BBL2012: Time to find out Warnie Disco Ball

By Nadene Smith

SYDNEY, Australia (TheSportsNEXT) December 12, 2012: Legendary Australian legspinner Shane Warne is all set to give his Disco Ball another go on Wednesday when his side Melbourne Stars take on the Perth Scorchers in the KFC Big Bash League match at Western Australia Cricket Association Ground in Perth.

Shane Warne had a torrid time in his first outing in the KFC Big Bash League 2012, a Melbourne Derby, where he was belted for 41 runs from his 12 deliveries and he didn’t deliver that mystery Disco Ball in those two overs.

Today, he has the chance to try his newly-built mystery delivery against Perth Scorchers who also lost their first match of the competition to Adelaide Strikers on December 9, 2012.

As per the latest updates, the Shane Warne’s Melbourne Stars have won the toss and the legendary leggie has decided to field first.

Melbourne Stars squad includes, Shane Warne (captain), James Faulkner, Peter Handscomb (wk), Brad Hodge, David Hussey, Clint McKay, Lasith Malinga, Glenn Maxwell, Rob Quiney, Cameron White, Luke Wright, Scott Henry, John Hastings, Clive Rose, Jackson Bird, and Alex Keath.

Perth Scorchers squad includes Herschelle Gibbs, Hilton Cartwright, Adam Voges, Simon Katich (captain), Marcus North, Tom Triffitt (wk), Nathan Counter-Nile, Marcus Stoinis, Joe Mennie, Michael Beer, Brad Hogg, Ben Edmondson, Alfonso Thomas, Ashton Agar, Shaun Marsh, Tim Armstrong, and Jason Behrendorff.

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Clarke, Hastings, Hilfenhaus, Hazlewood to miss Big Bash League opener

By Nadene Smith

SYDNEY, Australia (TheSportsNEXT) December 5, 2012: The most-anticipated Australian domestic Twenty20 cricket tournament is just a couple of days away but some of the biggest stars will not be part of the initial matches of the KFC Big Bash League 2012.

Australian Test skipper Michael Clarke, as well as pacemen Ben Hilfenhaus, John Hastings, and Josh Hazelwood will not be available to their respective BBL franchises for their opening games of the Australian domestic Twenty20 season.

Michael Clarke is once again struggling to get over the back soreness and has been told to stay away from the opening round of the KFC Big Bash League 2012.

While Josh Hazlewood, who is knocking at door of Test cricket, is nursing a foot injury and is out at least for a month, Ben Hilfenhas and John Hastings have also been ordered by the Cricket Australia to miss the opening stages of the Twenty20 tournament.

Cricket Australia Executive General Manger of Team Performces, Pat Howard said in a statement issued Wedenesday, "Our medical staff have advised Michael not to play cricket this weekend”.

The Cricket Australia’s National Selection Panel is due to announce squad on Thursday for the first Test against Sri Lanka and Michael Clarke, who has been facing back problems due to degenerative discs in his lower back, is expected to be part of the squad.

The first Test between Australia and Sri Lanka is starting from December 14.

Cricket Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, Justin Paoloni said in a statement issued here today, “John Hastings had scans that have ruled out serious injury. He will be reviewed later this week to determine his return to training and playing. He will miss the first Big Bash League game and possibly be unavailable for selection for the first Test versus Sri Lanka in Hobart, depending on how responds to treatment."

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Sydney Sixers end contract with Umar Akmal

By Nadene Smith

SYDNEY, Australia (TheSportsNEXT) November 20, 2012: The Sydney Sixers, on Tuesday, terminated contract of Pakistan’s Twenty20 star player Umar Akmal after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) allowed the hard-hitting batsman to play only one match in the KFC Big Bash League.

However, world’s best off-spinner Saeed Ajmal will still represent the Adelaide Strikers in their opening match of the Australian T20 league.

The Sydney Sixers will commence the BBL campaign on December 8 against Sydney Thunder at the SCG.

The Sydney Sixers came up with the contract termination just a day after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) allowed the middle order aggressor to be part of the KFC Big Bash League 2012.

Stuart Clark, General Manager at Sydney Sixers, told reporters, “While it would have been great to have Umar Akmal here for the start of the BBL season, the short time frame offered is not in the club's best interest and we have decided to see if a suitable replacement is available rather than continue down this path”.

While the local media speculated about Sydney Sixers going after Kevin Pieteresen, Stuart Clark made it clear that the Sixers are not going to sign any foreign player just for the sake of having one in the squad.

He added, “We are confident our strong roster will be able to cover the loss of Umar should we not find a suitable replacement”.

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Saeed Ajmal joins Adelaide Strikers for KFC Big Bash League

By Nadene Smith

SYDNEY, Australia (TheSportsNEXT) November 7, 2012: Pakistan’s best off-spinner Saeed Ajmal has signed up with Adelaide Strikers for the upcoming KFC Big Bash League 2013, the franchise confirmed Wednesday.

Saeed Ajmal is regarded as the world’s best off-spinner and has been a huge success in the shortest format of the game over the years which prompted the Adelaide Strikers to strike a deal with the Pakistani orthodox spinner.

Saeed Ajmal holds 15.4 strike rate in the Twenty20 Internationals and has best figures of four for 19. He has done equally well in the One Day Internationals as he boasts a strike rate of 33.6 with best returns of five for 43.

Saeed Ajmal will replace Kieron Pollard of West Indies and represent the Adelaide Strikers against Perth Scorchers on December 9 before leaving for national duty. He will return later in the tournament if the Adelaider Strikers required him.

The Sydney Strikers camp was ecstatic to have hired services of the world’s best spinner and coach Darren Berry told reporters here, “We know what this guy is capable of, having seen him run through both the Australian and English batsmen a couple of months ago, so to have him on board is a great result for the Strikers”.

Saeed Ajmal was equally excited to be part of the Adelaide Strikers and was waiting for his stint at Adelaide. He told Aussie media, “I am really excited about playing for the Adelaide Strikers and really happy that I will get the chance to show my talent in BBL. I am very keen to meet up with the rest of the boys soon and play my best in the games that I am available, with the hope that Adelaide make the final stages and I can return to help win the competition."

The Adelaide Strikers also announced two more signings including South Australia Redbacks’ wicketkeeper Tim Ludeman and Queensland right-arm spinner Cameron Boyce.

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