Why is Matthew Wade not playing today’s BBL 12 match between Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Stars at Blundstone Arena?

Fast bowler Nathan Ellis is leading Hobart Hurricanes for the second time in his career in the absence of regular captain Matthew Wade. Ellis, who had elected to bat first after winning the bat flip on captaincy debut against Melbourne Renegades a couple of weeks ago, has opted to bowl first after winning the bat flip against Melbourne Stars tonight.

With both Ellis’ captaincy opportunities coming at the Bellerive Oval, the 28-year old player would be confident of registering a victory at their home ground tonight much like the first time.

Readers must note that Hurricanes have a decent record at this stadium winning 29 and losing 22 out of the 52 matches that they’ve played here.

Why is Matthew Wade not playing today vs Melbourne Stars?

Other than Wade, Hobart will also take the field without spinner Will Parker and pacer Joel Paris. While Wade made himself unavailable for this match due to personal reasons, Parker and Paris have been left out on current form. While Parker remained wicketless in his only match of the season, Paris’ three wickets in six matches have come at an average of 58.33, an economy rate of 10.71 and a strike rate of 32.6.

Batter D’Arcy Short, all-rounder Mitchell Owen and spinner Tom Andrews have replaced the above mentioned trio in the Playing XI on Monday. While Short and Owen have played six and two BBL 12 matches respectively, Andrews has received his first chance of the season as he marks a T20 return after three years.

Just like the home team, the visiting team has also made a total of three changes to their Playing XI. Batter James Seymour, all-rounder Clint Hinchliffe and pacer Liam Hatcher have come in place of all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, batter Campbell Kellaway and fast bowler Trent Boult. Already at the bottom of BBL 2022-23 ladder, it is likely to be difficult for the Stars to register a victory without Stoinis and Boult.