BBL|06 Team Previews

[PowerBug]

Team previews. Everything in this thread are entirely the opinions of Nigey and myself. If they are wrong we are not responsible, if they are right then we expect a portion of whatever winnings you get ;)

In this thread:
Nige is putting up a sentence or two on each player.
PowerBug is putitng together a best XI and a general squad preview.

[PowerBug]

ADELAIDE STRIKERS

Squad - Nige
Bats:
Jonathon Dean - Reasonable talent, can hit a long ball but whether there's a spot in the XI for him is another question.
Brad Hodge - The skipper so will play, getting on in age but still can do some good things with bat in hand.
Jake Weatherald - One of the best young batting prospects in South Australia. I'm a huge fan. Hasn't played BBL before.
Craig Simmons - Has been on the decline since he made a name for himself in orange. Probably opens for this side.
Kelvin Smith - Lump him in the same category as Jono Dean. Unlikely to see much action if the big names are available.
Travis Head (Spin) - Popular short form player these days. Bowls a lot more than he used to as well.
Ben Dunk (Keep) - First season as a Striker. Surely opens the batting and when in form is to be feared.
Jake Lehmann - Son of a gun. Middle order player but pops up in the field a bit.

Keep:
Alex Carey - SA's new gloveman. Serious talent right here. Has pushed Ludeman out of the Redbacks and likely this team too.
Tim Ludeman - Might play at some stage, but both Carey and Dunk are ahead of him as keepers and batsmen I think.

Pace:
Kane Richardson - Not a lot to say here. Has been around a while but properly battles for a spot with Neser.
Kieron Pollard (Bat) - Remember this guy? Still a beast. Has x-factor, does it all.
Billy Stanlake - I love this kid, but he's down the pecking order for Strikers quicks.
Wes Agar - Brother of that one hit wonder from WA. Also down the order.
Chris Jordan - International available for the first two. Good credentials and an obvious starter while available.
Ben Laughlin - Regular for this unit.
Michael Neser (Bat) - Actually a really good allrounder. Bit underrated if you ask me. Should line up for most games.

Spin
Jon Holland - Resident spinner. In pretty good form as well. Should feature regularly if not every game.
Adil Rashid - Absolute gun. Might be require to play for England though.
Tom Andrews - This kid is actually really good and with Holland injured and Rashid potentially not available, watch this space.


Best XI - PowerBug
Ben Dunk
Craig Simmons
Brad Hodge
Travis Head
Jake Lehmann
Kieron Pollard
Alex Carey (wk)
Michael Neser
Chris Jordan
Ben Laughlin
Kane Richardson

Pushing for Selection - PowerBug
Tom Andrews - When They choose to play a specialist spinner, he is the only one that can come in with Holland injured and Rashid in India.
Tim Ludeman - This has been tearing my hair out (Ludeman vs Carey) but in the end the decision to get Ben Dunk means I think Carey will win the battle. I can see Ludeman finding a way into the side though, looking at the side above it's possible that: Simmons, Carey, Jordan OUT, Richardson, Rashid, Ludeman IN if Rashid doesn't get picked for Englands ODI team also.

Fantasy Selection
PB: Michael Neser has been in some alright form for Queensland. He can hit a ball and will come in at 8 maybe 7 ahead of Alex Carey (I don't know what his big hitting ability is like)
Nige: Travis Head has pretty much become a batting allrounder. He'll play a role bowling spin when they need it and we all know the lad can hit a very long ball.

Final Word
PB:
Nige:

[PowerBug]

BRISBANE HEAT

Squad - Nige
Bats:
Joe Burns - Either opens or comes in first drop as long as he's not test duties.
Chris Lynn - Can hit it a long way. Proven performer. Not much else to say here, pretty storied BBL name.
Alex Doolan - Not a fan of this guy in general. Not sure he's a great T20 option and this squad has better players.
Sam Heazlett - Good young talent coming through. Might get a shot from time to time.
Brendan McCullum (Keep) - International import. Known for big shots, good scores. May potentially keep.
Nathan Reardon - Been around forever it feels like. Resident of the middle order. Does he get replaced by a younger guy?
Alex Ross - First season in teal. Pretty good middle order player, might take Reardon's spot.
Marnus Labuschagne - Has burst onto the QLD cricket scene and is killing it lately. Superb talent.

