The expansion of Twenty20 cricket in Australia through the Big Bash League has seen hidden talent emerge, engaging and passionate organisations created, as well as an ultimate love of T20 cricket now being shown by the Australian public.
So far in BBL04, no other side has exposed both the marquee time slots, overseas imports and greater crowd numbers than the Adelaide Strikers.
It is no surprise they are sitting on top of the BBL after their opening three games.
On New Years Eve the Strikers gathered 43,000 people to the Adelaide Oval, as they smashed the Hurricanes and yet again provided a massive show with the bat and the ball. The inclusion of South Australia’s Shaun ‘The Wild Thing’ Tait paid dividends, as he took 3/22 from his four overs.
Then the efforts from little-known Joe Dean and Strikers Wicketkeeper Tim Ludemann ensured that the Strikers would take an easy win.
This convincing performance, along with strong turn ups against the Scorchers and Stars, have the Strikers now favourites to win BBL04. It may be harsh, but anything less than Champions of the Big Bash 2014-2015 must go down as a failure. All in all, a Big Bash victory would provide the spark South Australian cricket needs after a difficult 12 months.
After looking comfortable for at least a Sheffield Shield final berth this time last year, the Redbacks chocked and as a result just missed out on the final. In the same season, the Redbacks struggled badly in the One Day Cup and the Strikers finished seventh in BBL03.
To compound this misery, the Redbacks since their last title in 1995/1996 have finished last 9 of a possible 17 seasons, and their last piece of silverware came four seasons ago in the One Day comp of 2010/2011.
In a nutshell, South Australian cricket is desperate for a win and this is their chance.
The inclusion of Brad Hodge and Craig Simmons will be pivotal if the Strikers are to stay successful. Simmons and Ludemann have so far been solid in the top order, while Hodge is necessary for his valuable experience both on and off the field. These two new imports are joined by Strikers favourite Kieron Pollard, who has provided many classic moments for the crowd at Adelaide Oval.
However the bowling department is where the improvement has come for the Strikers, and Wednesday night was no exception. A complete bowing performance allowed the a Hurricanes just 136 (and it really should have been less). Tait, Adam Zampa, Kane Richardson, Ben Laughlin and Johan Botha are a tough combination to put away, with pace, two types of spin, and genuine accuracy in the attack. Then with the additions of Pollard and Simmons to bowl if required, the Strikers have a comfortable line-up.
Off the field the Strikers have been just as impressive. Over 27,000 and 43,000 for marquee games respectively are a credit to the membership base and marketing from the Strikers staff, as the attraction to the Adelaide Oval at night is too good for South Australians to miss.
Three from three and with the Heat on Sunday, the Strikers will be looking to go four from four. If that occurs, the expectations will rise for Adelaide to take BBL04. Or will it be more disappointment for fans of South Australian cricket?
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