Adelaide Strikers’ hierarchy faced a selection headache ahead of playing defending champions Perth Scorchers at the pace-friendly Optus Stadium. Strikers had conceded 211 for 4 in their previous match at Perth and had languished in last spot on the BBL ladder after struggling attacks. Their coach, Jason Gillespie, spoke about creating a different strategy in their selection for the game. They turned to legspinner Lloyd Pope, who had only played one match in domestic cricket across three formats over the past two seasons and included offspinning allrounder Ben Manenti. Gillespie mentioned that they had a good match up against the Scorchers.
Strikers won amazingly with their revamped attack limiting Scorchers to 153 for 7 and eventually thumped them by nine wickets. Legspinner Lloyd Pope shone with big wickets and partnered with fellow spinner Boyce in a mesmerizing spin bowling. Strikers’ eventual hefty 50-win victory seemed totally implausible when they were reeling at 48 for 4 after being sent in, but Jake Weatherald’s half-century reignited Strikers.
The team needs to back up quickly as they make the long trip to the Gold Coast to meet Brisbane Heat in the Challenger on Monday. The winner will face Sydney Sixers in the final at the SCG on Wednesday. Pope and Boyce are expected to shine again as Strikers inch towards their first BBL title in six years.