Keep:
Jimmy Peirson - The only real keeper in the side. Probably takes the gloves. Has opened before too.

Pace:
Ben Cutting - Bit of darling of QLD cricket. Will go around again. Hits a long ball when he wants to.
Andrew Fekete - Big unit. Bowls well. Likely starter I'd say.
Luke Feldman - Never really gets a go no matter who he plays for in Big Bash.
Josh Lalor - Serviceable player but has others ahead of him as far as I know.
Mark Steketee - Not to be confused with Fekete. Another good bowler. Probably selected most games.
Jack Wildermuth (Bat) - Another great young talent. Good allrounder too and I expect him to feature a fair bit.

Spin
Sam Badree - West Indian spinner who terrorises many a batsman. No more needs to be said.
Jason Floros (Bat) - Ranga who gets a lot of games and I'm never quite sure why.
Mitch Swepson - If the Heat play two spinners, this kid should be the other one. Has a good future.

Best XI - PowerBug
Brendan McCullum
Jimmy Peirson (wk)
Joe Burns
Chris Lynn
Nathan Reardon
Alex Ross
Jason Floros
Ben Cutting
Samuel Badree
Andrew Fekete
Josh Lalor

Pushing for Selection - PowerBug
Jack Wildermuth - He's my boy, he's gonna play for Australia one day. But looking at short term goals, mark my words when I say he will be preferred to Ben Cutting in the side by the end of the tournament.
Mitch Swepson - As Nige pointed out well, no one knows why Floros plays but he does (Maybe they have a ranga quota at the Heat?). But if they want the better bowler, they'll go with Swepson to partner Badree. Wrist Spin from both ends, yum!

Fantasy Selection
PB: Samuel Badree was a player I selected last season, to no avail early. Then when I sold him he turned to gold. Look for him to replicate his late BBL05 form and be a big wicket taker for a Heat side that doesn't have a lot of good bowling depth.
Nige: Brendon McCullum should be a popular pick. Well known for his ability to dominate the short form of the game. Given he'll open, you've gotta consider that he's in a perfect position to pile on the points for your side.

Final Word
PB:
Nige:

[PowerBug]

HOBART HURRICANES

Squad - Nige
Bats:
George Bailey - Gorgeous. Just one word to describe that stance. A pillar of this side.
Dan Christian (Pace) - Gun allrounder who does both bits well, does bat low though.
Dominic Michael - Great head of hair, not totally convinced he plays every game.
Kumar Sangakkara (Keep) - Lankan great. Didn't have the greatest BBL last time, should bounce back.
Jonathon Wells - He's good without being great. Pretty no fuss type. Don't think he's best XI.
Beau Webster (Spin) - Big lad. One of his biggest fans. Should play a bit but bats all over the order. Spins it too.

Keep:
Ben McDermott - Decent talent and might get a look in since Paine's been since god knows when.
Tim Paine - Probably keeps for the duration of the comp, or at least until the Canes fail to make finals.

Pace:
Sam Rainbird - Cool name. Might be fringe because there's a few decent pace bowlers.
Shaun Tait - That bowling action is something you never forget. Can't imagine him not playing.
Stuart Broad (Bat) - Booooo. But yeah, can bat and bowl and has done so pretty well for England for a long time.
Simon Milenko (Bat) - Can also bat a little but a better bowler. I think he plays as an allrounder.
Jake Reed - Seems to like falling over a lot. Bowls quick. Not sure if best XI.
James Bazley - Another quality young talent. Down the pecking order you'd think unless they want to blood him.
Hamish Kingston - Was once a Striker. Might actually play for this mob.

Spin
Cameron Boyce - Superstar spinner. I don't think you can hate this bloke.
Clive Rose - Meme status OP, pls nerf.
D'Arcy Short - Capable at both bowling and batting. Relatively unknown prospect, unlikely to play much.

