England’s stand-in Test captain, Ollie Pope, has signed with the Adelaide Strikers for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season. Currently leading England against Sri Lanka due to Ben Stokes’ injury, Pope will join the Strikers after England’s Test tour of New Zealand, which concludes on December 18. This means he will miss the team’s opening match. Ollie Pope, with a T20 record of 1,295 runs at an average of 28.77 and a strike rate of 132.82, is eager to make an impact after a quiet stint in the Hundred with London Spirit. He will have the opportunity to play alongside Ashes rivals Travis Head and Alex Carey, who has signed a new four-year deal with the Strikers.
Tim Paine, Strikers’ new head coach, praised Ollie Pope’s dynamic batting and wicket-keeping skills, highlighting his potential contribution to the team. Meanwhile, Rashid Khan will miss the BBL for the second consecutive season due to injury and his commitments with SA20.
On the other hand, the Sydney Sixers have signed West Indies spinner Akeal Hosein to replace the retired Steve O’Keefe. Hosein, who will be available for the first seven games due to an ILT20 deal with MI Emirates, previously took 13 wickets in nine matches for Melbourne Renegades. Sixers general manager Rachael Haynes noted Hosein’s potential to play a crucial role in both bowling and fielding.
The BBL draft is scheduled for September 1.
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