Billy Stanlake, one of Australia’s most potent pace bowlers, has re-committed to the Hobart Hurricanes for another season, signing a one-year deal ahead of the upcoming BBL|14. Known for his intimidating height and raw pace, Stanlake adds further firepower to an already talented bowling line-up that includes Nathan Ellis, Chris Jordan, and Riley Meredith.
Stanlake expressed his excitement to continue his journey with the Hurricanes, stating, “I am excited to be around the core group of guys for another season and to stay within one system for the whole 12 months in Tasmania. I am confident we can improve on last season, and I am looking forward to winning some more games!”
A Career Marred by Injuries, Yet Brimming with Potential
Hailing from Queensland, Stanlake made his debut in the Marsh Sheffield Shield and One Day Cup during the 2015-16 season before joining the Adelaide Strikers for BBL|05. His raw pace and bounce quickly caught the attention of Australian selectors, earning him a spot in the national ODI and T20I teams.
Stanlake’s performances also led to stints in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, a series of injuries hampered his progress and prevented him from dominating at the highest level. Despite these setbacks, Stanlake boasts 19 T20 Internationals, 7 ODIs, and 52 BBL matches, with nearly 50 wickets to his name.
Last season, Stanlake made a successful return to First-Class cricket with a notable eight-wicket haul against Queensland. He played one game for the Hurricanes in BBL|13 before a back injury curtailed his season, but he is determined to return to full fitness for BBL|14.
High Hopes for the Upcoming Season
Cricket Tasmania’s General Manager of High Performance, Salliann Beams, expressed excitement about having Stanlake back in the Hurricanes squad. “Billy gives us another element to our pace bowling line-up. His height and bounce offer something different, and we’ve seen how damaging he can be in the BBL and for Australia. We’re excited to see what he brings this season,” Beams stated.
Hurricanes’ Squad Taking Shape
Stanlake joins a talented Hurricanes squad, which has been bolstered by several new signings, including overseas players Shai Hope, Chris Jordan, and Rishad Hossain from the recent BBL|14 Draft. With a strong core group, Hobart Hurricanes are gearing up for a competitive season ahead.
Hobart Hurricanes squad ahead of BBL|14:
- Iain Carlisle
- Nikhil Chaudhary
- Tim David
- Paddy Dooley
- Nathan Ellis
- Peter Hatzoglou
- Shai Hope (O/S)
- Rishad Hossain (O/S)
- Caleb Jewell
- Chris Jordan (O/S)
- Ben McDermott
- Riley Meredith
- Mitch Owen
- Matthew Wade
- Charlie Wakim
- Mac Wright
With Stanlake’s re-signing, the Hurricanes’ pace attack looks formidable as they aim to make a strong impact in the upcoming season.
