram (SAf), Ben Laughlin, Jake Lehmann, Rashid Khan (Afg), Michael Neser, Liam O’Connor, Peter Siddle, Billy Stanlake, Jake Weatherald, Jonathan Wells