Hobart Hurricanes shock as batsman Ben Dunk traded to Adelaide Strikers

THE Hobart Hurricanes have dropped a bombshell just a month from the start of the sixth edition of the Big Bash League by trading away explosive opener Ben Dunk.

Batsman Ben Dunk has been traded to the Adelaide Strikers. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

THE Hobart Hurricanes have dropped a bombshell just a month from the start of the sixth edition of the Big Bash League by trading away explosive opener Ben Dunk.

In just the second trade in the history of the BBL, Dunk will join the Adelaide Strikers in return for local product and bowling all-rounder Hamish Kingston.

The only other BBL trade came two years ago when the Melbourne Stars and Perth Scorchers swapped spinners James Muirhead and Michael Beer.

Dunk has been with the Hurricanes for four seasons — he did not play a game in 2012-13 — but was a revelation in 2013-14 where he clubbed a tournament leading 395 runs at an average of 43.8 and strike rate of 145.7, which also earned him player of the BBL and a call-up to the Australian T20 side.

However, he has been unable to replicate his dynamic best in the past two tournaments, managing just 288 runs in his past 16 matches.

Hobart Hurricanes cricket manager Andrew Dykes said it was a difficult decision to let Dunk go, but believes the addition of Kingston will bolster an area which has been a glaring problem in the last two seasons.

“We feel this is a good long-term outcome for Ben who was in the last year of his contract with us and we thank him for his big contribution to the Hurricanes over his four seasons with us,” Dykes said.

“We wish him all the best with his career with the Strikers.

“Hamish is a wonderful death bowler who performed really well at the most recent Matador Cup.

“We were really keen to add some extra depth to our death bowling in particular and as a bowling all rounder he provides us with more batting options in the lower order as well.”

The Hurricanes have two spots left to fill for BBL|06.

Originally published as Hobart Hurricanes shock as batsman Ben Dunk traded to Adelaide Strikers