BBL05 Adelaide Strikers take down Stars

With memories of Tim Ludeman’s super inning of 92 off 44 balls in BBL04 that sunk the Melbourne Stars, captain David Hussey won the toss and elected to bowl.

Looking to repeat last season’s fireworks Adelaide Strikers, Ludeman and Simmons came out blazing.  Quick wickets and the controversial dismissal of Travis Head had the home side reeling at 4/94.   In an entertaining display of short form cricket, Brad Hodge (56 not out) and Alex Ross (65) steadied the ship to add a BBL record 5th wicket partnership of 115.  In the 17th and 18th overs alone the pair added 45 runs, ultimately pushing the team to a competitive total of 187.

Despite a batting line up not to be trifled with and a couple of botched early chances, Adelaide Strikers were able to take crucial wickets and build pressure on the big hitting Melbourne Stars.  Marcus Stoinis raced to a half century, with Pietersen, Hussey and Maxwell all getting starts but impressive outfield catches and ‘death bowling’ from Richardson and Laughlin saw the Adelaide Strikers home in the heat by 19 runs