Predicted Big Bash teams and SuperCoach BBL14 analysis
Which cheapies will play first round of the Big Bash League starting Sunday and who will land scoring roles? Check this expert list of who is playing and who will make an impact.
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The first ball of the Big Bash season for 2024-25 is almost here.
We’ve done our best to predict the starting XI for every club to begin their campaigns and highlighted key players that will deliver SuperCoach impact.
After early predictions in November, we’ve updated every team to factor in injuries, international commitments and late signings.
Here’s how each team is likely to line up for round 1 plus SuperCoach analysis on the players you need to know.
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Adelaide Strikers
1. Matt Short
2. D’Arcy Short
3. Chris Lynn
4. Jake Weatherald
5. Jamie Overton
6. Harry Neilsen
7. Fabian Allen
8. Henry Thornton
9. Cameron Boyce
10. Lloyd Pope
11. Brendan Doggett
NOT SELECTED/UNAVAILABLE
James Bazely, Jordan Buckingham (injured), Alex Ross, Thomas Kelly, Alex Carey (national duty), Travis Head (national duty), Ollie Pope (national duty, available from round 3).
WHAT PRE-SEASON HAS TAUGHT US
The Strikers will be “spin heavy”, per new coach Tim Paine. Which means – coupling the expected round 1 availability of West Indian import Fabian Allen – Matt Short could be the fourth spinner available and one of seven bowling options.
An injury to Buckingham and great form of Brendan Doggett should decide the final pace bowler’s spot.
Ollie Pope likely misses the Strikers’ round 2 double starting December 20 given his Test series in New Zealand ends two days earlier.
CHANGES SINCE LAST SEASON
A new coach and no Rashid Khan means predicting how the Adelaide Strikers will line up could prove difficult.
On face value, the Strikers still look like a side reliant on Matt Short to determine their destiny, albeit there’s a couple of important upgrades and the balance finally looks good. Bringing in Ollie Pope through the draft significantly improves their batting depth and should finally end the reliance on Harry Neilsen, who at times batted as low as No.8.
Stalwart Wes Agar is gone to the Thunder, meaning Henry Thornton and Englishman Jamie Overton are the undisputed pace spearheads. In all, the pace bowling options look a little thin.
There’s a vacancy for the third seam option, which could go to all-rounder James Bazely, or red-ball specialist Jordan Buckingham. Brendan Doggett has in the past shown some ability to bowl the death overs and could usurp both of them if in form.
There’s a bit of a logjam with the reserve batters with Jake Weatherald expected to put pressure on D’Arcy Short for an openers spot. Weatherald could also challenge for the middle-order finisher role alongside recruit Alex Ross and Thomas Kelly. The Strikers could, of course, go for an extra batter if they are finally ready to rely on Matt Short as the certified fifth bowler.
No Khan brings West Indian Fabian Allen into the fold. The talented left-arm orthodox is a more than handy lower-order batsman and excellent fielder.
SUPERCOACH WATCH LIST
Fabian Allen is a genuine three-skill cricketer. Not always known as a huge wicket-taker, he’s got an exciting skillset and if named at seven should be in most people’s sides.
Jamie Overton as a death bowler and No.6 bat is one of the best prospects in SuperCoach, albeit he will be expensive after last year’s numbers and didn’t bowl for months due to injury.
Henry Thornton has stepped into the limelight after some glimpses in the previous years. If he adds consistent death bowling to his repertoire he could be another SuperCoach stud.
Matt Short might cost over $300k but should again play a starring role. Go against him at your peril.
Jordan Buckingham could be a potential cheapie if named in their best XI for game 1. Both him and Doggett are very affordable.
Brisbane Heat
1. Jimmy Pierson
2. Max Bryant
3. Colin Munro
4. Matt Renshaw
5. Tom Alsop (wk)
6. Jack Wood
7. Paul Walter
8. Xavier Bartlett
9. Matthew Kuhnemann
10. Mitch Swepson
11. Spencer Johnson
NOT SELECTED/UNAVAILABLE
Nathan McSweeney (national duty), Usman Khawaja (national duty), Marnus Labuschagne (national duty), Will Prestwidge, Callum Vidler, Michael Neser (injured), Jack Wildermuth (expected signing).
