Young batsmen Jake Weatherald and Alex Carey will bolster the Strikers for BBL|06
Strikers sign young guns for BBL|06
Adelaide Strikers have added two exciting young faces to their ranks for the upcoming KFC Big Bash League, signing explosive batsman Jake Weatherald and wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey.
The South Australian pair join the Strikers after impressive Matador BBQs One-Day Cup campaigns for the Redbacks, as the club looks to improve on its semi-final appearance from BBL|05.
Weatherald, 21, was South Australia's second-highest run scorer during the Matador Cup, notching 284 runs at 47.33 at the top of the order including a blistering 141 from just 104 balls against the Cricket Australia XI.
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Gloveman Carey shares his ability to score quickly at the top of the order and was particularly impressive in his match-winning 75 against Western Australia at the WACA earlier this month.
"They’re two young players who are giving our squad real depth and they’ll certainly be pushing that final eleven," Adelaide Strikers coach Jason Gillespie said.
"Their dynamic style of play strengthens our squad and puts pressure back on the bowlers, and I’m really forward to working with them this summer."
Weatherald said his Matador Cup form was a sign he was ready for the Big Bash.
"Fingers crossed I can deliver some big hitting and find those boundaries," said Weatherald, who cemented his place in the West End Redbacks team last season with knocks of 66 and 96 against Victoria in the Sheffield Shield final.
"My selection was a surprise but I feel like I’m ready for the challenge coming in and I can’t wait to get started now.
"Adelaide probably has the best crowds in the world and I’m really looking forward to it."
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Carey, 25, said he hoped to bring his big-hitting form across to BBL|06.
Image Id: 45D808B9EA114B0DAFB5ED1447E88DDA Image Caption: Alex Carey has signed on for BBL|06 // Getty“I’m very excited to get amongst the Strikers and meet all the guys interstate and all the guys that are here,” the 25-year-old said.
"It did come as a surprise but I’ve been working within this group with my big hitting and aggression at the top and it’s something I definitely want to bring to the BBL.
"I want to perform at this level and really put my name up for the shorter format."
The Strikers have now confirmed 14 members of their squad for their upcoming BBL campaign, which will kick off against Brisbane Heat at the Adelaide Oval on December 21.
Weatherald and Carey are the sole new faces to date, while the Strikers have bid farewell to big-hitting batsman Alex Ross, who has moved to Brisbane.
Adelaide Strikers squad: Alex Carey, Jonathon Dean, Travis Head, Brad Hodge, Jon Holland, Hamish Kingston, Tim Ludeman, Kieron Pollard (OS), Adil Rashid (OS, pending availability), Kane Richardson, Craig Simmons, Kelvin Smith, Billy Stanlake, Jake Weatherald.