Adelaide Strikers rolled for 83 in dismal Big Bash collapse as MCG pitch demons rise again
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Just weeks after the MCG pitch became the most talked-about sports topic in the country, the Adelaide Strikers have been rolled for a dismal total at the same ground.
Batting first in a Big Bash fixture on Tuesday night, the visitors were rolled for 83 by the finals-bound Melbourne Stars in a hapless batting display.
The first wicket to fall was Australian wicket-keeper Alex Carey, who was dismissed for three of just seven deliveries and was the first of Tom Curran's four victims.
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Alex Carey walks off at the MCG. Getty
He struck again soon after when Chris Lynn (2) was given out lbw and sent back to the dugout, before Jason Sangha (3) hit a ball straight to cover off the English bowler.
"Curran is unstoppable at the MCG and the Strikers are in all sorts of bother," Mark Howard said in commentary for Fox Cricket.
Curran also picked up the scalp of Liam Scott, finishing with figures of 4-10 off four.
As the Strikers continued to lose wickets on a regular basis, things were looking dire at 9-55 and there was a record-low club total in danger.
The lowest score in BBL history is the Sydney Thunder being bowled out for 15, with the next-worst the Melbourne Renegades for 57.
But a late cameo from leg-spinner Cameron Boyce (20 off 18) salvaged the score by a small margin for the Strikers, who limped their way to all out 83 from 19.3 overs.
Tom Curran celebrates one of his wickets. Getty
Melbourne's run chase got off to a rocky start when Sam Harper (9) and Campbell Kellaway (0) both departed in quick succession, leaving the Stars at 2-13.
However, the steady hand of Tom Rogers (32 off) eased the pressure in what ended up being a regulation six-wicket victory for the home side with 29 balls to spare.
Marcus Stoinis chipped in with 23 off 20 but retired hurt after copping a ball to the thumb and leaving the field in discomfort.
The result brings an end to the Strikers' finals hopes for BBL|15.
