Alex Hales' warning to Big Bash League after 49 off 19 for Strikers v Hurricanes

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• published: 22 Dec 2013
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Star Adelaide Striker Alex Hales says a message has been sent to the rest of the Big Bash following a blistering start to the abandoned game against the Hobart Hurricanes. The Strikers and Hurricanes shared a point each from the match but the Strikers batting display in just six overs would have sent chills down the spines of opposition teams. Hales, the No.1 ranked T20 batsman in the world, did not disappoint in his first outing for the Strikers, belting 49 off just 19 balls, until he was run out pushing for his half-century. The Strikers were 1/87 off six overs when the match was called off. "Even though we didn't get a result we did send that message out to the tournament that we're a strong force and I think we're going to see a lot more to come in the next few weeks," Hales told StrikersTV after the match. "We've got a very strong bowling unit as well so hopefully it all comes together against the Thunder (on 27 December at ANZ Stadium)." Delayed two hours due to the persistent rain, the game was reduced to eight overs per side as the Hurricanes won the toss and chose to bowl first. Hales said he felt like he got a bit of luck early on and then was able to really accelerate. His whirlwind stay at the crease included taking 22 off an Evan Gulbis over, smashing 4, 4, 4, 6, 4 off five consecutive balls, prompting social media to proclaim that a 'Halestorm' had arrived in Hobart. "I got a little bit of luck early but I think in an eight over game you need that and once we got past the first couple of overs and got used to the pitch it was pretty easy to score," Hales said. Hales played just two matches in last season's Big Bash League for the Melbourne Renegades which included a massive 89 off 52 balls against the Sydney Sixers. This season, he signed for the Strikers and looks as though he will be available for every match of the tournament. The 6'5" Englishman took over from Brendan McCullum as the ICC world No.1 T20 batsman in September when he made 94 off 61 balls against Australia. Strikers fans will get their first chance to see Hales bat at Adelaide Oval when the Strikers play the Perth Scorchers on New Years Eve.