WBBL|03- Strikers Preview
Despite winning a WNCL title (and making the grand final on the other occasion) over the past few years, the Strikers have unfortunately been somewhat of a laughing stock in the WBBL, ending up with the wooden spoon last year and finishing second last in the opening instalment.
With the league’s most explosive batter in Sophie Devine, it is mind boggling how bad the batting has been- with a series of perplexing selection decisions and a general lack of depth, meaning the side only had an average run-rate of 5.9 RPO.
WBBL|03 is a new season however, and with a change of captaincy and a willingness to avoid the selection conservatism that has always plagued South Australian cricket, it seems the Strikers are finally ready to surge up the table.
Ins: Suzie Bates (Scorchers), Rhiannon Dick (Sixers), Ellie Falconer, Annie O’Neil
Outs: Sarah Coyte, Charlotte Edwards, Sarah Elliot, Shelley Nitschke
Full Squad
Batters: Annie O’Neil, Tammy Beaumont, Tabby Saville, Bridget Patterson
Wicketkeepers: Tegan McPharlin
Allrounders: Rhiannon Dick, Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Amanda Wellington, Tahlia McGrath
Bowlers: Ellie Falconer, Megan Schutt, Sam Betts, Katelyn Pope, Alex Price
WBBL|02 Snapshot
Average Runs Scored Per Game: 114.9 (League average= 120.84)
Average RPO: 5.9 (League average= 6.43)
WBBL|02 Top 3 Runscorers
Tammy Beaumont: 12 matches, 12 innings, 276 runs @ 25. HS- 58
Sophie Devine: 9 matches, 9 innings, 270 runs @ 38.57. HS- 103*
Bridget Patterson: 12 matches, 12 innings, 155 runs @ 15.5. HS- 40*.
WBBL|02 Top 3 Strike-rate (minimum 50 runs)
Sophie Devine: 9 innings, 270 runs/200 balls, SR 135. 4s: 27, 6s: 13.
Amanda Wellington: 7 innings, 50 runs/40 balls, SR 125. 4s: 5, 6s: 1.
Megan Schutt: 8 innings, 62 runs/55 balls, SR 112.72. 4s: 6, 6s: 1.
Average Runs Conceded: 119.4 (League average= 120.84)
Average Economy Rate: 6.43 (League average= 6.43)
WBBL|02 Top 3 Wicket-takers
Megan Schutt: 12 matches, 44 overs, 13 wickets @ 17.15. BB 2/14.
Tahlia McGrath: 12 matches, 22.3 overs, 9 wickets @ 16.66 BB 2/11.
Amanda Wellington: 12 matches, 40 overs, 8 wickets @ 27.05. BB 2/8.
WBBL|02 Top 3 Economy Rates (minimum 20 overs)
Megan Schutt: 12 matches, 13 wickets, 44 overs for 223 runs, ER 5.06.
Amanda Wellington: 12 matches, 8 wickets, 44 overs for 220 runs, ER 5.5.
Shelly Nitschke (now gone): 10 matches,4 wickets, 28 overs for 171 runs, ER 6.1.
Batting Preview
The highlight of the Striker’s batting line-up is undoubtedly New Zealander, Sophie Devine. The blonde haired dynamo is possibly the best pure ball striker in the world, and has been far more consistent over the past couple of years. Her WNCL record in the 2017/18 season is nothing short of phenomenal, with 181 runs from four innings at an average of 45- with a best of 117. That’s not the phenomenal part, however, with Devine striking at 125.69- in the FIFTY OVER GAME. She papers over the cracks over an over-hyped Tammy Beaumont, with the English opener quite poor in the T20 game; striking at only 96.5 last season.
The selection decisions last season were, quite simply, astonishing. With batters like Alex Price, Tegan McPharlin and Shelley Nitschke- barely at the standard of most side’s tailenders; given extended stays at the top of the order, the Strikers were a rabble.
Following intervention from the Australian coach, the Scorpions finally promoted Amanda Wellington up from the 10/11 positions this season and the Australian leggie promptly registered a hundred- leaving egg on the face of the SA selection panel and coaches. Having struck a promising 40* last season with her side collapsing (and striking at 125), the Strikers will look forward to an increased contribution from Wellington and fellow Aussie all-rounder Tahlia McGrath. One hopes that a middle order of Bates, McGrath and Wellington gives Adelaide the opportunity to score enough runs that a strong bowling line-up can defend.
Bowling Preview
The Strikers woes after the past two seasons have certainly not been due to the bowling brigade. Megan Schutt has developed into the most dangerous opening bowler in the world and leggie Amanda Wellington is probably the world’s best, and certainly the most consistent, wrist spinner.
What is more impressive now is the variety in the attack, with less reliance on spin and an even smattering of bowlers with different attributes. Alex Price offers the opportunity to spin the ball the other way to Wellington, while McGrath has come on in leaps and bounds; with an increased ability to rely on different pace and cutting variations.
With Suzie Bates offering wily medium pacers, the Strikers attack is one of the most varied and even in the league, and it is hard to see them being completely taken apart too often.
Fielding Preview
There are a number of impressive fielders in this team, with the ability to change the course of a game; and put the pressure on the batting side.
Alex Price is a strong catcher in the in-field, while Sophie Devine is an impressive athlete that is versatile enough to fill a number of positions. Megan Schutt and Bridget Patterson are two of the better outfielders in the league, and both boast an ability to affect run-outs from the deep, and cut-off seemingly sure boundaries that others can’t get to.
The most important part of the fielding side of the equation now, is the introduction as Suzie Bates as captain, with the previous skipper, Tegan McPharlin, often uninventive and lacking an intuition for bowling changes.
Betting Opportunities
To Win WBBL|03: $11 (TAB). They are probably a year away from genuinely challenging from the title, but with odds that are over double the favourite, the Sydney Sixers ($4.50 Sportsbet) the $11 on offer from the TAB is too good to ignore.
Lowest Opening Partnership: The Strikers tried a number of different combination last season, and none particularly clicked. Tammy Beaumont won’t worry to many sides given her strike-rate, and her opening partner (could be a number of people) is still up in the air.
Example: Game One v Hurricanes- $1.80 Hurricanes ($2.50 Strikers) Sportsbet.
Batsman Total Runs- Sophie Devine. Devine has added an impressive consistency to her game over the past season or so, and revels in the difficult situations where nothing is expected. I like her to hit her mark more often than not, especially with a stronger line-up around her.
Example: Game One v Hurricanes- Over 12.5 runs, $1.88 Sportsbet.
Predicted Finish
4th.
It is really hard to trust this side given what has happened in the two season gone, but with Suzie Bates taking over as captain, that element alone gives me confidence that the Strikers organisation has turned a corner and realised its shortcomings. Their batting means they likely don’t have the firepower to compete with the competition’s best, but they have a level of x-factor finally that means the $11 for them to win is sensational value.
WBBL|03 Winner: $11 (TAB)