WHAT PRE-SEASON HAS TAUGHT US
Two pivotal pieces will miss the start of the tournament in skipper McSweeny and Neser. Neser adds crucial balance to the side but he looks set to miss the early stages with a hamstring injury. I project they’ll replace him with a batter in Jack Wood, shifting Paul Walter one spot lower in the order – it could easily go the way of a quick in Wildermuth, Prestwidge or Vidler.
The batting looks thin, but the bowlers are what won it for them last year. Predicting the batter order may need to be revisited off the back of practice games. Count this side out at your peril.
CHANGES SINCE LAST SEASON
Last year’s champions have a relatively settled line-up, albeit new coach Johan Botha could have some new ideas on how they want to go about it.
The Heat’s title was won off the back of their impeccable six-string bowling attack. And the whole cast should be available again this summer to carry on business per usual. It’s really only the batters where we expect some changes, albeit minimal.
In the search for an opener, the Heat could turn back the clock and have tyro Max Bryant return to the top. He’s transformed himself into a dependable finisher, but that’s a role they’ve strangely got in abundance and have drafted for with English-keeper Tom Alsop likely to take the No.5 role.
SUPERCOACH WATCH LIST
Spencer Johnson is the best bowler in the Big Bash, yet doesn’t always take big bags of wickets. Could this be his year?
Max Bryant if opening becomes an interesting prospect to monitor, albeit high risk.
Tall Paul Walter could again have a starring role as a death bowler and No.6 batsman.
If Neser is replaced by a bowler, does an elevation to Xavier Bartlett make him a genuine all-round option?
Matt Renshaw is cheap after an awful season last year. With great job security, he could make a good bench stash for round 1.
Hobart Hurricanes
1. Caleb Jewell
2. Mitch Owen
3. Ben McDermott
4. Matt Wade (wk)
5. Tim David
6. Nikhil Chaudhary
7. Chris Jordan
8. Nathan Ellis
9. Paddy Dooley
10. Riley Meredith
11. Waqar Salamkheil
NOT SELECTED/UNAVAILABLE
Shai Hope (national duty, round 3), Billy Stanlake, Charlie Wakim, Iain Carlisle, Peter Hatzoglou, Jake Doran, Mac Wright (injured)
WHAT PRE-SEASON HAS TAUGHT US
The Canes have already lost one of their draft picks and the signing of Waqar Salamkheil shows they see spin as a weakness. Does Dooley keep his spot? Will they go an extra quick? It’s hard to judge.
The early absence of Shai Hope creates a short-term opportunity in the top order and this could fall to Mitch Owen, who has played the role for Tasmania in One Day Cricket this season, albeit with modest results.
Meredith is fit which significantly improves the look of the bowling unit.
CHANGES SINCE LAST SEASON
With minimal changes to the bowling list, this could be another middling year for the Canes.
Shai Hope from the West Indies joins a top four that is largely flexible and could be picked in any order. No doubt it’ll shift around pending form and fortunes.
Last year’s breakout local Nikhil Chaudary should ideally start as their No.6 and sixth bowling option. Chris Jordan as a No.7 is a great role for SuperCoach, and cheapie Mitch Owen will be popular if he does open for a few games to start the season.
Dooley could be rotated with Billy Stanlake or Hatzoglou pending conditions.
SUPERCOACH WATCH LIST
A fit Riley Meredith is always an interesting prospect, but it’s a big ask to rely on him given his track record.
Chris Jordan is extremely hot and cold for a player of his stature but there’s no denying it’s a plumb role.
Shai Hope has WKP-BAT dual-position status which could make him an interesting target, albeit he won’t come cheap.
