2024-25 Big Bash League Preview: Hobart Hurricanes

As the 14th edition of Australia’s Big Bash League draws ever closer, we’re previewing the tournament by analysing all eight squads in depth.

This piece sees us focus on a team still without a BBL title in the tournament’s history, Hobart Hurricanes

Captain: Matthew Wade

Head Coach: Jeff Vaughan

Confirmed Overseas Players: Shai Hope (WI), Chris Jordan (ENG)

Last Season: 5th place

Betting Analysis: Batting

With Ben McDermott and skipper Matthew Wade potentially opening the batting, whilst Tim David lurks menacingly, the brute force that Hobart Hurricanes potentially possess should see them blow away a number of opposition bowling attacks, but how consistently they can do so remains to be seen. McDermott managed 261 runs last season, only six players scored more and bettors should take note.

Caleb Jewell is another good domestic player, but the batting will be substantially boosted by the arrival of West Indies overseas player Shai Hope. He adds an extra layer of international class and another intimidating piece to what is turning into a very promising top order. However, Hope could miss the beginning of the tournament if selected by West Indies for their T20i series against Bangladesh.

Betting Analysis: Bowling

In terms of quicker bowling with radical pace variations, Hobart Hurricanes are well-stocked up. Riley Meredith boasts international experience, as does Nathan Ellis and the pair should do the bulk of work for the Canes. Chris Jordan is a true veteran who will hope to nail those all-important yorkers at the death.

Spin comes from Peter Hatzoglou, Nikhil Chaudhary and Patrick Dooley, with the latter’s role as a left-arm wrist spinner likely to be a vital one, especially following the withdrawal of Bangladesh overseas spin-bowler Rishad Hossain, who dropped out to take part in the Bangladesh Premier League which begins at the end of December.

Hobart Hurricanes Prediction: Final step the hardest

Hobart Hurricanes have been a solid-if-not unspectacular team now for a number of years, too good to end up at the bottom of the table, but not quite good enough to get into the play-offs. It would be no surprise to see a repeat performance in BBL 14. Their top order is menacing on paper but there are question marks over the depth down the order, whilst the bowling attack lacks a truly world class spinner. That’s before you take into the fact that Hobart have to travel more than any other team with their home base being in Tasmania. Therefore, another finish around 5-6th place may well be on the cards.