Adelaide Strikers are the defending WBBL champions, so cany they keep hold of their crown? MATTHEW LUDDINGTON takes a look at the how the squad is shaping up going into the new season
Adelaide Strikers struck gold last season after experiencing heart-wrenching defeats in the finals of the Women's Big Bash in the fifth and seventh seasons.
While the departure of West Indies international Deandra Dottin is a loss, the Strikers have made promising new signings in English allrounders Georgia Adams and Danielle Gibson, who are expected to fill that void effectively.
Coach Luke Williams is also looking to local talent, with Bridget Patterson trusted with the gloves this season. Young talents such as Anesu Mushangwe and Ella Wilson could also be given the platform to shine.
Since last season, skipper Tahlia McGrath has captained Australia and is poised to expertly lead the Strikers once again in the upcoming season, as they look to go back-to-back.
Coach: Luke Williams
Captain: Tahlia McGrath
How strong is the batting?
The Strikers' batting was outstanding last year, led by the outstanding performances of overseas stars Dottin and Laura Wolvaardt. Dottin has departed, but with the rest of the top six from last season retained and the addition of Adams, the batting unit appears even more formidable this season.
Opening batter Wolvaardt delivered consistently, and finished the season as the tournament's third-highest run-scorer with 403 runs. Her partnership with Katie Mack at the top of the order provided crucial stability.
McGrath bats at No.3, and is a world-class player. Despite having a lean season by her standards in 2022, she showcased her ability with a remarkable 93 not out against Hobart Hurricanes.
Bridget Patterson provided solidity in the middle order at No.5, and Madelaine Penna emerged as a revelation in the lower middle order. Her average of 54.2 was the highest in the WBBL, and she made a match-winning 56 not out against Melbourne Stars.
New signing Adams batted superbly in this summer's title-winning campaigns for Southern Brave and Southern Vipers. Gibson, the England international, can bat anywhere from opening to the lower middle order, and likes pace on the ball.
The Strikers batting looks a force to be reckoned with and finding the right place for Adams and Gibson to slot in appears to be the biggest question for Luke Williams.
Tahlia McGrath of Adelaide Strikers [Getty Images]
How strong is the bowling?
The Strikers' bowling attack was exceptional last year, led by the formidable Megan Schutt who was the top wicket-taker in the competition, with 27 at an average of 13. With all of their frontline bowlers retained, plus the addition of Adams who was the top wicket-taker in this year's Hundred, the Strikers have a formidable bowling attack for this season.
Sharing the new ball with Schutt is likely to be the exciting and fast-rising talent, 20-year-old Darcie Brown, who made her presence felt with a remarkable performance in last year's final, where she took 2 for 15.
The Strikers have multiple spin options; Barsby possesses a unique skillset, as she is one of the rare bowlers worldwide capable of bowling effectively with either hand, and she employs her off-spin with precision. Adams' off spin introduces another dimension of threat into the attack, and leg-spinner Wellington is a star, she took 23 wickets last year-the third highest in the competition. She equalled her own Women's Big Bash record figures, taking 5 for 8 in a devastating spell against Melbourne Renegades.
Additional options include medium pacers Gibson and skipper McGrath.
Why should the fans be excited?
The Strikers achieved a historic Women's Big Bash victory last year and under the astute leadership of McGrath, fans should be optimistic about their chances of going back-to-back.
The batting lineup is incredibly consistent, with all six of the top-order players making significant contributions last season. This strength has been further bolstered by the addition of Adams and Gibson to the team. Notably, Wolvaardt's crucial top-order runs and Penna's consistency in the lower middle order are expected to be crucial once again.
On the bowling front, the Strikers boast a formidable opening pair in Shutt and Brown, complemented by the spin wizardry of Wellington, who is regarded as one of the competition's premier spinners. The arrival of allrounders Adams and Gibson adds depth and versatility, making the Strikers appear even stronger this year, despite the significant loss of Dottin.
Georgia Adams arrives as an overseas player [Getty Images]
Why should the fans be worried?
Dottin's absence will leave a noticeable void, not only due to her significant contributions during crucial moments but also because of the valuable experience she brought to the team.
The Strikers heavily depend on their top six batters to generate runs, with very little contribution from the tail. Additionally none of the Strikers' batters are considered power-hitters, making their batting lineup less explosive compared to some other teams in the competition.
Being defending champions brings with it increased expectation, and opposing teams will target the Strikers and look to knock them off their perch. This presents a new challenge for the Strikers, and McGrath will have to instil a resolute mentality into the team.
Squad: Jemma Barsby, Darcie Brown, Katie Mack, Tahlia McGrath, Annie O'Neil, Bridget Patterson, Madeline Penna, Megan Schutt, Amanda Jade-Wellington, Ella Wilson, Laura Wolvaardt, Dani Gibson, Georgia Adams, Anesu Mushangwe, Courtney Neale
Fixtures and start time AEST: October 21 - Melbourne Stars (h, 7.10pm); October 23 - Melbourne Renegades (a, 3.00pm); October 24 Melbourne Stars (a, 2.30pm); October 27 Hobart Hurricanes (h, 4.40pm); 29 October Brisbane Heat (h, 7.10pm), 3 November Sydney Sixers (h, 5.10pm); 5 November Perth Scorchers (a, 5.25pm); 8 November Melbourne Renegades (h, 7.10pm), 11 November Brisbane Heat (a, 7.10pm); 15 November Sydney Thunder (h, 3.30pm); 18 November Sydney Sixers (a, 7.10pm); 21 November Sydney Thunder (a, 3pm); 24 November Perth Scorchers (h, 7.10pm); 26 November Hobart Hurricanes (a, 10.10am)
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