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Berry back, Botha out

Mar 03, 2015
A frustrating moment for Darren Berry early in the Redbacks' season. Photo: Peter Argent/InDaily

A frustrating moment for Darren Berry early in the Redbacks' season. Photo: Peter Argent/InDaily

Redbacks coach Darren Berry is back from personal leave in time for the Sheffield Shield clash against second-placed Victoria.

The South Australian head coach has been absent for four weeks for unexplained personal reasons.

His first match back in charge will be against the Bushrangers at Glenelg’s Gliderol Stadium, beginning on Thursday.

The match will be a “home” game for Victoria, with the cricket world cup using the MCG. The Bushrangers have also “hosted” two matches in Alice Springs.

South Australia saw a rare ray of hope in a terrible Shield season last week, with a victory against fellow strugglers Tasmania.

Meanwhile, captain and foundation player Johan Botha won’t play for the Adelaide Strikers in next year’s BBL competition.

The SACA announced today that Botha had signed with the Sydney Sixers for three years.

SACA high performance general manager Tim Nielsen said he was disappointed to lose Botha.

“We were keen to retain Johan and we put what we believed to be our best offer on the table with a two year contract,” he said.

“Unfortunately Johan has decided to look elsewhere for opportunities and we wish him the best.

“Johan’s influence with the Strikers in the BBL has been significant and we are excited about our young group who are ready to take us forward.”

Botha surrendered the captaincy of the Redbacks in early February.

Neilsen said the Adelaide Strikers would retain 11 players on existing contracts for BBL05: Jono Dean, Travis Head, Brad Hodge, Ben Laughlin, Tim Ludeman, Michael Neser, Kieron Pollard, Gary Putland, Kane Richardson, Alex Ross, Craig Simmons.

In other BBL news,  former Test paceman Ben Hilfenhaus has signed with Big Bash League team the Melbourne Stars for three years, leaving the Hobart Hurricanes.

The Tasmanian side announced the switch on Monday with manager Andrew Dykes expressing the club’s disappointed to lose Hilfenhaus, who was a founding member of the team for the Twenty20 format.

“As an experienced player we were keen to extend Ben’s contract but unfortunately were unable to agree terms with Ben’s management,” Dykes said.

“We trust Ben has fond memories of his time with the Hurricanes and we wish him well for the future.”

The Stars finished third in the latest BBL competition, and Hobart finished fifth.

The franchise has also re-signed English allrounder Luke Wright for another three seasons and wicketkeeper Tom Triffitt, who was a strong contributor last year following the departure of Matthew Wade to the Melbourne Renegades.

“Delighted to have signed for another 3 years at the @StarsBBL. Ive had 4 amazing years but I’m desperate to get that big bash trophy.” Wright tweeted.

The Sydney Sixers have secured the signature of quick Jackson Bird.

He joins fellow fast bowlers Mitch Starc and Doug Bollinger in magenta and fills a void left by the retiring Brett Lee.

The 28-year-old former Australian Test bowler spent the last four BBL seasons at the Stars.

– with AAP

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