The must haves, bargain buys and ones to watch out for in the Adelaide Strikers squad in BBL|05
BBL fantasy guide: Adelaide Strikers
SQUAD
Jonathon Dean ($44,700), Travis Head ($57,500), Brad Hodge ($51,000), Jon Holland ($42,100), Alexander Keath, Hamish Kingston ($30,000), Ben Laughlin ($82,500), Jake Lehmann, Tim Ludeman ($78,200), Michael Neser ($67,900), Gary Putland ($66,800), Adil Rashid ($87,600), Kane Richardson ($73,900), Alex Ross ($31,100), Craig Simmons ($60,800), Kelvin Smith ($50,500), Billy Stanlake ($20,000).
Last season's minor premiers suffered a huge blow last month, when star West Indian Kieron Pollard was ruled out of the entire competition with a knee injury.
All is not lost for the Strikers though, with new coach Jason Gillespie still capable of calling on plenty of talented players.
Hard-hitting batsman Craig Simmons will be expected to perform at the top of the order, while the inexperienced trio of Alex Ross, Jake Lehmann and skipper Travis Head alongside the evergreen Brad Hodge are sure to give opposition teams plenty to ponder.
The Strikers will be hoping that English import Adil Rashid can contribute with both bat and ball, while the pace attack of Ben Laughlin, Kane Richardson, Michael Nesar and Billy Stanlake should complement a good variety of spinners that includes Victorian Jon Holland.
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MUST HAVE
Tim Ludeman ($78,200) – The Strikers keeper enjoyed an extremely successful BBL|04 with a total of 253 runs at an average of 31.6. He thrives on the short boundaries square of the wicket at the Adelaide Oval and is likely to feature at the top of the order.
BARGAIN BUY
Jon Holland ($42,100) - The Victorian left armer was the best spinner during September's Matador Cup and only a recent calf injury has restricted his progress in the Sheffield Shield season. If fit, he is almost certain to snag wickets and can always be relied upon to bowl economically.
CONSIDER CAREFULLY
Ben Laughlin ($82,500) - He took 13 scalps for the Strikers during the Big Bash last season, but his economy rate was rather high (8.61 runs per over). Laughlin is an excellent bowler, but there may just be a few better bargains at this high price tag.