Nielsen added to Strikers' squad

The 23-year-old has been signed to the Strikers’ KFC BBL|08 roster as a replacement player for captain Travis Head, who is currently unavailable for Big Bash selection due to commitments with the Australian Test squad.

Nielsen, the son of former Australian coach Tim, made his Strikers debut in last season’s semi-final - also against the Renegades - as a replacement player for fellow wicketkeeper Alex Carey.

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The in-form left-hander scored an impressive century for a Cricket Australia XI against India last month in a tour match at the SCG. The performance backed up a gutsy 82-run stand for South Australia at Adelaide Oval in the final round of JLT Sheffield Shield action before mid-season break.

Nielsen famously stood-in for Quinton de Kock in South Africa’s 2016 tour match against a CA XI side, taking four catches for the match in a surprise appearance at Adelaide Oval.

Seamer Peter Siddle was retained in Australia’s Test squad and is unavailable for the Strikers’ first home fixture of BBL|08.

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In other squad news, Adelaide Cricket Club’s Josh Pengelley has been signed as the Strikers’ BBL Development Rookie for BBL|08.

A current member of SACA’s Under 19 youth squad, Pengelley is the younger brother of West End Redbacks allrounder Ben and will join the Strikers at training sessions, team meetings and clinics to continue to develop his cricketing skills.

BBL Development Rookies must be under 21 years of age and fulfil ICC eligibility requirements.

Sunday’s BBL clash at Adelaide Oval begins at 6:45pm as part of huge Big Bash double-header following the Strikers’ WBBL match against the Melbourne Stars at 1:20pm.

Both teams will name their final XI at the bat flip before the start of play.

BBL squad v Melbourne Renegades
Colin Ingram (c)
Alex Carey (wk)
Rashid Khan
Ben Laughlin
Jake Lehmann
Harry Nielsen
Michael Neser
Liam O’Connor
Matt Short
Billy Stanlake
Cameron Valente
Jake Weatherald
Jon Wells

In: Harry Nielsen
Out: Peter Siddle (Test duties)