Limited resources and key departures leave Hurricanes playing catch-up

MEN'S BIG BASH LEAGUE PREVIEW - HOBART HURRICANES: Another campaign of disappointment looms after damaging off-season

The Cricketer | 10/12/2019 at 15:50

Coach: Adam Griffth

Captain: Matthew Wade

Overseas players: Qais Ahmed (Afghanistan), David Miller (South Africa)

Australia national team players: George Bailey, James Faulkner, D'Arcy Short, Matthew Wade.

Last season: Semi-finals

How did they do last season?

Won eight out of nine at the start of the tournament to cruise into the knock-out stages with aplomb. But they lost momentum at the back-end of the group phase and were easily beaten by Sydney Thunder in the first semi-final.

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Key players?

D'Arcy Short: The epicentre of the Hurricanes batting line-up. Averages 46.90 in 34 matches for the side, consistency which helped him force his way back into the Australia T20 fold after finishing top of the tree for runs during last season's competition. An early dismissal by Pat Cummins in that aforementioned semi-final played a major role in the final outcome, meaning he has unfinished business.

David Miller: With more than 300 T20 outings to his name, Miller is a safe pair of hands to step into the international breach left by Jofra Archer. Miller will, of course, have more of an impact with the bat and he arrives in Australia off the back of some decent form in the Mzansi Super League. The timing of the competition means he will be fully available before returning to South Africa for the limited-overs matches against England.

James Faulkner: With Tymal Mills' injury problems and Archer's exit depriving the Hurricanes of two death bowlers, much will be dependent on the performances of Faulkner at the conclusion at the innings. He matched Archer stride-for-stride in term of wickets in 2018-19 but his average economy rate - which is a touch below eight - must improve. Will also hope to make more of an impact with the bat, with his form having tailed off of late.

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^{Jofra Archer and Matthew Wade came face-to-face over the former's decision to leave the Hurricanes}

Strengths

There remains plenty of dynamism in the batting line-up in the form of Short, Ben McDermott and George Bailey. Qais Ahmed will likely be given greater responsibility and Scott Boland is back for a second spell with Hobart.

Weaknesses

It wouldn't be fanciful to suggest that any failure from Short would leave their bowling attack woefully exposed. The elusive Archer has not been properly replaced and nor is there any obvious stand-in for Wade, who is Australia-bound. The greatest hurdle, however, might be phycological, with the stench of failure thanks to two semi-final defeats and a pair of final losses, continuing to linger.

England involvement

None.

Squad: Qais Ahmad, George Bailey, Scott Boland, Jake Doran, Nathan Ellis, James Faulkner, Jarrod Freeman, Caleb Jewell, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Simon Milenko, David Miller, David Moody, Tom Rogers, Clive Rose, D'Arcy Short, Aaron Summers, Matthew Wade.