BBL05: Discussion and Fantasy [Not sure how the other thread disappeared]

[Nige]

Melbourne Stars

Bats:
David Hussey - Captain this season, probably the only thing keeping him in the team in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, I love him a lot, but I don't think he'll bat or bowl too much. Look elsewhere I reckon.
Glenn Maxwell (Spin) - Love him or hate him, this guy is fantasy gold. He bats, he bowls, he usually gets involved in the field as well. Will be on international duty later on but he's worth picking until then.
Kevin Pietersen - This bloke was one of the best picks last season and that won't change. Runs galore here, you can even captain him. Stars have a few byes but also DGWs, a great pick.
Rob Quiney - Don't think he'll play too much to start with, but when the guys on international duties go, he'll come in and have an impact. Still not sure I'd pick him though.
Marcus Stoinis (Pace) - Should finally see some Big Bash action. I expect him to play every game and he'll definitely bat because he should open with Wright. A chance to bowl depending on what Huss is thinking. No harm in his selection.
Luke Wright (Pace) - Stars man since day dot, opens the innings and will continue to do so. Scores well usually, but doesn't bowl these days and I wouldn't expect that to suddenly happen again. Worth a punt regardless.

Keep:
Peter Handscomb - Put his name of the lips of BBL fans last year with a scintillating ton to win the game. Didn't keep with Triffitt wearing the gloves but given the make up of the Stars squad this year, it makes sense he'll stand behind the stumps this season. Might bad a tad low to be worth it over a Dunk or Ludeman type.
Sam Harper - Mark my words, superstar in the making. Don't bother though, he's behind Hank and Triffit.
Tom Triffit - Go to man for keeping last season, Handscomb keeping for Vics recently and doing well, plus the talent available means that this bloke probably won't get a run unless Stephen Fleming wants to omit a better player. Even if he plays, will bat too low. Nope.

Pace:
Scott Boland - Great player, potentially a bit underrated. You could do a lot worse than picking this fella.
James Faulkner (Bat) - Bowls well, bats well (albeit sometimes a tad low), worth picking until he likely leaves to join the national squad.
Evan Gulbis (Bat) - Surprising recruitment but he can play, not sure there's a spot for him in the best XI though but a new coach for the Stars might bring some new ideas and might give him a sniff.
John Hastings (Bat) - The Duke! Basically spearheads the Stars attack and will net you points through his amazing ability to take wickets in high volume. Will slog some runs if needed as well, has to be looked at.
Ben Hilfenhaus - Joined Gulbis in moving north to join the Stars, will most likely replace Jackson Bird so you could pick him if you think he's the POD you're looking for.
Daniel Worrall - Not overly popular amongst Stars fans after his last Big Bash and has a few to displace to earn a run. Has been slaying for SA though so form could see him in. The other options available are better.

Spin:
Michael Beer - Much loved figure at the Stars but isn't as good as he used to be. Whether he plays or not is hard to say, but he probably won't keep Zampa out.
Adam Zampa - Join the Stars and becomes their main spinner you'd think which means Beery sits out unless they want the experience. Unlikely that two spinners will play with Maxi available as a spin option. I think everyone needs a spinner in their fantasy side, this bloke is an option.

[PowerBug]

Sydney Thunder
Full Squad
Bats: Aiden Blizzard, Jake Doran, Michael Hussey, Usman Khawaja, Jonte Pattison, Kurtis Patterson, Ben Rohrer, Shane Watson (Pace), Jacques Kallis (Pace), Ahillen Beadle
Keep: Chris Hartley
Pace: Patrick Cummins, Andrew McDonald (Bat), Gurinder Sandhu, Andre Russell (Bat), Clint McKay
Spin: Fawad Ahmed, Chris Green

Best XI
Jacques Kallis
Shane Watson
Michael Hussey
Aiden Blizzard
Kurtis Patterson
Ben Rohrer
Chris Hartley
Andre Russell
Gurinder Sandhu
Clint McKay
Fawad Ahmed

Pushing for selection
Usman Khawaja - This one depends on Cricket Australia's plans, if he is not going back into the test side then he'll play, he'll bat at 3 with Rohrer or Patterson dropping out and the rest going down one.
Andrew McDonald - Makes it tough with 3 all rounders already in the squad, but he's played before and played okay so he'll be wanting games no doubt.

Not even close
Jonte Pattison - This Under19 player will no doubt be something, having captained the ACT/NSW Country side in the recent u19 champs, but I don't think he'll play in a batting heavy squad.

