BBL News This Week: Strikers unveil English all-rounder, re-sign Rashid, Scorchers re-sign Kiwi import
The Adelaide Strikers had a busy week announcing the recruitment of an overseas all-rounder along with the re-signing of BBL superstar Rashid Khan while the Perth Scorchers confirmed a foreign re-signing.
SIGNINGS
The Strikers landed English all-rounder George Garton (BAT/BWL) in a major coup to their middle order and bowling options after Michael Neser’s departure. Adelaide’s middle order was an issue last year, so Garton has been recruited to fix that, plus adds a fifth bowling option.
Strikers coach Jason Gillespie said: “George has been on England’s radar for a while now. He bowls left arm fast, he can swing the new ball which is great, he is an aggressive left hand batter who can clear the rope and he would be one of the best fielders in the world at the moment. He is top drawer.
“We identified that in the middle-order, to have a batting and bowling option is something that will be extremely useful to us. We are comfortable that we have a lot of great top-order options, but this is an area that we can strengthen within our squad.”
Garton is currently playing in the IPL with Royal Challengers Bangalore, whom he opened the bowling for on Wednesday, taking 1-30 from three overs. He was among the best wicket-takers in The Hundred earlier this month, with 10 wickets in nine games (8.9 economy) for the Southern Brave.
RE-SIGNINGS
The Perth Scorchers confirmed the re-signing of Kiwi batsman Colin Munro (BAT), who came into his own after a slow start in BBL|10.
Munro, who scored the fifth most runs (267 runs at 29.66 with a 101.13 strike rate) in the recently concluded the Caribbean Premier League, should be available all of BBL|11.
Scorchers coach Adam Voges said: “We’re incredibly pleased that Colin will be part of our Scorchers squad for BBL|11, he brought so much value on and off the field last year and was a great fit with our group. He played some brilliant innings last season and was an extremely important player for us, we can’t wait to welcome him back this year.”
One of the SuperCoach must-haves Rashid Khan (BWL) was confirmed for BBL|11 by the Strikers and he shouldn’t miss any cricket due to national duties this summer.
Strikers coach Jason Gillespie said: “He is just a wonderful human being, and he is part of the furniture here at the Strikers now. We are delighted to have his presence and his leadership.”
He’s currently playing in the IPL with Sunrisers Hyderabad with his no let-up in his standards, so expect him to play his same usual role for Adelaide.
Check out all the updated squads and player price predictions.
UPDATES
Liam Hatcher (BWL) and Nick Larkin (BAT) signed extensions with the Melbourne Stars. In the release, Stars coach David Hussey talked up Larkin’s versatility in the batting line-up.
INJURIES
Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant offered an injury update on Marcus Stoinis (BAT/BWL) who injured his hamstring last week. “Stoinis may take a match or two,” Pant said. “That is the only update I can offer as of now and you will come to know more soon.” No need to stress too much about his ability to bowl in BBL|11, yet.
FORM GUIDE
Glenn Maxwell (BAT/BWL) has posted back-to-back half-centuries in the IPL for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in a positive form upturn. Scorchers BBL|10 import Liam Livingstone (BAT/BWL) has been struggling lately for the Rajasthan Royals with scores of 6, 4 and 1 in his past three games.
Sam Heazlett (BAT) and Matt Renshaw (BAT) hit centuries in Queensland Premier Cricket while there was one Sheffield Shield game played. Check out our full form guide for all players.