Boost for Strikers as Travis Head is made available for Big Bash semi

The Adelaide Strikers have been given a boost ahead of their BBL semi-final against the Renegades.

Key batter and captain Travis Head has been released from his national team duties to play in Friday night’s clash at Adelaide Oval.

Head had been training with the Australia squad but has now been allowed to participate in the semi-final due to “exceptional circumstances”.

It is believed he was very unlikely to be selected in Australia’s final XI.

The semi-final is just 24 hours before Australia’s T20 clash with New Zealand at the SCG.

Strikers Billy Stanlake and Alex Carey and Renegades Aaron Finch and Kane Richardson will be unavailable for the semi due to their national team commitments.

TEAMS

Strikers: Jake Weatherald, Jono Dean, Travis Head (c), Colin Ingram, Jono Wells, Jake Lehmann, Harry Nielsen (wk), Rashid Khan, Michael Neser, Peter Siddle, and Ben Laughlin.

Renegades: Marcus Harris, Tim Ludeman (wk), Cameron White, Tom Cooper, Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Jack Wildermuth, Beau Webster, Chris Tremain, Joe Mennie, and Jon Holland.