Photo Credit: Adelaide Strikers
Adelaide Strikers would like to thank Jon Wells for his outstanding career in blue, with the prolific middle-order veteran today confirmed to not be returning to Adelaide in BBL|12.
This a difficult decision, however with the uncertain nature of overseas player recruitment in the current landscape, the depth of young talent and a need to consistently evolve as a team, the Strikers remain committed to doing everything possible to build a team contending for titles.
Wells has been a remarkably consistent run-scorer across five seasons in Adelaide, with three of those years producing over 350 runs, including BBL|11 where the ever-reliable right-hander scored 501 runs with a high score of 73.
Departing as one of the longest-serving Strikers, with 68 fixtures to his name, Wells will leave a lasting imprint on the side through the invaluable experience he has imparted within the changerooms.
Strikers fans will long remember Wells as someone who could steady any ship, and he saved one of his best performances for last, belting an unbeaten 62 from 47 deliveries in a final-ball thriller in the Challenger Final against Sydney Sixers.
Success came to Adelaide in the same journey as Wells, who played a pivotal role in the Strikers breakthrough title triumph in BBL|07. Wells played 12 matches that season, often amassing valuable runs in the latter stages.
In all, Wells has taken the field 112 times in his Big Bash career, including a six-year tenure with Hobart Hurricanes, and has 2554 runs to his name.
Strikers Head Coach Jason Gillespie paid tribute to the impact Wells has had in Adelaide.
“Wellsy is a brilliant cricketer and I cannot speak highly enough of what he has brought to the Strikers in his time here. You know when he walks to the middle that he will give everything for the team, and more often than not he delivers exactly what is required.
“We thank Wellsy for always being that calm head for us, and for being a leader both on and off the field. I know Wellsy will continue to succeed at any challenge thrown his way.”
Name of Author: Adelaide Strikers
The Adelaide Strikers are an Australian professional Twenty20 cricket team based in Adelaide, South Australia, competing in the Big Bash League (BBL). Established in 2011, they succeeded the Southern Redbacks, who played in the now-defunct KFC Twenty20 Big Bash. The Strikers play their home games at the Adelaide Oval and wear a cornflower blue uniform.