SuperCoach BBL: Brad Haddin’s Heroes are here for the new season to take Shane Warne down
The King of Spin sure talks a good game … but how is he going to go when he comes up against Haddin’s Heroes? The former Sydney Sixer and Australian wicketkeeper reveals his side for the SuperCoach BBL season
SuperCoach BBL
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It’s hard not to be tempted into playing SuperCoach BBL this summer, with Warnie going on and on and on about how his side is the best and won’t be beaten the entire season.
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The King of Spin sure talks a good game … but how is he going to go when he comes up against Haddin’s Heroes?
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BATTING
Like a lot of players in BBL|09, I’m looking at the opening round schedule and seeing a lot of opportunities to pick players who have two matches in the first Round of SuperCoach action.
As such, not only have I picked the Sixers’ Tom Curran – who is also available as a bowler – but I’ve whacked the captaincy armband on him, fully aware that that means he’ll earn double points in the first week. His teammate Josh Philippe is also in my BAT selections, and he can double as a WKP as needs be.
Usman Khawaja will dominate the Big Bash if he’s able to play multiple games when not selected to be representing his country, so I’m pretty confident that he’ll be a good player to have in Round 1 as he should suit up a couple of times to begin the season as well.
Melbourne Renegades won the whole shebang for good reason last year, and the addition of Shaun Marsh to their side – and my SuperCoach squad – holds them in good stead to go deep into the tournament this time around too. Dan Christian is a maestro when it comes to domestic T20 competitions, so is well worth having in Haddin’s Heroes from the get go.
In terms of bench coverage, it’s hard to go past their young teammates in Will Sutherland and Jake Fraser-McGurk, both of whom are available as either BAT or BWL options.
KEEPING
Cam Bancroft is a man after my own heart – when he hits it, it stays hit! He’s clearly in the minds of national selectors, but with Joe Burns and David Warner getting off to a great Test start this summer, he’s likely to be available for the Scorchers for the start of the year.
As per above, one of the big benefits of wicket keepers in the SuperCoach game is that they’re available as both WKP and BAT, so I’ve gone for the cheapest possible option on the bench in the Heat’s Jimmy Peirson – it’ll be interesting to see if he starts in their XI or if English import Tom Banton has taken his place.
SUPERCOACH BBL STUDY GUIDES:
> Adelaide Strikers SuperCoach BBL|09 preview
> Brisbane Heat SuperCoach BBL|09 preview
> Hobart Hurricanes BBL|09 preview
> Melbourne Renegades BBL|09 preview
> Melbourne Stars BBL|09 preview
> Perth Scorchers BBL|09 preview
> Sydney Sixers BBL|09 preview
> Sydney Thunder BBL|09 preview
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BOWLING
Here’s where I think my side has a real point of difference, with three dedicated BWL choices from the Sixers making up half of my on-field make-up. Sean Abbott, Steve O’Keefe and Ben Dwarshuis are all experienced campaigners and know how to not just take wickets but also keep a tidy Economy Rate – with bonus points available, it makes sense to go for blokes who know what they’re doing with the ball in their hand.
I think Mitch Marsh is set for a monster season for the Scorchers as he’ll be needed for both bowling as well as batting high up the order, and he should be able to be a high-scoring player as such – he’s more than capable of matching the sort of output that his WA teammate Marcus Stoinis (who plays for the Melbourne Stars) achieved last year, and nearly averaging 100 SuperCoach points every time he played.
His Scorchers’ teammate Chris Green is super cheap and might actually end up having more impact with the bat than the ball this season, but he’s a nice option to have. Ultimately if he ends up not doing either he’s not cost a great deal, and with the Hurricanes’ DPP BAT / BWL option Simon Milenko on the bench, as well as Lance Morris from the Stars, I think I’ve got the depth to cover for him
MORE SUPERCOACH BBL NEWS:
> SuperCoach BBL: International Watch
> Which SuperCoach BBL bargains will play?
> Pick a gun side in 5 minutes
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ADD BRAD TO YOUR SUPERCOACH LEAGUES: soon all celebrities playing the SuperCoach BBL game will be available to add to your leagues … stay tuned for more celebrity sides!
Originally published as SuperCoach BBL: Brad Haddin’s Heroes are here for the new season to take Shane Warne down