After a week-long break from BBL|15 action, the Hobart Hurricanes are back in the Finals and will remain the reigning BBL Champions for another five days.
Hosting the Melbourne Stars in a do-or-die matchup, Ninja Stadium will be packed to the brim as the Hurricanes look to secure their second consecutive BBL title.
Their loss last week against the Heat, while unfortunately removing the option of a home final and the double chance, did see Beau Webster and Ben McDermott register half-centuries. Riley Meredith also took three wickets, while Rishad Hossain claimed two of his own.
The Hurricanes squad for the Knockout sees two changes from their match against the Heat.
Hurricanes captain Nathan Ellis will miss the Knockout following an injury sustained against the Heat. His availability for the remainder of the Finals will be determined over the coming days.
Rehan Ahmed, after featuring in every regular season match for the Hurricanes, has now joined England’s World Cup squad and will miss the BBL|15 Finals.
Jake Weatherald will also be unavailable for the Hurricanes during the BBL|15 Finals. A statement regarding Weatherald’s availability can be supplied upon request.
Coming into the squad for tomorrow night’s matchup is batter Charlie Wakim, who has been in terrific form in the Wilson Homes Cricket Tasmania Premier League.
Also named in the squad is experienced pace bowler Jackson Bird, who will make his Hobart Hurricanes debut if selected.
Ben McDermott will lead the Hurricanes squad in Ellis’ absence.
Hobart Hurricanes BBL|15 squad for the Knockout against the Stars is as follows:
Jackson Bird
Nikhil Chaudhary
Rishad Hossain
Chris Jordan
Ben McDermott (C)
Riley Meredith
Mitch Owen
Will Prestwidge
Billy Stanlake
Matt Wade
Charlie Wakim
Tim Ward
Beau Webster
Mac Wright
In: Bird, Wakim
Out: Ahmed (National Duties), Ellis (Injured)
Match Details:
Hobart Hurricanes vs Melbourne Stars
Wednesday 21 January 2026
Ninja Stadium, Hobart
First ball: 7:30 pm AEDT
Broadcast: Seven | Fox Cricket
Livestream: 7Plus | Kayo Sports | cricket.com.au