Hobart Hurricanes’ dreams of reaching the top of the table - even if potentially for just one day - came crashing down as they lost their return matchup against Adelaide Strikers. Now, they await the result of Wednesday’s match between Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Stars to know just how big a chase they have on their hands. Adelaide Stars, meanwhile, are up to 4th place with this win and the Bash Boost point. They will be setting their sights on not only staying within the top 4, but also hopefully assail Melbourne Stars’ point tally. Before all that, though, there’s a few things to discuss about today’s match, so here’s 5 talking points from Hobart Hurricanes versus Adelaide Strikers.
1. Yet another opening failure
It’s a lot more common for batsmen to fail at opening in T20 games than other formats, but it’s still surprising as to just how many times not just one, but both openers for a side have utterly failed. Today, it was D’Arcy Short and Will Jacks’ turn. Jacks was caught by a stunning effort from Weatherald, but the hero of the last game, Short, nicked one from Peter Siddle in the second over. This immediately put the middle order under pressure, which was exacerbated by Peter Handscomb’s subsequent departure.
2. Rescue by McDermott and Ingram
When their team was in dire straits, Ben McDermott, son of Aussie fast-bowling legend Craig McDermott, came to the rescue alongside first match hero Colin Ingram. Together, they added 92 runs, and took the score somewhere respectful. Both played at strike rates not particularly special, but considering the circumstances, it was excellent. It’s a pity that after the last of them left, the rest of HH’s batsmen were only able to add a further 30.
3. Peter Siddle: the experienced hand
As far as bowling figures go, there hasn’t been better so far this season. With his exemplary figures of 3.3-0-16-5, 36-year-old Peter Siddle showed that class is permanent. Not only did he get a five-for in a T20, but four of those were important wickets that were vital for Adelaide’s eventual win. To top it off, 3 of his victims were bowled.
4. Two-man chase
Like McDermott and Ingram, but better. After losing two in the first over, there was fear in the Adelaide dugout that they would sink just like their opponents had. However, Weatherald and captain Carey held their nerves - and indeed the AS inning - together. Weatherald scored a commanding 68* off 48, seeing the match through, and Carey was dismissed after he had done enough damage with a 55. These two innings were more important than at first glance, because no one else of the 5 other players to bat got to double digits.
5. Hobart’s lackluster performance
Whether it was just an off day or complacency from having won the previous match, Hobart Hurricanes just weren’t on top of their game today. First they put up a tepid 146, then they only managed to take 5 wickets while defending it, and lost comfortably with 8 deliveries to go. There were a few silver linings, like the aforementioned batsmen, and Faulkner and Ellis with their two-fors. But unlike other matches, nothing stood out and that hunger just didn’t seem to be there.
What’s next for these two teams?
The Hurricanes have had a busy opening week, and they play again when they lock horns with Melbourne Renegades at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart at 5:40AM IST on Saturday, December 19.
The very next day, the Strikers play their third match. The game will be against an in-form Sydney Sixers and will also take place at the Bellerive Oval, starting 5:40AM on Sunday, December 20.
How our predictions went
Hurricanes couldn’t quite win the match, but at least the Strikers got the toss.
As for other predictions, both bowler predictions were right on the money, and Jake Weatherald got his 50. Additionally, and remarkably, we were correct about Hobart getting more fours and sixes. Looks like we owe one to Weatherald and Carey for focusing more on running. Join us next time when we review the scorcher between Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Stars!
