Paired with yesterday’s extension news, the Hobart Hurricanes can confirm two more re-signings, with two of their out-of-contract players committing to the club long-term.
Tasmanians Riley Meredith and Mitch Owen have stuck with their hometown club and will continue their Big Bash careers to BBL|17, aligned with Skipper Nathan Ellis and Ben McDermott.
Ahead of their last regular season game, and a Finals week in Hobart, to have two of Tasmania’s brightest young talents locked away for the next three BBL campaigns should excite members of the ‘Cane Train.
Riley Meredith has been a vital component of the ‘Canes list since he burst onto the scene in BBL|07, where he debuted during a finals campaign when Hobart was last in the BBL Final.
Since then, ‘Riz’ has been an excitement machine.
Sending down some of the fastest bowling in the BBL, always with a cheeky grin, Meredith continues to be a fan favourite and someone who the home fans love to get behind.
He is delighted to be continuing his career at home in purple.
“I'm excited to be returning to the ‘Canes for another three seasons and to be able to play in front of such great fans at Ninja Stadium.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time playing for my hometown club, and to help bring Hobart and Tassie, its first BBL title is something that I have always dreamed of,” explained Meredith.
The Clarence native leads all Hurricanes in total wickets in the history of the BBL, with 98, and will be hoping to take his 100th wicket either tonight against the Melbourne Stars or during the BBL|14 Finals next week.
Meredith has become a highly sought-after T20 cricketer, and his strong performances with the Hurricanes have opened opportunities to play in the Indian Premier League, The Hundred and the Vitality Blast.
The experience that he has gained from these competitions has helped improve his bowling, and he has since been given T20 and One Day International caps for Australia.
The General Manager of High Performance at Cricket Tasmania, Salliann Beams, discussed her excitement about having Meredith back with the Hurricanes again.
“I have loved watching Riley bowl this year, he has bowled with genuine pace and now is picking up key wickets while also taking a critical fielding position, and playing an essential role off the field.
“We’ve had lots of change due to injuries, and he has put his hand up to bowl the toughest overs, and through all these crucial phases of the game, he has succeeded.
“I can’t see a Hurricanes team without him in it, and he is part of our senior leadership group who have led brilliantly throughout this campaign, and I am confident his best cricket is still in front of him,” said Beams.
Mitch Owen has been around the Hurricanes set-up since BBL|10 when he debuted in purple at 18 years of age.
At the age of 23, Owen was primed for a huge season this year and has taken the league by storm with his huge power hitting.
He is happy to be continuing his career with the Hurricanes for three more seasons.
“I’m thrilled to be playing in purple for another three seasons, and as a Tasmanian, I couldn’t be prouder to represent my home state, and for the organisation to give me that opportunity, I couldn’t be more grateful.
“The support we receive in Tassie is something that I absolutely love, and I can’t wait to experience that over the next three seasons,” said Owen.
Taking on a new role within the team and opening the batting for the first time in Big Bash cricket, he showed everyone just how talented he is.
In only his second game in this role, Owen scored his maiden hundred in professional cricket taking apart the Perth Scorchers.
Since then, the powerplay has become one of the Hurricanes' strengths during their batting innings as ‘Mitchy’ continues to tear apart bowling attacks from around the country.
His medium-pace bowling is another important asset for the Hurricanes, and as he continues to learn from one of the best bowling all-rounders in T20 cricket, Chris Jordan, Owen’s wicket-taking output will improve.
Beams is excited by what Owen can do for the Hurricanes in the future.
“Mitch has completely owned the opening role, not only has he been entertaining, but he has also given the rest of the batting order so much confidence to go out and play their natural game.
“He has been preparing for this all season and has been so impressive, as we needed to change it up this year and to invest in our future, and it has paid off.
“Mitch gives this team a new point of difference, so we are thrilled he has invested long term, and this is the start of something exciting for him and this team.
“I know it’s an early call, but he has the potential to be one of the Tassie greats!” stated Beams.
Meredith and Owen will both be in action this week at Ninja Stadium when the Hurricanes take on the Sydney Sixers in the Qualifier on Tuesday night at 7.30 pm.
Tickets for this match go on sale tomorrow morning at 10 am for Hurricanes Members and from 12 pm for the General Public.
Do not miss out on watching the Hurricanes make their first BBL final since BBL|07!