Final word
A bat heavy squad, any of the top 3 would be good choices for fantasy, Kallis, Watson, Hussey I like. On the other side Sandhu is very clearly the standout quick so I'd be locking him in. Fawad Ahmed has no competition for spin and none of the bats bowl spin, he'll be playing every game barring injury.

[Nige]

Yep, that's the Thunder XI that I was about to post.

[PowerBug]

Sydney Sixers
Full Squad
Bats: Moises Henriques (Pace), Steve Smith, Jordan Silk, Michael Lumb, Nic Maddinson, Ed Cowan
Keep: Brad Haddin, Ryan Carters,
Pace: Mitchell Starc, Jackson Bird, Josh Hazlewood, Sean Abbott (Bat), Ben Dwarshius (Bat), Doug Bollinger, Mickey Edwards
Spin: Nathan Lyon, Johan Botha (Bat), Steven O'Keefe

Best XI
Michael Lumb
Nic Maddinson
Moises Henriques
Ryan Carters
Jordan Silk
Brad Haddin
Sean Abbott
Johan Botha
Steven O'Keefe
Jackson Bird
Doug Bollinger

Pushing for Selection
Ed Cowan - I think he will get games at some point, Maddinson does play middle order in Shield and Henriques is currently injured.

Not even close
Mickey Edwards - a fast bowler so I don't see a spot for him. Early on it's Bird, Bollinger and Abbott, then Hazlewood will be available at the end of the tournament. Starc might get a game on return from injury as well.

Final Word
This squad has currently got injuries and unavailablities, making selection mostly straightforward. Smith is going to be available for the opening DGW, Lyon I believe is also available. Starc, Henriques are currently injured. Jackson Bird is the bowler I like here, and Michael Lumb will be opening no matter what and will play when fit so he's my favoured batsman. They play 6 games in the first 4 rounds with no byes so I'd be looking at starting at least 2 Sixers.

[PowerBug]

Brisbane Heat
Full Squad
Bats: Nathan Reardon, Chris Lynn, Lendl Simmons, Alex Doolan, Jason Floros (Spin), Peter Forrest, Joe Burns
Keep: Jimmy Pierson
Pace: Nick Buchanan, Ben Cutting (Bat), Andrew Fekete, Luke Feldman, Jack Wildermuth (Bat), Josh Lalor, Mark Steketee, James Hopes (Bat)
Spin: Samuel Badree, Mitch Swepson

Best XI
Jimmy Pierson
Lendl Simmons
Chris Lynn
Peter Forrest
Nathan Reardon
Jason Floros
Ben Cutting
James Hopes
Samuel Badree
Andrew Fekete
Mark Steketee

Pushing for selection
Alex Doolan - Didn't really get many chances at the Renegades, he'll be hoping to get more chances this time around.
Josh Lalor - Thought was alright when he played at the Thunder, if Fekete or Steketee start under performing they'll make the switch without hesitation.

Not even close
Nick Buchanan - Doesn't really sit above any of the other seam bowlers not named.

Final word
Not the strongest team the West Indian players Simmons and Badree will be very important. If Joe Burns gets dropped by the inept Aussie selectors he'll provide another explosive opener for the Heat, pushing Pierson down to the lower order and probaby dropping Floros or Reardon (Which would be harsh on Reardon who is really good).

[PowerBug]

Melbourne Renegades
Full squad
Bats: Aaron Finch (Spin), Tom Beaton, Dwayne Bravo (Pace), Tom Cooper, Callum Ferguson, Chris Gayle, Matt Short (Spin), Cameron White
Keep: Peter Nevill, Matthew Wade
Pace: James Pattinson, Nathan Rimmington, Peter Siddle, Chris Tremain, Nick Winter, Guy Walker
Spin: Xavier Doherty, Nathan Hauritz

Best XI
Aaron Finch
Chris Gayle
Cameron White
Callum Ferguson
Tom Cooper
Matthew Wade
Dwayne Bravo
Nathan Rimmington
Nathan Hauritz
Chris Tremain
Xavier Doherty

Pushing for selection
Nick Winter - With two quicks on international duty, it will give Winter a great opportunity for matches, because let's face it, do they really want to play both Hauritz and Doherty? :P
Matt Short - Selecting this XI was pretty difficult, I reckon this All Rounder will see some game time.

Not even close
Tom Beaton - Of the 18 he's probably the furthest away from action, they have depth in the batting. But I still can see him getting a game at some stage.

