Homegrown talents Thomas Kelly and Harry Nielsen have solidified their future with the Adelaide Strikers by signing new contracts, with Kelly committing for three years and Nielsen for two. Both players were instrumental in the Strikers’ charge to the finals in BBL|13, and they are eager to carry that momentum into BBL|14, which kicks off in just under four months.
Kelly, a dynamic middle-order batter, expressed his excitement about continuing his journey with the Strikers. “I’m rapt to sign a three-year contract to stay at the Strikers. There’s no better atmosphere than playing in front of family, friends, and our fans at Adelaide Oval,” Kelly said.
Nielsen, the Strikers’ reliable wicketkeeper-batter, shared similar sentiments: “Seven years after my first game for the Strikers, I still love every time I run out onto Adelaide Oval. As a proud South Australian, I’m grateful for the fantastic support we receive from our fans.”
At 29 years old, Nielsen is just two games away from reaching the 50-match milestone for the Strikers, while Kelly, at 23, has already made 34 appearances since debuting as a replacement for Travis Head in the 2021-22 season.
Both players boast nearly identical career batting stats in the Big Bash League, with Nielsen scoring 451 runs at a strike rate of 119.9 and Kelly contributing 401 runs at 118.2. They sit at 13th and 14th on the Strikers’ all-time run-scorers list. Nielsen’s 33 dismissals (30 catches and 3 stumpings) also place him second only to Alex Carey in the club’s wicketkeeping ranks.
Adelaide Strikers Head Coach Tim Paine, who worked closely with both players during BBL|13, welcomed their extended contracts: “Thomas brings great energy to the group with his innovative batting and fielding, while Harry’s glovework, professionalism, and leadership are invaluable.”
The Strikers’ season opener is set for December 17 against the Sydney Thunder in Canberra, followed by several high-profile home games at Adelaide Oval, including a New Year’s Eve clash against the Perth Scorchers and a January 15 match against the Sydney Sixers.
With Kelly and Nielsen locked in, the Strikers are looking to build on their strong finish to last season and aim for a successful BBL|14 campaign.
