THE 2024/25 Big Bash League (BBL) season is right around the corner, kicking off with a clash between the Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Stars on December 15. Another bumper schedule plays host to 40 matches followed by a finals series which will see the BBL|14 title awarded on January 27.

With plenty of water passing under the bridge since BBL|13, including a draft and signing period, we get you back up to speed with all the ins and outs before the new season. Up next in our preview series are the Hobart Hurricanes, who are still hunting their maiden title having not made finals since BBL|11.

>> PREVIEWS: Heat | Sixers | Strikers | Scorchers

BBL|13 RECAP

Record: 5th | 4-6 | -0.268 NRR

The best of the rest last season, the Hurricanes’ inability to match it with the top teams cost them a finals berth. Despite finishing on a high by beating the Melbourne Stars on the road, Hobart fell out of contention after consecutive losses to the Adelaide Strikers, who went on to pinch fourth spot. The positive was the men in purple won half their games away from home, albeit both in Melbourne.

BBL|14 SQUAD

Iain Carlisle, Nikhil Chaudhary, Tim David, Paddy Dooley, Jake Doran, Nathan Ellis, Peter Hatzoglou, Shai Hope, Rishad Hossain, Caleb Jewell, Chris Jordan, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Mitch Owen, Billy Stanlake, Matthew Wade, Charlie Wakim, Mac Wright

IN: Jake Doran, Shai Hope (draft), Rishad Hossain (draft), Charlie Wakim

Hobart was quick to lock away English allrounder Chris Jordan to a full access two-year deal, acting as the club’s draft pre-signing. The Hurricanes also added stability atop the batting order with West Indian white ball captain Shai Hope, who can either open or bat down to number four.

Hope’s signing also gives Hobart great flexibility within its top order. Matthew Wade will likely continue to open, though pressure on him and Ben McDermott can be relieved. Mac Wright usually pivots the innings at first drop, while Caleb Jewell can slot in anywhere between one and five as depth.

Bangladeshi leggie Rishad Hossain was Hobart’s other draftee, complimenting the already strong spinning stocks which include Paddy Dooley and Peter Hatzoglou. It’s likely only two of them can fit into the starting XI, so competition for spots will be hot down on the Apple Isle.

The Hurricanes’ stable squad is only bolstered by the signing of Charlie Wakim to his first BBL contract. Having gained experience as a top-up player, the local batting talent is yet another option for the top six. Add gloveman Jake Doran to that list, with he and McDermott capable of keeping in place of Wade.

POTENTIAL XI

1. Matthew Wade
2. Shai Hope
3. Mac Wright
4. Ben McDermott
5. Tim David
6. Nikhil Chaudhary
7. Chris Jordan
8. Nathan Ellis
9. Rishad Hossain
10. Paddy Dooley
11. Riley Meredith

FIXTURES

vs. Melbourne Renegades
Thursday December 19 @ GMHBA Stadium

vs. Perth Scorchers
Saturday December 21 @ Bellerive Oval

vs. Adelaide Strikers
Friday December 27 @ Adelaide Oval

vs. Sydney Sixers
Wednesday January 1 @ Bellerive Oval

vs. Adelaide Strikers
Sunday January 5 @ Bellerive Oval

vs. Sydney Thunder
Wednesday January 8 @ ENGIE Stadium

vs. Sydney Thunder
Friday January 10 @ Bellerive Oval

vs. Melbourne Renegades
Tuesday January 14 @ Bellerive Oval

vs. Brisbane Heat
Thursday January 16 @ The Gabba

vs. Melbourne Stars
Sunday January 19 @ MCG

PUT IT IN YOUR DIARY

Hobart’s BBL|14 campaign gets underway on December 19 with a trip to Geelong to take on the Melbourne Renegades. Local fans only have to wait a couple of days until the Hurricanes’ first home fixture, against Perth on December 21. A stretch of four home games in two weeks is the marquee slot, starting with a New Year’s Day bout with the Sixers. The Strikers are up next on the 5th, before the Thunder (10th) and Renegades (14th) come to town. Cash in, ‘Canes fans.

SEASON PREDICTION

Ladder range: 4-6

The Hurricanes have always been a side with strong potential, but have perhaps underperformed in recent seasons. There is no reason they can’t bounce back and sneak into finals, but they’ll have to consolidate their away record and take full advantage of a long run at home in early-January. Added stability atop the order will allow their big hitters to shine more consistency.