By Tim Douglas 
With a new head coach and a reshaped squad, the Adelaide Strikers enter the 2024-25 Big Bash League (BBL) season with renewed hope. After a rollercoaster campaign last year that saw them oust defending champions Perth Scorchers in a knockout thriller, the Strikers are keen to build on that momentum.
Leadership & Coaching
- Captain: Matt Short
- Coach: Tim Paine (former Australian Test captain)
Tim Paine replaces Jason Gillespie, who departed to coach in Pakistan. Paine, familiar with the squad after serving as an assistant coach last season, is expected to bring tactical nous and a calm presence to the Strikers’ dugout.
Adelaide Strikers in BBL 2024-25 Squad Overview
Batsmen & Allrounders:
- Matt Short (Captain)
- Travis Head
- Alex Carey
- Chris Lynn
- D’Arcy Short
- Ollie Pope (England Test star)
- Alex Ross
- Jamie Overton (allrounder)
- Fabian Allen (West Indian allrounder)
- Thomas Kelly
- Jake Weatherald
Bowlers:
- Cameron Boyce (spinner)
- Jordan Buckingham (pace)
- Henry Thornton (pace)
- Brendan Doggett (pace)
- Lloyd Pope (leg-spin)
How They Stack Up
The Strikers’ biggest shift comes in the spin department, as Rashid Khan’s absence for a second straight season leaves a significant void. To counter this, they’ve roped in Fabian Allen, whose left-arm spin and power-hitting capabilities bolster both departments.
The Strikers retained Jamie Overton and pre-signed Ollie Pope, a proven performer at the international level, giving their middle-order a reliable anchor. With Chris Lynn available for the entire season, Adelaide’s batting order looks intimidating.
Strengths of Adelaide Strikers in BBL 2024-25:
- Explosive batting firepower with Chris Lynn, Travis Head, and Matt Short.
- Deep allrounder options, offering flexibility in team selection.
- Experienced leadership in Matt Short and Tim Paine.
Challenges:
- Spin department lacks Rashid Khan’s world-class edge.
- Availability of Test stars Travis Head and Alex Carey will be limited to late in the tournament.
- Pope’s initial absence due to England duties may cause a shaky start.
Player to Watch: Matt Short
Fresh off consecutive BBL MVP awards, Matt Short is expected to lead from the front again. His all-round abilities, including his aggressive top-order batting (541 runs at a strike rate of 153 last season) and useful offspin, make him the Strikers’ heartbeat. After a mixed international stint against Pakistan, Short will be motivated to dominate the BBL once more.
Key Availability Updates
- Chris Lynn: Available for the entire season (previously left early for the UAE league).
- Ollie Pope: Will miss the early games due to England’s tour of New Zealand.
- Travis Head & Alex Carey: Likely to play three matches late in the season before leaving for a Test series in Sri Lanka.
Prediction: A Promising Campaign Ahead
With seasoned match-winners and a motivated coaching staff, the Strikers have the potential to be serious contenders. If their top-order fires consistently and their bowling unit adapts well without Rashid Khan, the Adelaide Strikers could be a force to reckon with in BBL 2024-25.
Zainab Shafiq