Best XI - PowerBug
Tim Paine (wk)
Dominic Michael
Kumar Sangakkara
George Bailey
Daniel Christian
Beau Webster
Simon Milenko
Stuart Broad
Cameron Boyce
Hamish Kingston
Shaun Tait

Pushing for Selection - PowerBug
Ben McDermott - There's talk this guy might actually open for them, not Michael. Also a keeper so there's another way into the team if needed.
Jonathon Wells - I was unsure whether to put him in or not, he's played for these guys before usually at number 6. Opens for the Warriors in shield currently, I think he stays in the lower order if he plays BBL. Possibly could come in for Webster.

Fantasy Selection
PB: Tim Paine is a quality batsman who will open for the Canes, also will get catching and stumping points at times.
Nige: Beau Webster is my value pick here. If he plays (which he should), he'll likely bat middle order and bowl as the secondary spinner but the appeal is that he could get elevated up the order having opened for Tassie on occasion.

Final Word
PB:
Nige:

[PowerBug]

MELBOURNE RENEGADES

Squad - Nige
Bats:
Marcus Harris - Keeps getting better and better. I reckon he plays pretty much every game.
Tom Beaton - Has had a few moments but I don't think he'll feature a hell of a lot.
Tom Cooper - Veteran. Don't think he plays though.
Callum Ferguson - Now this guy will play. Middle order option that is pretty boom or bust.
Aaron Finch - You know who he is and what he does. Bowls an over on occasion too.
Cameron White - His form is insane. He's a traitor but I still love him.
Matt Short (Spin) - Decent player but unlikely to get a gig. Bowls spin which the Gades have plenty of, got better batters too.

Keep:
Peter Nevill - Not the best shot form player but keeps well.
Matthew Wade - Better batsman than the above but garbage keeper. Probably stays in the national side.

Pace:
Dwayne Bravo (Bat) - Quality allrounder from the West Indies. Good at all aspects of the sport.
James Pattinson - If fit, he'll terrorise just about any batsman.
Nathan Rimmington - Love this bloke. Should feature a fair bit.
Peter Siddle - Might be in the national side. If not, probably plays for this mob.
Chris Tremain - Probably Victoria's best quick. Likely to take plenty of wickets over the season.
Nick Winter - Depth pace bowler unlikely to get a look.

Spin
Brad Hogg - Pretty sure he's like 89 at this point and is now a Renegade. Might be Prime Minister next for all we know.
Xavier Doherty - Yes, this meme is still around. I can't see them not playing Hoggaaa so X might miss.
Sunil Narine - The Gades would be nuts to not play this international after bringing him in. Best spinner in the team by a mile.

Best XI - PowerBug
Aaron Finch
Marcus Harris
Cameron White
Callum Ferguson
Dwayne Bravo
Tom Cooper
Peter Nevill (wk)
Nathan Rimmington
James Pattinson
Peter Siddle
Sunil Narine

Pushing for Selection - PowerBug
Tom Beaton - When Finch goes to play ODIs everyone will move up one and Beaton slots in at 6. Was a decent hitter last season
Chris Tremain - Was a mighty tough selection, but I can see Rimmington and Siddle winning the battle here (Although personally I'd like Tremain over that garbage which is Siddle). He'll play at some point.
Brad Hogg - How do you fit everyone in?? Narine has to start over Brad, unless they opt for no Cooper then they could play another bowler but it leaves batting thin with Rimmington at 7. (This is very possible)

Fantasy Selection
PB: There are so many options from this team, but the one I like the most is Cameron White. He's in some serious form form the Matador Cup and also has runs for the Bushrangers in the Shield form as well. Should bat at 3 with Wade absent and is a quality pick.
Nige: Dwayne Bravo is the easy pick here. Big name international who'll bowl his seamers and come in to pile on the runs when the Gades need him.

