Strikers can replace Australian-bound stars, says spinner Liam O’Connor

The Strikers’ championship defence is back on track and they can cope without key players Alex Carey, Peter Siddle and Billy Stanlake because of Australian commitments, says Liam O’Connor.

DISBELIEF: Renegade Tom Cooper shows his shock at being dismissed with a long hop by Striker Liam O’Connor in Geelong. Picture: SCOTT BARBOUR (Getty Images).

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Liam O’Connor has declared the Adelaide Strikers’ championship defence is back on track and that they can cope without key players Alex Carey, Peter Siddle and Billy Stanlake because of Australian commitments.

The little-used Western Australian leg-spinner, who played his first game for the Strikers this campaign in the 32-run win against the Melbourne Renegades on Thursday night, said his side had the depth to cover for the missing men for part of BBL08.

“We’ve got Harry Nielsen, Wes Agar, Cam Valente and myself waiting in the wings, so our depth is pretty good,’’ said O’Connor, who claimed 2/21 from four overs against the Renegades at Geelong.

“So I can’t see us having too much trouble filling their places, as good as they are.’’

Strikers players react after Liam O'Connor (left) dismissed Tom Cooper of the Renegades. Picture: AAP

Wicketkeeper-batsman Carey and quicks Siddle and Stanlake have been called up for Australian one-day international duty against India — the series runs from January 12-18 — but they could miss just one BBL game.

The Strikers will welcome back captain and Australian Test batsman Travis Head, who surprisingly missed selection in the one-day international team.

Star Afghan leg-spinner Rashid Khan has also confirmed he will stay in Australia to play the remainder of BBL08, despite the passing of his father.

“We’re more than happy to have Trav back,’’ O’Connor said.

“As much as losing the other three is a bit of a drama, having Trav back is going to be a massive help for us.’’

Mohammad Nabi of the Renegades is bowled by Liam O'Connor of the Strikers. Picture: AAP

The Strikers, who host the Sydney Sixers at Adelaide Oval at 6.45pm on Sunday and should have their three Australian one-day players available for the clash, have won their past two matches after a 1-2 start to move back into the top four.

“Winning games always makes a big difference and we’ve got a bit of momentum leading into our next game now,’’ said O’Connor, who played in last season's grand final win against the Hobart Hurricanes.

O’Connor bowled well against the Renegades but saw the light side of his dismissal of their stand-in captain Tom Cooper, with a long hop that the Redback pushed straight to Colin Ingram at cover.

“It probably wasn’t the best ball I’ve ever bowled but it was actually really sticky and a bit dewy out on the field,’’ he said.

“I’ll use that as my excuse and ‘Coops’ was trying to hit me over cover every ball and bowling a long hop probably doesn’t suit that, so I’ll take it.

“It’s just a part of being a spinner in the Big Bash. I know I'm never going to be hitting 100 per cent of my balls, so if you can take a wicket with an average ball like that; I was pretty happy with it.’’

A concern for the Strikers is middle-order batsman Jake Lehmann’s form.

He is averaging only 10 in the BBL and made only two from six balls against Melbourne.

O’Connor however defended the Redbacks batsman’s T20 performances, saying it is tough to bat in the middle order in the Big Bash.

“Honestly he’s playing in one of the hardest positions in T20 cricket, batting in that six-seven role,’’ he said.

“You are coming in late which is hard work for any batsman.’’

Originally published as Strikers can replace Australian-bound stars, says spinner Liam O’Connor