BBL08 will always be known as the one that got away for the Hurricanes. Player of the tournament D’Arcy Short led the Hurricanes to the number one spot on the ladder, two games ahead of the second placed Renegades. However it was all for nothing as the Hurricanes were upset by the Stars in the semi-finals and they will be out to make amends in BBL09. We take a look at the Hobart Hurricanes in our full 2019-20 Big Bash League team preview below!
Hobart Hurricanes Team Preview
Current 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
Last Season: 1st (Home and away season)
In: David Miller, Scott Boland, Nathan Ellis, Jarrod Freeman,
Out: Jofra Archer, Tymal Mills, Johan Botha
The Hurricanes dominated the BBL last season led by D’Arcy Short and Matthew Wade’s destructive batting as they finished as the top two scorers in the tournament, combining for 1229 runs. The Hurricanes batting was well supported by Jofra Archer’s 18 wickets, as well as the emergence of young gun Riley Meredith.
The Hurricanes won’t have Wade for at least the first six matches of the season, and it could be more if he is picked for Australia’s ODI series against India in January. Archer won’t take part at all this season as he has international commitments with England.
Despite these losses the Hurricanes had a productive off season, signing South African David Miller who will add some much needed power to the middle order. Along with Miller, the Hurricanes have signed Scott Boland from the Melbourne Stars, who will help carry the load left by Archer’s absence. The Hurricanes will be looking for some of their role players from last season to step up and have a bigger impact this season.
Adam Griffith will lead the Hurricanes in his second season as head coach.
Batting
D’Arcy Short is the reigning two time player of the tournament and he will need to produce another strong performance, especially when Matthew Wade is away on test duties. David Miller will bring a wealth of experience to the side, as well as flexibility in where he can bat in the order. The short boundaries square of the wicket at Blundstone Arena will suit Miller’s power hitting nicely.
Ben McDermott will need to produce a big season for the Hurricanes. McDermott put together a solid season in BBL08 scoring 376 runs at an average of 37.60, in Wade’s early season absence, if McDermott can up his scoring with increased opportunity, the Hurricanes will be able to cover Wade’s absence.
George Bailey will provide much needed experience throughout the middle order, James Faulkner and Simon Milenko will provide plenty of power to round out a batting order that possesses a lot of depth. Blundstone Arena’s short square boundaries will provide a big home ground advantage given the batting power the Hurricanes have.
Bowling
The main question surrounding the Hurricanes heading into this season is if the Hurricanes bowling attack can perform without Jofra Archer. Although Archer is a superstar, the Hurricanes definitely have enough talent to cover his absence. Riley Meredith (16 wickets) and James Faulkner (18 wickets) both placed inside the top ten wicket takers in BBL09.
Add Scott Boland, who has been one of the best bowlers in the history of the BBL along with mystery spinner Qais Ahmad to the attack for a full season and the Hurricanes have one of the strongest bowling attacks in the competition. Clive Rose and Simon Milenko round out a seriously strong attack.
Nathan Ellis had a breakout season in the Marsh Cup where he took 12 wickets in seven games, the third most in the Marsh Cup. Ellis likely won’t start in the early part of the tournament given the Hurricanes depth, however he could be a surprise package for the Hurricanes.
Best XI
1. D'Arcy Short
2. Matthew Wade
3. Ben McDermott
4. David Miller
5. George Bailey
6. Simon Milenko
7. James Faulkner
8. Riley Meredith
9. Scott Boland
10. Clive Rose
11. Qais Ahmad
Prediction: 4th
The Absence of Jofra Archer for the entire season and Matthew Wade for at least six games, means the Hurricanes will experience a slight drop from last season, however the strength of their squad led by D’Arcy Short, will still have the Hurricanes playing finals. Home ground advantage will be a crucial factor for the Hurricanes.
D'Arcy Short top HOB batsman
$2.20
James Faulkner top HOB bowler
$3.40