Final Word
PB:
Nige:

[PowerBug]

MELBOURNE STARS

Squad - Nige
Bats:
Kevin Pietersen - Superstar. Babe. Legend. Gun. He's amazing in every way.
Luke Wright (Pace) - Not sure why he's listed as an AR when he hasn't bowled for a couple of seasons. Opens the batting.
Marcus Stoinis (Pace) - Bats and bowls. Place in the order can vary from time to time.
Dave Hussey - If he wasn't captain he wouldn't be in the team. Still goes okay for an old fella.
James Faulkner (Pace) - Doesn't live up to the 'finisher' moniker but his bowling is pretty decent.
Peter Handscomb (Keep) - I'd turn for him. Probably locked up on national duties because he's that good.
Robert Quiney - Good depth player, getting on in age, probably plays the later games.
Glenn Maxwell (Spin) - National selectors hold grudges and so he's probably available for most of the BBL. Gun.
Seb Gotch - Pretty good young player but unlikely to see much game time, if any.

Keep:
Sam Harper - This kid is the next big thing in Victorian cricket. Keeps well and bats well. Should play in Handscomb's absence.
Tom Triffit - Good back up and might be opted for as the experienced head over Harper.

Pace:
Scott Boland - Hasn't been setting the domestic scene alight like he can but he's an honest competitor.
Dan Worrall - Wasn't a huge fan of this guy but he's grown on me. Does some good things.
Ben Hilfenhaus - Does anyone not like this guy? Reliable as any.
Evan Gulbis (Bat) - Bit of a surprise last BBL, I didn't think he'd play but he did and was good.
John Hastings (Bat) - Knee injury very recently leaves question marks. Gulbis in his place seems likely.
Jackson Coleman -

Spin
Michael Beer - If you want an economic bowler who is hard to score but not necessarily a huge wicket taker, this is your man.
Adam Zampa - This kid is the real deal. Should be taking plenty of wickets over the summer.

Best XI - PowerBug
Luke Wright
Marcus Stoinis
Kevin Pietersen
Glenn Maxwell
Dave Hussey
James Faulkner
Evan Gulbis
Sam Harper (wk)
Adam Zampa
Scott Boland
Michael Beer

Pushing for Selection - PowerBug
Robert Quiney - As Nige stated, he will come in at some point when Maxwell, KP, Faulkner miss games for various reasons.
Hilfenhaus - Much the same but he will take Zampa's spot in the order once he and Faulkner go to ODI duty. Worrall if fit might play ahead of him however.

Fantasy Selection
PB: This was going to be John Hastings, but he's injured now. Has to be Luke Wright though, he's opened for I don't know how many seasons now, and always finds games where he gets runs. You might be lucky and get an over or two from him as well
Nige: Kevin Pietersen is a star (get it)! He'll probably be first drop and showed last year that he's still as good as anyone. Be aware that he'll probably miss a game or two like last season but his scores when on the park are worth it.

Final Word
PB:
Nige:

[PowerBug]

PERTH SCORCHERS

Squad - Nige
Bats:
Adam Voges - Test career looks done so should feature heavily. You know what you get with this guy.
Shaun Marsh - Being kept out of the test side by Renshaw so probably opens for this mob.
Mitch Marsh (Pace) - Gets games because of his name, but I'm a better cricketer and can't bat, bowl or field for shower.
Ashton Turner (Spin) - Insane form of later with the bat, can spin it well too. I'd like to see him bowl more in BBL.
Ashton Agar (Spin) - One hit wonder but still occasionally does something mildly impressive.
Cameron Bancroft (Keep) - Can keep and probably should. Can also open but probably won't.
Ian Bell - English legend who I absolutely love. Better than Carberry who he has replaced.
Michael Klinger - Form of late has been shocking. Still a great player. Expect him to do some good things.
Hilton Cartwright (Pace) - This bloke was a bit of a nobody for a while but is now really good. Definitely has x-factor.

Keep:
Sam Whiteman - I don't find this guy impressive at all. Bats low, doesn't do a lot. Bancroft is better in every way.

