BBL 2018-19: Matthew Wade replaces George Bailey as Hobart Hurricanes captain

Hobart Hurricanes had a memorable season in the last edition of the Big Bash League (BBL). After finishing fifth, seventh and seventh in the previous three editions, they stormed into the final of the last season. They eventually lost to Adelaide Strikers in the title-decider.

The likes of D’Arcy Short, Matthew Wade, Jofra Archer put up some sensational performances to take the Hurricanes to just their second final in seven seasons. Well, the Hobart-based franchise will be hoping for a similar result when they play this season under new skipper Matthew Wade. The wicketkeeper-batsman has replaced veteran George Bailey to take charge of the team. The decision is similar to that of Tasmania’s Shield side. Wade has replaced Bailey as skipper for Tasmania too and the move has paid off.

Bailey recently hit his first hundred of the Shield season in the clash with Queensland. Hurricanes will be hoping that their former skipper showcases the same form in the forthcoming season.

‘Proud to become the captain’

A delighted Wade said he is proud to become the captain of the team. Backing the move, he said that he is hopeful of seeing a solid batting performance from his predecessor Bailey, “I’m really proud to become the captain of such a great group,” said Wade. “As I said with the Tigers Shield captaincy, I’m more than happy to step into the role because George thought it was the best move for himself and the team.”

“As we’ve seen over the past fortnight with the Tigers, George being able to focus fully on his batting has been great for us and I’m sure that will transfer into purple,” he added as per the quotes on the official Hobart Hurricanes Website.

Wade, meanwhile, will be looking to continue his current batting form in the BBL too. The southpaw has been in red-hot form in the Sheffield Shield and is currently the leading run-scorer. So far, he has scored 571 runs at an average of over 63 with the help of one century and 5 fifties.

Hurricanes will start their season against Brisbane Heat on December 22.

~ Written by Bijoy

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