Strikers batsman Jon Wells says Adelaide can win BBL09 title, but must first confront AB de Villiers obstacle
Adelaide batsman Jon Wells believes the Strikers are a big chance of claiming the BBL09 crown. But first they need to overcome the Brisbane Heat and their new gun recruit, AB de Villiers.
Big Bash
Don't miss out on the headlines from Big Bash. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- How Strikers ended losing streak at Renegades’ expense
- Jake Weatherald’s T20 World Cup push
- How to get the most out of your Advertiser digital subscription
Ice-man Jon Wells believes Adelaide can win a second title in three seasons, but concedes Brisbane legend AB de Villiers represents a titanic hurdle twice in four days.
Adelaide assumed third spot with an emphatic victory against hapless Melbourne Renegades on Sunday.
Games against the Heat – dramatically reinforced by South African de Villiers – away Tuesday and in Adelaide on Friday will shape Adelaide’s season.
“There has been heaps of hype about AB. I am sure everyone is looking forward to coming up against him, he is one of the best in the world,” said Wells, with Adelaide hoping Peter Siddle can continue a fine record that includes 35-year-old de Villiers’ scalp six times in Test combat.
“It is another challenge we are looking forward to.”
English opener Tom Banton was an inspired Heat addition with 223 runs at a 176 strike rate. Flagship replacement de Villiers arrives at the Gabba with 57 Test and one-day tons while exceeding a 50 average in both formats.
Stream over 50 sports live and on demand with KAYO SPORTS. Just $25/month, no lock-in contract. Get your 14-day free trial and start streaming instantly.
“Hopefully he is a bit sluggish the first couple of games having him back to back,” Wells said.
“Brisbane are a really dangerous team with the bat and AB will strengthen that again.”
Adelaide is three points behind second placed Sydney Sixers, but just one ahead of the fifth-placed Heat.
Adelaide snapped a three-game losing streak against the Renegades.
“In the context of the season it was a very important game for us to make sure we got the points and stayed in the top half of the ladder,” Wells said.
MORE BIG BASH NEWS
No Banton, no worries: Heat’s top-six overhaul
SuperCoach BBL: Can Marsh repeat Round 8 heroics?
AB lands … and delivers huge warning
Did Stoinis hundred set SuperCoach record?
“The recent losses we hadn’t played that good cricket, but were still in the game and took positives out of that.
“The belief is there we can go all the way.”
Wells’ third half-century (58 off 38) this season ensured a 63-run victory that looked in the balance with the Strikers 4-81 in the 11th over against the Renegades.
Wells attributes experience over 84-games with the composure that has the Hobart-bred batsman Adelaide’s most consistent batsman of the past two seasons.
“No real secret. I have played a fair bit of T20 now. I feel like my clarity is really good to know what is needed in every situation,” said Wells with 292 runs at 73 this season to back 359 at 45 in BBL08.
Wells’ 80-run, fifth-wicket stand with Matt Short (41 off 28) proved decisive in delivering a par 173 total to defend that Adelaide’s gun attack had been routinely denied this season.
“It was great to have a partnership with Shorty there, we obviously needed it losing a few wickets through the middle,” Wells said.
Travis Head (2/26) opened the bowling, taking down Renegades duo Marcus Harris and Shaun Marsh.
The Strikers skipper adds to a multidimensional attack.
“The attack is going well, improving each game. Rashid Khan (14 wickets) is one of the best in the world, it’s very handy to have him,” Wells said.
“Siddle’s execution has been really good and Wes Agar was really impressive as well.
“We have the option of Billy Stanlake to come back on, hopefully, a quick Gabba wicket with big square boundaries.”