The Adelaide Strikers are on the hunt for their second Big Bash League (BBL) title.
Adelaide had a disappointing BBL|15 season, finishing sixth on the ladder with just four wins and six losses, missing the finals for the second straight year.
The Strikers started their season with a win over the Sydney Sixers but struggled to find consistency throughout the competition.
Despite some strong performances from Liam Scott with the bat, and Lloyd Pope with the ball, Adelaide struggled to put together consecutive wins.
They finished their season with an eight-wicket win over the Melbourne Renegades and will be hoping for a much better campaign in BBL|16.
The Strikers have recruited international stars in Ben Stokes (England) and Mark Chapman (New Zealand), and still have an open spot for another international player.
Strikers head coach, Tim Paine, said that he's clear on the role the Englishman can play for the Strikers this season
I think he's [Stokes] made to open the batting in the Big Bash," Paine said.
"The pacey, bouncy wickets in Australia really suit him. I've been on the end of a couple of his devastating innings in Test cricket, where you feel like you can't defend the field.
"He can play 360 degrees. He's got power (and) some real class, so I think he can do a terrific job opening the batting."
ADELAIDE STRIKERS KEY PLAYERS IN BBL|16
Ben Stokes
The former England captain will join the Strikers in what is set to be a massive coup for the South Australian side.
Stokes - who is one of the greatest all-rounders to ever play the game - will provide plenty with the bat and ball but also a heap of top-level of experience.
In T20 Internationals, Stokes averaged 21.66 with the bat and 32 with the ball.
The gun all-rounder will hope to put together a dominant tournament for the Strikers as they push for their second BBL title.
Strikers coach, Tim Paine, has already talked about Stokes opening the batting and feels that is where he can be most dangerous.
He will also offer plenty with the ball in hand.
Matt Short
The Adelaide captain has been nothing short of incredible over the last couple of seasons, and the Strikers will need him to produce something similar this season to help propel the club up the BBL ladder.
Across his 95 Big Bash matches, Short has made 2466 runs at a strike rate of 141.89 and an average of 29.01.
He has also been very handy with the ball in hand, taking 38 wickets.
Liam Scott
After a dominant 2025/26 One-Day Cup tournament, Liam Scott received greater opportunity with the Strikers and took it with both hands; he will be hoping he can better his form even more this season.
The all-rounder took five wickets at an average of 19 last season and made 310 runs at 51.67.
He was also named as the 12th man in the team of the tournament.
ADELAIDE STRIKERS BBL|16 EXPECTATIONS
With the additions the Strikers have made, they have added some much-needed firepower to their batting lineup following last season's struggles.
They also have one international signing spot remaining, which could see them bring in an overseas bowler to further strengthen their bowling attack.
The Strikers are predicted to finish around sixth BBL|16, which would be an improvement on their BBL|15 campaign.
ADELAIDE STRIKERS BBL|16 FIXTURE
16 December 2026: Sydney Thunder v Adelaide Strikers – Manuka Oval
18 December 2026: Melbourne Stars v Adelaide Strikers – MCG
23 December 2026: Adelaide Strikers v Sydney Thunder – Adelaide Oval
28 December 2026: Brisbane Heat v Adelaide Strikers – The Gabba
31 December 2026: Adelaide Strikers v Melbourne Stars – Adelaide Oval
3 January 2027: Sydney Sixers v Adelaide Strikers – Manuka Oval
6 January 2027: Adelaide Strikers v Melbourne Renegades – Adelaide Oval
9 January 2027: Hobart Hurricanes v Adelaide Strikers – University of Tasmania Stadium
12 January 2027: Adelaide Strikers v Hobart Hurricanes – Adelaide Oval
16 January 2027: Adelaide Strikers v Perth Scorchers – Adelaide Oval
ADELAIDE STRIKERS BBL|16 SQUAD
Alex Carey, Mark Chapman, Mackenzie Harvey, Thomas Kelly, Lloyd Pope, Jason Sangha, Liam Scott, Matt Short, Ben Stokes, Tom Straker, Henry Thornton, Jerrssis Wadia
