Big Bash preview: Adelaide Strikers v Melbourne Stars

16:9. Kevin Pietersen. Melbourne Stars

What: Big Bash League

Who: Strikers v Stars

When: Thursday, December 18 – 7.40pm (AEDT)

Where: Adelaide Oval

I Can Watch It On: Channel 10
 

Form Guide

Strikers 2013/14: 7th

Stars 2013/14: Semi-finalists
 

20-20 Vision

The Strikers have lost Michael Neser for the entire campaign with a back injury. He is replaced by Tasmania Sheffield Shield bowler Hamish Kingston. Coach Tim Nielsen has been given permission to replace Phillip Hughes after the former Test player's tragic passing last month. West Indies star Kieron Pollard is back for another season but will miss the second half of the campaign on international duties. Dutch Twenty20 specialist Ryan ten Doeschate will replace Pollard. South Africa spinner Johan Botha is the Strikers' other international player. Veteran batsman Brad Hodge and quick Shaun Tait will also line up for the Strikers this season.
 
The Stars were undefeated in the regular season last time around but were bundled out in the semi-final by the Hobart Hurricanes in a major upset. Brad Hodge has defected to the Strikers but they've added England international Kevin Pietersen to side jam packed with local talent. Glenn Maxwell, Cameron White, Rob Quiney, James Faulkner, John Hastings, Jackson Bird are all back for another season, while England international Luke Wright also returns.
 

Reason To Watch

We'll give you two - Kieron Pollard and Kevin Pietersen. Pollard belted six sixes in an over for the Strikers in a trial game on Tuesday. We don't need to
 

Reason To Turn Away

There isn't one. It's opening night and there's plenty of star power in both line-ups so either get to the game or watch it on the box.
 

Say What

"It's pretty scary stuff. He just said, 'I've had enough' and thought, 'I'll try and hit a few here'. It’s good he’s come here in good form and a scary thought for any other player. "It was cool fun watching, the ease he does it with is unbelievable," – Strikers batsman and assistant coach Brad Hodge on watching Pollard smash six sixes in an over.
 

Final Word

The Stars hare the best team in the Big Bash League on paper and won all eight of their home-and-away games last season. The Strikers have a decent roster and anything can happen in Twenty20, but we can only see one result here. Stars in a canter.

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