Bowlers the key for in-form Strikers: Head

Forget the rest, Adelaide batsman Travis Head claims the Strikers possess the best bowling attack in this summer’s Big Bash League.

The South Australian-based attack might not have the star power of some of its rivals but, when it comes to results, it’s hard to argue with the 21-year-old.

Four times, the Strikers have bowled first in this summer’s domestic Twenty20 competition. Four times they’ve come away victorious.

Head, scorer of a match-winning 57 not out off 40 balls in Sunday’s five-wicket win over the Brisbane Heat at the Gabba, says it is no coincidence every target the Strikers have been set has been achievable.

Captain Johan Botha used seven bowlers during the Heat’s innings, with just nine runs coming off the last two overs in what Head said is part of the team’s game plan.

“We spoke about that before the competition and said `this is what is going to win us games’,” Head said.

“The batting’s explosive and there’s a lot of big-hitters in the side and exciting players but the bowling is where it’s at. That death bowling (on Sunday), the last two overs, were fantastic.”

Pacemen Kane Richardson (6) and Ben Laughlin (7), are among the top wicket-takers in this summer’s tournament, while young leg-spinner Adam Zampa (5.53 runs per over) and Craig Simmons (6.10rpo) are among the most economical.

Add in veteran quick Shaun Tait, who was rested for the trip to Brisbane with hamstring tendonitis, and you can see where Head is coming from.

While Tait should return for Tuesday’s clash with Perth at Adelaide Oval, West Indies allrounder Kieron Pollard won’t be there as he heads to South Africa to join his international teammates.

Another who’ll be absent until at least the finals is veteran batsman Brad Hodge, who confirmed on Sunday he’ll undergo surgery this week after fracturing his left forearm before the New Year’s Eve clash with Hobart.

Hodge and Pollard will be missed, says Head, but he’s confident the Strikers can make up for their absence.

Twenty20 journeyman Ryan ten Doeschate will be Pollard’s replacement and Head says the Dutch international has been making all the right moves so far.

“We’ll keep going the same,” he said.

“Ten Doeschate has been unbelievable at home. Everyone can’t believe how well he’s hitting it at the moment. He’s come over and done all the work with us.

“Kieron is an explosive player and he’s exciting but ten Doeschate can do a real good job for us in the middle order.”

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