Pace:
Jason Behrendorff - Was the flavour of the month for a while and is unstoppable when fit and in form.
Joel Paris - Also is really good but doesn't seem to getting consistent chances to show his ability.
Andrew Tye - Has become the bowling darling of the Scorchers. You've probably heard about his slower ball.
David Willey (Bat) - Bowls well and bats well. Honestly was a super pick up and will impress again.
Nathan Coulter-Nile - If he's not injured, he's usually doing a pretty damn good job with ball in hand.
Mitchell Johnson - Yep, he's playing BBL now. I reckon he'll be handy and we know he can bat a bit if required.
Jyhe Richardson - Next superstar quick out of WA, has serious potential that needs to be seen.

Spin
James Muirhead - I've got nothing to say about this kid apart from that he's a traitor, a sellout and shouldn't play.

Best XI - PowerBug
Shaun Marsh
Michael Klinger
Ian Bell
Adam Voges
Mitch Marsh
Ashton Turner
Sam Whiteman (wk)
David Willey
Ashton Agar
Mitchell Johnson
Andrew Tye

Pushing for Selection - PowerBug
Hilton Cartwright - Could easily play over one of the Ashtons, could play when Willey goes but so could the next bloke.
Joel Paris - Great left armer would be a decent replacement for Wilely in the bowling area, they have batting depth.
It's certainly easier picking this side if the National side took the Marsh's :P Literally everyone on this list could play, the injuries make it slightly easier but still very tough to pick

Fantasy Selection
PB: Might be controversial but don't think about his test form, Mitch Marsh is hitting everything out the park at the moment, look at him to bat at 5 and bowl 3 or 4 overs a game.
Nige: Mitchell Johnson has to be considered because he's gonna be bowling regularly and is still as dangerous as they come I reckon.

Final Word
PB:
Nige:

[PowerBug]

SYDNEY SIXERS

Squad - Nige
Bats:
Daniel Hughes - Talented fella. I reckon he'll play and have a huge impact. Likely to open.
Ryan Carters (Keep) - Used to keep but has since focused on batting and does a great job. Bats low usually.
Moises Henriques (Pace) - If he's not injured or lying about being on Spotify, he's a decent allrounder and captain.
Nic Maddinson - flower this guy.
Jordan Silk - You know the name, you know the face (and neck) and you should know he is a middle order regular.
Sam Billings - English import who has some serious talent. Good get by the Sixers.
Jason Roy - Pretty much replacing Michael Lumb. Better than Lumb as well. Another good import.

Keep:
Brad Haddin - Likely to be sitting behind the stumps chirping to the commentary team. Bats alright too.

Pace:
Sean Abbott (Bat) - Best allrounder in the team imo. Bowling is really good, batting isn't half bad either.
Doug Bollinger - Legend. Looks even better with the bald head and beard tbh.
Jackson Bird - If not on test duties will be a regular and opens the bowling.
Ben Dwarshuis (Bat) - Bowls better than he bats but hasn't had a lot of chances to do the latter.
Josh Hazlewood - Likely on test duties which means his availability for this is low.
Mitchell Starc - Pretty much see Bird and Hazlewood for what to expect from this bloke.
Joe Mennie - New signing for the Sixers. He's a gun and nobody can tell me otherwise. Will feature prominently.

Spin
Johan Botha (Bat) - Now an Aussie citizen so doesn't take an international spot. Will bowl most of the spin overs.
Stephen O'Keefe - Gets injured or shafted by national selectors all the time and is better than Nathan Lyon.
Nathan Lyon - The Sixers love playing this bloke when not on national duty so he'll be terrorising a few teams for sure.

Best XI - PowerBug
Brad Haddin (wk)
Jason Roy
Sam Billings
Moises Henriques
Jordan Silk
Johan Botha
Sean Abbott
Ben Dwarshius
Joe Mennie
Stephen O'Keefe
Doug Bollinger

Pushing for Selection - PowerBug
Daniel Hughes - This team really confuses me, there's nothing much there but they have 6 guys who open the batting in one form or another. Hughes will have to be around the mark and might even start Round 1 I genuinely don't know. But the two English lads have to be near the top, as does Haddin.

