Phil Salt's awakening as a Big Bash League run machine should have rivals on guard as top side Adelaide Strikers prepare for their New Year's Eve blockbuster against Sydney Thunder.
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The Welsh-born opener made just 16 runs across his first three innings after linking up with his Sussex Sharks coach Jason Gillespie and teammate Rashid Khan in South Australia.
But he struck form on Sunday night, showcasing his power by launching a rapid-fire 54 off just 26 balls as the Strikers maintained their unbeaten start to the BBL campaign with an 18-run win over Melbourne Renegades.
Salt, a T20 gun-for-hire who averages 25.69 with the bat in the format, is now ready to play a key role as the Strikers finish off the calendar year in front of a massive Adelaide Oval crowd.
It will be their first meeting with the Thunder since the two sides' match in Canberra on December 21 was abandoned because of bushfire smoke.
"They'll probably feel like they had the better of us in the bit of cricket that we played ... so it will be nice to take them on again," Salt said.
"The boys are winning and we're going to go into the New Year's Eve game top, which is the most pleasing thing.
"We turned up (on Sunday night) against a good outfit on a difficult wicket and we got the job done.
"Everything's clicking. We're sort of finding out about ourselves as a side as every game goes on, but it's a long tournament and there's a lot of cricket left to be played."
A crowd in excess of 50,000 is expected for Adelaide's annual New Year's Eve fixture.
"I've heard loads about it ever since I signed for the Strikers," Salt said.
"Everyone's gone on about it and I know the Thunder boys are pumped to come down and play in it.
"The focus of the entire BBL is on that one and apparently it's a sell-out, so I'm really looking forward to playing in it."
Salt's 23-ball half-century against the Renegades was the third-fastest in Strikers history.
It came as teammates Alex Carey, Jonathan Wells and Jake Weatherald added to their tallies to take up spots in the top five BBL scorers this season.
But they were all outshone by import legspinner Rashid Khan, who took 2-15 from four overs, made 25 off 16 with the bat and ran out Australia's T20 captain Aaron Finch with a direct hit.
"Rash had a pretty big influence on the game, but I think we're all doing a pretty good job," Salt said.
"When it's required of each of the lads, everyone's putting their hand up."
Australian Associated Press
