Strikers aiming high

Adelaide Strikers will begin their defence of their KFC T20 Big Bash crown against the Melbourne Renegades at Adelaide Oval on Sunday night.

The SA side won the original version of the tournament earlier this year under the Redbacks guise, and were led to success by coach Darren Berry who took the reigns on the back end of a dismal Ryobi one-day cup and Sheffield Shield summer.

The Strikers have been aided in the quest for back-to-back titles having retained the services of a number of key players from last season including the likes of Aiden Blizzard, Callum Ferguson, Dan Harris and Nathan Lyon.

Harris in particular will be looking for a repeat of last season where he smashed 304 runs in just six matches, including an innings of 70 against Western Australia, and finished as the competition’s highest-run scorer.

Lyon who was the second-highest wicket-taker last season with 11 wickets in seven matches, is set to play only a bit role this time round given his likely selection to the Australian Test squad for the Boxing day clash with India.

The Strikers have also added some international experience with South Africans Johan Botha and Alfonso, who is the third highest wicket taker in Twenty20 history, and West Indian all-rounder sensation Kieron Pollard joining the ranks.

However the Strikers were dealt a blow earlier this week with the news the big-hitting Pollard would miss the entire campaign after sustaining a hamstring injury on Thursday while training with the squad.

Adelaide has named an extended 14-man squad for the clash including an astounding four spinners in Lyon, Botha, former test representative Bryce McGain and left-arm bowler Aaron O’Brien.

However Berry said the weather would be the determining factor in whether he opts for a spin-friendly or pace-orientated attack on an Adelaide Oval wicket renowned for runs.

"The weather will play a factor in the final make-up of the team and depending on the wicket, it might determine whether we go with spin or pace. Given it's the first game, we want to have all bases covered," Berry said.

The Melbourne Renegades will hope their SA influence in the team can lead them to victory with Adelaide-born duo Graham Manou and Shaun Tait, along with former Redback Shahid Afridi set to feature.

Tait who spent years plying his trade at Adelaide Oval has tailored his bowling to a Twenty20 format with his lightning-quick deliveries and is one of the most feared bowlers in the competition.

Tait will be well-supported by captain Andrew McDonald, the experienced Shane Harwood, Dutch-born left-arm quick Dirk Nannes, and experienced Pakistan one-day representative Abdul Razzaq in a strong pace-attack.

Despite missing the services of veteran batsman Brad Hodge the Renegades have much to look forward to up the top order with in-form Victorian right-hander Aaron Finch, 18-year-old talent Meyrick Buchanan, Razzaq and Afridi all handy batsmen.

Adelaide Strikers: Michael Klinger (c), Cam Borgas, Tom Cooper, Adam Crosthwaite, Brendan Drew, Callum Ferguson, Daniel Harris, Nathan Lyon, Bryce McGain, Aaron O'Brien, Kane Richardson, Alfonso Thomas (12th man to be named).

Melbourne Renegades: Andrew McDonald (c), Shahid Afridi, Meryrick Buchanan, Aaron Finch, Shane Harwood, Aaron Heal, Graham Manou, Glenn Maxwell, Dirk Nannes, Abdul Razzaq, Nathan Reardon, Will Sheridan, Shaun Tait (12th man to be named).