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Strikers survive Miller onslaught in BBL

3 minute read

Adelaide have posted a tense 10-run BBL win over Hobart in Launceston, with Strikers skipper Travis Head top-scoring for the visitors with 79.

TRAVIS HEAD.
TRAVIS HEAD. Picture: Henry Browne/Getty Images

Adelaide captain Travis Head has given selectors a reminder of his white-ball skills with the Strikers, who have survived an onslaught from Hobart import David Miller to notch a tense 10-run BBL win.

Adelaide hung on after posting 5-186 on Sunday afternoon in Launceston, with Head hitting 79 from 40 balls.

Hobart lost regular wickets in the chase but Miller, who had struggled for form all season, came to life in the middle order with an unbeaten 90 from 48 balls.

The Hurricanes needed 21 off the final over but veteran seamer Peter Siddle held his nerve and conceded just 10.

"He made it difficult for us," Head said of Miller.

"But Sids showed his class again ... it was probably closer than what we would have liked. But I actually didn't think we bowled too poorly."

The win lifts Adelaide to second on the ladder, while Hobart's chances of making the finals are virtually over.

Head, having not played limited-overs cricket for Australia since late 2018, earlier clubbed six sixes and five fours after the Strikers were sent in.

He was was dropped on 21 by Miller at deep square leg, one of two simple chances shelled by a sloppy Hobart.

Head made them pay and took a liking to offspinner Clive Rose, launching him for two maximums in three balls in the 13th over before holing out on the leg-side boundary.

The Test No.6 shared a 97-run stand with Jono Wells (45no from 35 balls) after Adelaide fell to 2-24.

Head said he was feeling comfortable in his fourth game for the Strikers after returning from national duties.

"I probably haven't trained as much as I normally would have in the last little bit. That's just coming off the back of a big summer and making sure I'm mentally fresh," Head said.

He also pulled off a one-handed grab at cover to remove Jake Doran (28) from the bowling of Wes Agar (4-33).

The Hurricanes' chase was off to the worst possible start when linchpin Matthew Wade (five) edged Michael Neser to slip in the first over.

The Hurricanes remain seventh on the ladder, three points adrift of fifth-placed Perth with three games to play.

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