Fantasy Selection
PB: There's a few options here, but Moises Henriques is a quality all rounder and always does well in BBL. Watch for him to dorp to number 5 as they've got lots of top order players now. Injury always a worry here as well.
Nige: Joe Mennie is literally one of my favourite domestic players in the country. Super get by the Sixers and for your fantasy team as he should strike multiple times with the ball and is handy with bat in hand if needed.

Final Word
PB:
Nige:

[PowerBug]

SYDNEY THUNDER

Squad - Nige
Bats:
Eoin Morgan - Irishman turned Englishman and is a really good batsman on his day.
Shane Watson (Pace) - Skipper these days. Calf injury will see him out of action until after Christmas, maybe New Year.
Aiden Blizzard - Serviceable batsman and likely to play most games unless they opt for youth.
Usman Khawaja - Domestic form is ridiculous and the Thunder will be licking their lips if he somehow isn't in the national side.
Jason Sangha - One of the next big things in NSW cricket. Can seriously play.
Kurtis Patterson - Robbed of national selection and should be in national side. #justiceforkurtis
Ben Rohrer - Old and not really gold anymore. Was once called 'the postman' because he always delivered, now not so much.
Ryan Gibson - Good kid but probably down the pecking order so might not feature a lot.
James Vince -

Keep:
Jake Doran - The only keeper on the list and for good reason. He's extremely good. His batting is equally great.
Chris Hartley -

Pace:
Gurinder Sandhu - His fall from grace has been insane. I still love him, but might go down as a one season wonder.
Patrick Cummins - Not sure he'll play test cricket for the national side and the Thunder won't complain about that.
Alister McDermott - Probably unlikely to see much game time behind the other quicks.
Clint McKay - Been around forever and should feature heavily as one of the main bowlers.
Andre Russell (Bat) - Currently some drama surrounding his availability but is explosive with bat and ball and is a fierce competitor.
Nathan McAndrew -

Spin
Fawad Ahmed - Good ol' Fawad probably won't get much of a look in with Nair in the side. Think Green might be ahead too.
Arjun Nair (Bat) - You're going to fall in love with this guy if you haven't already. He's legit the best thing since sliced bread.
Chris Green - Better than Fawad imo but I'm not sure whether the Thunder agrees. Handy player.

Best XI - PowerBug
Aiden Blizzard
Kurtis Patterson
Eoin Morgan
Ben Rohrer
Andre Russell
Jake Doran (wk)
Chris Green
Patrick Cummins
Gurinder Sandhu
Clint McKay
Fawad Ahmed

Pushing for Selection - PowerBug
Arjun Nair - A young AR much like Chris Green, can bat in the top order and with Watto and Khawaja out he may be given a chance to shine there. Green should be preferred as the lower order AR due to playing last season.
Ryan Gibson - He's played as a Bat only at number 7 for NSW in 3 shield games this season, so they must like something about him, he might get a chance to play as well

Fantasy Selection
PB: At a price of $30,000 and likely to open the batting as their entire top order has disappeared, Kurtis Patterson provides excellent value for fantasy players. Was in form early in the season, didn't get much in his last two shield outings, still a gun though.
Nige: I think the Thunder would be crazy not to blood Arjun Nair. He's arguably the best young talent in the nation right now and is equally good with bat and ball so he should get used in both departments which means points aplenty.

Final Word
PB:
Nige:

[Nige]

Team previews. Everything in this thread are entirely the opinions of Nigey and myself. If they are wrong we are not responsible, if they are right then we expect a portion of whatever winnings you get ;)

Consider this statement officially endorsed by yours truly.

Also, I'll get started on these tomorrow most likely so have a gander at this thread tomorrow night and you'll probably see at least one of these done!

[Nige]

First for teams have had their player profiles done.

I'll probably finish the other 4 off a bit later.

If you've got a question or wanna discuss, fire away.

[Nige]

All the player profiles are done.

[elephants]

I hope there's a bit of tongue in cheek at M.Marsh getting T20 games because of his name... He's good in this format!