Adelaide Strikers vs Hobart Hurricanes, 28th Match - Live Cricket Score, Commentary

Series: Big Bash League, 2015-16 Venue: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide Date & Time: Jan 13, 07:10 PM LOCAL

Sangakkara failed to fire yet again as Hobart failed to reach the semis. © Cricbuzz

Adelaide Strikers being perched at the top of the table comes as little surprise given that they have lost just one of the six games they've played so far this season.

The Strikers have been dealt a blow ahead of the game as their young pacer Billy Stanlake is out with a stress fracture. They already are without the services of Kane Richardson, who has joined the Australian One-Day International (ODI) squad and Mahela Jayawardene with a strained quadricep.

For Hobart, Kumar Sangakkara has endured a torrid time this season by scoring just 101 runs in 7 appearances and he would like to turn things around in this crucial encounter. Their bowling has been effective, but they'll be looking at tightening all loose ends with an eye on the top four spots.

A win will not only propel Adelaide to the top of the table but will also help them secure a home semifinal.

The Hurricanes have won the toss and they will be batting first. The big news is that they have left out Darren Sammy from the playing XI. Fans won't be able to see a face-off between Mahela and Sanga either as the former has been rested by the Strikers following his injury.

Teams:

Hobart Hurricanes: Tim Paine(w/c), Ben Dunk, Kumar Sangakkara, Daniel Christian, Michael Hill, Jonathan Wells, Simon Milenko, Cameron Boyce, Clive Rose, Sam Rainbird, Shaun Tait

Adelaide Strikers: Tim Ludeman(w), Jonathon Dean, Travis Head, Brad Hodge(c), Alex Ross, Jake Lehmann, Adil Rashid, Michael Neser, Ben Laughlin, Jon Holland, Greg West

The move to promote Kumar Sangakkara as an opener hasn't paid off for the Hurricanes. The left-hander falls to an off-cutter from Michael Neser for just 4. Tim Paine on the other hand has struck a couple of sixes already. Ben Dunk in at number 3.

Was that Dunk's last BBL innings this season? He will certainly hope not as he falls for 8. That was Greg West's first wicket in the competition. Michael Hill, who replaced George Bailey in the squad has walked in next.

for Dunk. Was the Aus T20I wk last summer, but sadly played himself out of World T20 contention - unless focus on old form.