Return of international trio leads to team changes for BBL final; Rashid Khan a confirmed out for the Strikers
Strikers, Canes make changes for BBL final
Adelaide Strikers have welcomed back in-form wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey for Sunday's KFC BBL final, but will be without star leg-spinner Rashid Khan.
After Cricket Australia confirmed that T20I trio Carey, Travis Head and D'Arcy Short will be released from international duties for the match in Adelaide, the Strikers have confirmed gloveman Harry Nielsen - who filled in for Carey in their semi-final win over the Renegades - has dropped out of the squad given Carey is back in the fold.
Fast bowler Nick Winter has also come in to the 13-man squad to replace Rashid, the tournament's leading wicket-taker who was always set to miss the final (if the Strikers made it) due to international duty.
There had been speculation that the Afghan would be made available for the final, but his confirmed departure will likely see fellow leggie Liam O'Connor come into the XI for his first match of the season.
The Hurricanes have made just one change to the squad that won their semi-final against Perth, with Short returning in place of Nathan Reardon.
It all comes down to this... @StrikersBBL will host @HurricanesBBL at Adelaide Oval in the #BBLFinal on Sunday evening!Tickets: https://t.co/x9LF8Ca9bL pic.twitter.com/qbQ6GUP3EP— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) February 3, 2018
International quick Tymal Mills has again been overlooked.
Short's return will lead to a reshuffle of the Hurricanes batting order with the left-hander expected to resume his spot as an opener.
That would mean either Matthew Wade, who scored a quickfire half-century against the Scorchers, or Tim Paine would move down the order after they opened the batting together in Perth.
Carey is also set to return at the top of the order to resume his fruitful partnership with fellow left-hander Jake Weatherald. Right-hander Jono Dean filled in as an opener against the Renegades on Friday and will likely slide back down the order.
Adelaide Strikers: Travis Head (c), Alex Carey (wk), Wes Agar, Jono Dean, Colin Ingram, Ben Laughlin, Jake Lehmann, Michael Neser, Liam O'Connor, Peter Siddle, Jake Weatherald, Jon Wells, Nick Winter
Hobart Hurricanes: George Bailey, (c), Jofra Archer, Cameron Boyce, Dan Christian, Alex Doolan, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Simon Milenko, Tim Paine, Tom Rogers, Clive Rose, D’arcy Short, Matthew Wade
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