Final word
Not the strongest lineup, and in danger of being without a keeper for the first match as Wade is recovering from an injury. Finch is probably the pick of the batsmen, I don't trust Gayle. The batting order itself I am unsure of, I think it'll be Finch and Gayle opening, wouldn't be surprised to see Cameron White not play every game his form has been iffy lately. Nathan Rimmington is fit again so would definitely be looking at him with the ball, he's leading the Renegades attack. This team has a bye before they have their DGW so pick with caution.

[Nige]

Sydney Thunder

Bats:
Aiden Blizzard - Proven to a solid top order player for the Thunder but you'll find better options available.
Jake Doran - Has talent and can play, probably won't see too much action though.
Michael Hussey - Captain, still has it, bats high enough to be worthwhile but when it comes down to preference, I'd prefer others.
Usman Khawaja - Will likely be playing a few games to show he's worthy of his spot in the national side for the remaning tests, if he doesn't impress he'll continue to play for the Thunder where he'll reward you for selecting him.
Jonte Pattison - Good kid, terrible pick. Unfortunately one of those blokes that won't get a look in.
Kurtis Patterson - Middle order batsman so you're gonna be hoping the Thunder either having batting collapses or he's raking in catches. Find someone else.
Ben Rohrer - Needs to get out there in the middle to do well, again a middle order player so you may as well look elsewhere.
Shane Watson (Pace) - Can't review the imminent LBWs, but he should bat high enough and bowl a bit to make you consider him. I won't pick him because I don't like him.
Jacques Kallis (Pace) - You'd be foolish not to consider this man. Had a great Big Bash last time around and that will happen again. Great captain option for the first round as well. Lock.
Ahillen Beadle - His cool name is probably the most appealing thing about him. Has played before, was good but not great, pick him if you like his name and aren't taking this thing seriously.

Keep:
Chris Hartley - Only keeper on the list, cheap as chips. Stick him on your bench and be glad you did. Won't bat high enough to start but he'll get a go from time to time and should get some catches from behind the stumps.

Pace:
Patrick Cummins - If he's not injured, he might get injured and if neither occurs then he'll play, bowl well and be a good pick, better and more durable options out there.
Andrew McDonald (Bat) - He's an old man and a shell of the player he was, I wouldn't pick him and I'm not sure the Thunder will either.
Gurinder Sandhu - I have a man crush, so the bias in me says that you should probably re-evaluate your life choices if you don't have him in your team. Leads the attack and will get you wickets. Starred last season.
Andre Russell (Bat) - This man in sensational. The international will play and quickly become loved if he isn't already. Bowls more than he bats but can wield the willow. Have a look.
Clint McKay - Moved north for more game time as his days at the Stars were cooked. Will play and does alright but if you're picking a pure bowler from the Thunder, Sandhu is your man, not this guy.

Spin:
Fawad Ahmed - Comes up from the Renegades and will be their primary and probably only spinner unless somebody bowls part time which is unlikely because Fawad is love, Fawad is life. Get around him, no seriously, consider long and hard.
Chris Green - Can also bat but probably won't get much of a go given how many damn allrounders the Thunder have, Fawad the preferred spinners. Not an option.

[Nige]

Sydney Sixers

Bats:
Moises Henriques (Pace) - Skipper but currently injured, otherwise is a solid pick for your team.
Steve Smith - I don't think much needs to be said other than you'll have to trade him out after Round 1, worth it for the one week you'll have him.
Jordan Silk - Remembered for that catch. Bats well but down the order so you should look at other guys.
Michael Lumb - Opens, can hit it, consider.
Nic Maddinson - Arguably one of the best young batsmen in the country, probably opens with Lumb and so you can pick either. Don't hesitate to select him.
Ed Cowan - Should get a run giving the availability of other Sixers batsmen but Lumb and Maddinson are better choices.

Keep:
Brad Haddin - Will be the gloveman for the entirety of their campaign now that he's no longer in the national side so you could pick him, but he'll bat too low to justify selection.
Ryan Carters - Has left keeping behind to focusing on destroying lives with the bat, a successful endeavour to date. I like him, a POD for sure given other, bigger names.

