For the Adelaide Strikers, it has been either a hurdle or two short of going all the way. Looking to put aside three consecutive knockouts, the Strikers have loaded up on experience, adding New Zealand all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme, former Melbourne Renegades spinner Cameron Boyce, and Adam Hose.
However, signings are none bigger than Chris Lynn. The BBL's all-time leading run-scorer is a significant coup for the Strikers, who early on last season stumbled out of the gates dropping seven of its first eight contests.
His destructive power-hitting is sure to give Strikers fans plenty of entertainment. All around, underestimate the Strikers at your own peril as they looks to make a better start to their campaign than a year ago.
Key Players
After 11 seasons with the Brisbane Heat, Chris Lynn made the shock move after he and the team couldn't agree to a new deal. However, to the Heat's expense, he is back, and to the delight of his new team the Adelaide Strikers.
Lynn's credentials in the league speak for themselves: the BBL's leading run-scorer in history (3005), most sixes (180), and 24 half-centuries to go with a tremendous strike rate of 148.76. At times he made classy bowlers look like Under-12 bowlers.
Some of these moments include demolishing former Australian fast bowler Ben Hilfenhaus for five consecutive sixes, smashing one of Australia's all-time fastest bowlers Shaun Tait onto the Gabba roof, blasting his way to a century off only 49 balls chasing 195 against the Hobart Hurricanes, to blazing current Australian captain Pat Cummins for five successive boundaries.
When Lynn gets into a savage frame of mind it is game over for the bowlers. No doubt with Lynn in the side, the Strikers should be able to post totals over 180 as they did late in BBL|11.
The Strikers have plenty of batting depth to take the pressure off their most prized recruit, with Ryan Gibson, Colin de Grandhomme, Matt Short, and Harry Nielsen all capable of scoring vital knocks. And once Australian test pair Alex Carey and Travis Head return from International duties, the Strikers are going to have a plethora of batting.
The best bowler in the T20 format returns to the Adelaide Strikers ready to weave his crafty leg-spinners. A fan favourite with the Strikers, the 24-year-old has been a constant spark plug in the side's bowling unit. His uncanny knack of mixing deliveries from the top-spinner, to the wrong-un and the flipper for five seasons continues to bamboozle even the best batsmen in the League.
Khan has already played 61 games for the Strikers, taking 92 wickets at an exceptional economy rate of 6.44. Throughout the course of his BBL career, Khan hasn't conceded more than 7.50 runs an over. Sublime consistency in a format where batsmen once they start hammering deliveries to every section of the field are hard to contain.
To cap it all off, he is only one of seven bowlers to take a hat-trick in the tournament's history. With a strong bowling attack featuring former Australian fast bowler Peter Siddle, South Australian left-arm quick Wes Agar, Harry Conway, and Colin de Grandhomme, Khan is going to have the task of chipping away and grabbing critical wickets. But it shouldn't be a problem for the spin maestro.
One to Watch
Having had limited opportunities with the Adelaide Strikers, BBL|12 feels as though the South Australian wicketkeeper is ready to become a regular member of the team. Whilst his wicketkeeping is sharp, his abilities with the bat could well be decisive.
If he is able to feature regularly, it only adds to the strength of the Strikers batting alongside Chris Lynn, Matt Short, Travis Head, Alex Carey, and Henry Hunt. Placing him either at six or seven is an option well worth thinking about for the Strikers.
You nly have to look at the back end of last season to see vital runs in the final 4-5 overs significantly helped propel the Strikers' score.
Key Matches
Tuesday, December 20 v Sydney Thunder, Adelaide Oval
Monday, December 26 v Perth Scorchers, Optus Stadium
Saturday, December 31 v Melbourne Stars, Adelaide Oval
Monday, January 2 v Hobart Hurricanes, Blundstone Arena
Tuesday, January 17 v Sydney Sixers, Coffs Harbour
