‘Tough selection battle' looms for Adelaide Strikers ahead of BBL finals clash

The return of Test heroes and “two of the best Strikers players ever”, Travis Head and Alex Carey, is set to ignite a “tough selection battle” at the Adelaide Strikers, according to veteran Peter Siddle.

Head, named Man Of The Series in the Ashes, and recent Test debutant Carey are both set to play in Friday night’s do-or-die final against the Hobart Hurricanes.

Siddle, who has revealed next year’s Big Bash could well be his last, said Head and Carey’s inclusion would be a “massive” boost for the resurgent Strikers, who lost superstar Afghan import Rashid Khan last week.

“It’s pretty special,” Siddle said.

“We’ve missed them all season; we’ve had to do the hard work to get to where we are now.

“To lose a couple, but to now gain two of our best Strikers players ever … very handy.”

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Siddle said the return of the Test stars would lift the Adelaide Strikers, who are already coming in hot on the back of a four-match winning streak.

“It’s exciting for all of us to have those guys back. They had such an amazing series during the Ashes,” Siddle said.

“They’re buzzing. They’re excited for us being in the finals and getting the opportunity to join us, so I think that buzz is going to be great for the group.

“They’re just looking forward to getting out there and putting on a show.”

Camera IconCarey’s Test debut coincided with Head’s return to the national side. Simon Cross Credit: News Corp Australia

Siddle admitted it wouldn’t be all sunshine and rainbows, with Strikers coach Jason Gillespie now needing to make some brutal selection calls before The Eliminator on Friday.

Siddle said despite his strong form this summer, stand-in wicketkeeper Harry Nielsen would be the first man on the chopping block now Carey was back to pull on the gloves.

“Sadly, I think it’s going to be him that will miss out,” Siddle said.

“His work behind the stumps is outstanding. He’s done another terrific job for us and it is disappointing that he will miss.”

Siddle said he was unsure who would need to sit out to make way for Head, but ruled out club cricketer-turned-Big Bash sensation Ian Cockbain.

Thrust onto the big stage, Cockbain has become a cult hero overnight, most recently bashing an unbeaten 71 runs as the Strikers stunned defending champions the Sydney Sixers.

“To have someone come in and do the job he’s done has been outstanding,” Siddle said.

“It’s going to be a tough selection battle … we’ll have a chat about that.

“I’m sure the way (Cockbain’s) going, he’s definitely going to be playing.”

Siddle, 37, said the finals wouldn’t be his Big Bash swan song, insisting he would be back for the Strikers next summer.

“I’ll definitely at least play one more season,” he said.

“Next year is definitely on the cards, domestically and Big Bash.

“I think I’ll give myself one more year. I’m 38 next year, so I’m getting on; getting far too old and getting too tired.

“So I’ll go around another 12 months and see how we stand this time next year.”