Pace:
Mitchell Starc - Ankle injury means he's out of the game for a bit and I don't think he'll return in time. If fit he goes to the test team because he's the lovechild of Aus fast bowling and probably doesn't have to prove fitness like Khawaja.
Jackson Bird - Wearing pink this season instead of green. Gets the nod from me, but others might like Abbott or Bollinger more.
Josh Hazlewood - If he plays you should have him in your side, but if he's on national duties then he's taking up a spot in your team for no good reason.
Sean Abbott (Bat) - Bowls, bats and all that good stuff. A proven pick that should be considered.
Ben Dwarshius (Bat) - Will miss out I reckon but could get a few games, there's at least three other pace options in this team alone you should pick before this lad.
Doug Bollinger - Gotta love Dougie. Pick him and he'll reward you with wickets and the fact he's an absolute lad (apart from that one time he didn't give me and my mates his autograph).
Mickey Edwards - Oh Mickey, bad luck mate, you won't get picked any rate, hey Mickey! Yeah... just don't pick him. He won't play unless there are injuries galore.

Spin:
Nathan Lyon - Pick him while you can because he's well worth it. Probably worth turning into the next bloke after that.
Johan Botha (Bat) - Swapped Strikers' blue for Sixers' pink and will slot in nicely since he can bat too. Consider strongly.
Steven O'Keefe - His only problem is getting selected when Lyon is available, otherwise he'll probably play alongside Botha as I can't see them leaving some of his ability out. Botha the better option from this side.

[Nige]

Brisbane Heat

Bats:
Nathan Reardon - Should play but will be a middle order bat and therefore you should look at others instead.
Chris Lynn - Has been injured but is ready to go nuts for another Big Bash, a popular pick for good reason.
Lendl Simmons - Likely to open and therefore is a solid addition to your side. I prefer others though.
Alex Doolan - He's a decent player but just doesn't cut it for Big Bash, avoid like the plague.
Jason Floros (Spin) - With his hair, he could be the mascot. With his allrounder ability, he sits in the middle order and is probably the first one dropped for whoever. Next.
Peter Forrest - Surprise packet at times. In a good way though. Should get a modest return from this bloke but you can do better.
Joe Burns - If you're picking him, it's because the national selectors are tripping on acid or something. Otherwise go for your life.

Keep:
Jimmy Pierson - Has the gloves so has a spot, and a while I like him, probably wouldn't otherwise. Better keep options out there but should open with Lendl.

Pace:
Nick Buchanan - Don't pick him. Just don't.
Ben Cutting (Bat) - We all know what this bloke is capable of and so you don't need me to tell you. A worthwhile pick.
Andrew Fekete - I didn't realise I was such a fan of this bloke but his form is outrageously good, he's cheap and is arguably the best bowler in the side right now.
Luke Feldman - Can't seem to get a gig no matter which team he's with, I think that says enough as to why you shouldn't have him in your team.
Jack Wildermuth (Bat) - One of the up and coming talents in Aussie cricket but won't have a spot immediately, may get games at some point though.
Josh Lalor - Might not play straigth away, but is knocking on the door and is good enough to hold his spot if the chance presents itself.
Mark Steketee - Should form a sexy duo with big Fekete for several reasons, I'd take his new partner in crime over this guy though.
James Hopes (Bat) - Old but gold. He'll deliver if you select him.

Spin:
Samuel Badree - The main spin option here and one of their Windies internationals. Worth it.
Mitch Swepson - He'll be a great player in time but Badree will keep him out I reckon.

[Nige]

Melbourne Renegades

Bats:
Aaron Finch (Spin) - Captain, opener and bowls himself from time to time. His price is great after an average campaign last time.
Tom Beaton He'll be Beaton (heh) for selection thanks to the depth. Did okay previously though. It's still a no here.
Dwayne Bravo (Pace) - A very good player with very good potential because he does everything. Yes!
Tom Cooper - Middle order player but he's always doing well regardless, other options appeal more.
Callum Ferguson - I'm not as big a Ferguson fan as some, so I won't be advocating for his selection. Pick him if you want because he's gonna play but will battle at 4 or 5.
Chris Gayle - Literally hit or miss. Pick him at your peril. However, it's no secret that he can hit the ball from Melbourne to his former team in Sydney if wants to which is a pretty decent reason to select him.
Matt Short (Spin) - Actually a pretty solid player that not everyone would know. Likely to get some games here and there.
Cameron White - Defected to the crosstown rivals but I still love him. Doesn't seem to play much these days for a variety of reasons and it remains to be seem as to how he slots into the Renegades side. A risk vs reward pick.

