Big Bash: Impressive Jonathan Wells innings sets up Strikers win over Stars
A big innings from Jonathan Wells appeared to have put the Strikers in the box seat against the Stars but then Glenn Maxwell stepped up to make it a close run thing.
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Miraculous shot-making from Glenn Maxwell got the Melbourne Stars close, but Peter Siddle’s steady finish with the ball ensured Adelaide prevailed by five runs on the Gold Coast.
The Strikers made 4-174 behind Jonathan Wells’ unbeaten 68 and looked well on track before Maxwell revived the Stars’ chase at Metricon Stadium on Friday night.
Twice he sliced Wes Agar’s wide yorkers over point for six in an over that gave the Stars the upper hand.
Siddle (3-24 from four overs) ended his charge though, Maxwell cue-ending a reverse paddle onto his stumps for 43 off 25.
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With the Stars needing 12 off the final over, Siddle had the answers again. He bowled Ben Dunk from the penultimate ball with the Stars needing six to win and ensured Adam Zampa couldn’t land the miracle blow from the final ball. “It got pretty tight there towards the end, we dropped a few catches - me included - that kept us on the edge of our seats,” Wells said.
“We know how damaging he (Maxwell) is and he’s in great touch, so I was happy to see the back of him and Sidd’s execution at the end there was top notch.” Earlier, Dale Steyn was given a harsh Big Bash League introduction, debuting after missing the Stars’ opening two wins with a side strain. The South African import retired from Test cricket earlier this year with 439 Test scalps at 22.95.
Jake Weatherald held no regard for that resume though, depositing Steyn for back-to-back sixes over mid-off and following them with two fours. The Strikers opener went to the well once too often though, skying the final ball of an eventful over that collected 20 runs and a wicket. His cameo was well supported by middle-order pair Alex Carey (45 from 45) and Wells (68no from 46).
And it was enough to earn Weatherald the golden cap as the competition’s leading run-scorer (146 runs), just one ahead of Carey (145) and Wells (140) as the Strikers clogged up the BBL run-scoring chart.
Steyn (1-29 from three overs) bounced back well, finding a shorter length and hint of outswing, while the Stars’ leg-spinners combined for 2-41 from seven overs.
‘I’ve been here for two games, done a lot of media and I’ve done a lot of stuff like that, so I was wanting to perform and running in and just missing it a bit,” Steyn said.
“After that I had a little hard chat to myself and I was able to drag it back but I don’t really care how many runs I go for, I came down here to win games for the Stars.”