Keep:
Peter Nevill - Deservedly in the national side because he's a gun. If he plays for the Gades, he bats down the order so will net you points through catches mainly. Better options on offer.
Matthew Wade - Collarbone injury means he might not be quite right to start off and if Nevill isn't available, who keeps is beyond me but this guy should bat high enough and will keep once fit so you can consider him.

Pace:
James Pattinson - National team duties means he won't play but worth selecting if he does don the red.
Nathan Rimmington - Leads the attack so you must consider. Will certainly skittle a few.
Peter Siddle - Reads much the same as Patto really, but you'd pick Patto over this boy.
Chris Tremain - Has to given a look for no other reason than he's gonna play every game with Patto and Sidds unavailable, next best pace bowler after Rimmo.
Nick Winter - Likely to get several games with some quicks out so a potential POD, better options out there for sure.
Guy Walker If you're asking "who?" then you shouldn't select him, but that's just one reason. The others being game time will like be scarce for Guy.

Spin:
Xavier Doherty - Spinner numero uno having made the switch from Hobart. Could do worse than picking Doh.
Nathan Hauritz - By worse I mean this guy, more like Haurible. Game time is likely but I wouldn't. No good here. Or ever. Stay away.

[nrich102]

Doherty and Hauritz in one team. Ouch.

[PowerBug]

Perth Scorchers
Full squad
Bats: Adam Voges, Cameron Bancroft, Michael Carberry, Marcus Harris, Michael Klinger, Mitch Marsh (Pace), Shaun Marsh, Ashton Turner (Spin)
Keep: Sam Whiteman
Pace: Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Simon Mackin, Joel Paris, Andrew Tye, David Willey (Bat)
Spin: Ashton Agar (Bat), Brad Hogg, James Muirhead

Best XI
Michael Carberry
David Willey
Michael Klinger
Marcus Harris
Cameron Bancroft
Sam Whiteman
Ashton Agar
Nathan Coulter-Nile
Joel Paris
Andrew Tye
Brad Hogg

Pushing for selection
The rest of them?? Okay I'll d it properly
Jason Behrendorff - Brilliant player and short form bowler. Someone in that lot has to miss out though and right now he is in the worst form. Obviously will play at some point.
Ashton Turner - Another that played a few times last season. Was a pretty popular pick too from memory, he will no doubt work his way into the side.

Not even close
James Muirhead - Once a very promising leggie has basically ruined his national chances by moving here for BBL04. Was never going to get a game and will struggle to do so whilst the ageless Hogg is going around. Should really be at a club missing a leggie (Renegades).

Final word
Can they go to the final again? Hell yeah. This team is great, super players all round and not even losing Marsh x2 and Voges to the national side will hurt them. The pick of the players here is David Willey, set to open and take the new ball and he wants to close the bowling too. Any of their pace bridage will perform if given the chance. Be wary though as they have a bye Round 1 so you have to be confident in your selections. Willey, Klinger, Tye my top 3 from the Scorchers.

[PowerBug]

Hobart Hurricanes
Full Squad
Bats: George Bailey, Michael Hill, Beau Webster, Jonathon Wells, Dominic Michael, Kumar Sangakkara
Keep: Ben Dunk, Tim Paine
Pace: Dan Christian (Bat), Jake Reed, Sam Rainbird, Simon Milenko (Bat), Shaun Tait, Timm van der Gugten, Darren Sammy (Bat), Joe Mennie
Spin: Cameron Boyce, Clive Rose

Best XI
Ben Dunk
Tim Paine
Kumar Sangakkara
George Bailey
Jonathon Wells
Darren Sammy
Dan Christian
Joe Mennie
Cameron Boyce
Clive Rose
Shaun Tait

Pushing for selection
Dominic Michael - This batting lineup to me is not set in stone, Michael is one that can definitely slide in if they want to play only 5 bowlers (drop Rose), or move Paine to 5 and drop Wells.
Sam Rainbird - Tait won't play every game and he's next in line. Pretty simple really

Not even close
Timm van der Gugten - for a side that has lots of pace bowlers, and plays on the low slow Bellrieve Oval, he's not getting game time.

Final word
Lots ot top order options here, which might hurt some otherwise good options (Paine, Michael). Bowling seems a bit light on to me Tait will be explosive but expensive and not durable. Ben Dunk is clearly the pick of the players from Hobart, also I heard this Sangakkara bloke knows how to play as well. If I had to pick a bowler... Darren Sammy because I've got him batting at 6 and is an import.

[PowerBug]

Time to use my own advice and make myself a fantasy team from this stuff

[Nige]

Will get stuck in to the final two now.