Melbourne Renegades
1. Josh Brown
2. Tim Seifert (wk)
3. Jake Fraser-McGurk
4. Laurie Evans
5. Mack Harvey
6. Jono Wells
7. Will Sutherland
8. Fergus O’Neil
9. Tom Rogers
10. Adam Zampa
11. Kane Richardson
NOT SELECTED/UNAVAILABLE
Jacob Bethell (national duty, round 2 or 4), Harry Dixon, Gurinder Sandhu, Nathan Lyon (national duty), Marcus Harris, Xavier Crone.
WHAT PRE-SEASON HAS TAUGHT US SO FAR
English recruit Jacob Bethell is a star. He should hold down the No.4 spot and even bowl, however after his unexpected call-up to the English Test side in New Zealand, the question will be asked how much rest he needs after the series, which concludes on December 18. With a round 3 bye, a late arrival could buy him a Christmas back home.
Mack Harvey looks set to win the vacant middle-order finisher role. And Fergus O’Neill is a handy young cricketer who is a good round 1 POD.
The balance of the side rests on the fitness and availability of Will Sutherland. The new skipper will need to pass a fitness test before taking his place in round 1.
CHANGES SINCE LAST SEASON
A new coach joins the Gades, who lost significant experience in Aaron Finch and Shaun Marsh last year. They’ll be an exciting side, albeit one that might not have the mettle to challenge for the title this year.
Brisbane hero Josh Brown has earned himself a big contract for the red team and should like the short square boundaries at Marvel. Kiwi keeper Tim Seifert has also signed on and should open the batting with him. Jake Fraser-McGurk makes it a powerful top three.
English duo Laurie Evans and Jacob Bethell have also joined and should form part of the middle order. Bethell, a recent international debutant, is an energetic all-rounder who should play a prominent role with the ball and in the field. His presence in the top five helps the balance of this side significantly.
SUPERCOACH WATCH LIST
Fergus O’Neill could be a point of difference prospect who will swing the ball in the opening Power Play.
Josh Brown’s heroics all came in the BBL Finals last year, meaning his 38 average is below what he’s capable of.
Adam Zampa averaged just 27 last year and looked exhausted. At his pomp he can more than double that and should be a good money maker.
Melbourne Stars
1. Sam Harper
2. Joe Clarke (wk)
3. Beau Webster
4. Marcus Stoinis
5. Tom Rogers
6. Hilton Cartwright
7. Tom Curran
8. Joel Paris
9. Adam Milne
10. Peter Siddle
11. Hamish McKenzie
NOT SELECTED/UNAVAILABLE
Usama Mir (national duty, round 3), Campbell Kellaway, Doug Warren, Sam Harper, Ben Duckett (national duty), Brody Couch, Jono Merlo, Scott Boland (national duty)
WHAT PRE-SEASON HAS TAUGHT US
No side has had bigger impacts in pre-season. Thankfully they play the first game of the year so we should have enough opportunity to plan our sides accordingly.
Former skipper Glenn Maxwell could miss round 1 with a hamstring injury. If that unfolds, I see Sam Harper making his way into the top three. Thankfully, Marcus Stoinis looks to have found his mojo.
Beau Webster rightly earned a spot in the Test squad, but I think he’s still a reserve at best and should be released for the BBL, where he is sorely needed. Boland, on the other hand, is unlikely to be released and will give cover to the Test side over the course of the series vs India.
The signing of Peter Siddle creates uncertainty around every other pace bowler not named Tom Curran – pick them at your peril.
Cheapie prospect Hamish McKenzie is their leading spinner until Mir arrives, but with so many all-rounders isn’t guaranteed his overs.
CHANGES SINCE LAST SEASON
New internationals should bring new hope for the Stars. Glenn Maxwell’s demotion from captain as well could change their playing style.
Ben Duckett was the No.1 draft pick and should take the gloves for the Stars to complement his opening batting. That’s a pretty juicy role but he will miss the first couple of rounds. Joe Clarke has been signed as a replacement for the round 1 double.
The risk with the Stars has always been the multitude of bowling options. With so much choice, it’s hard to rely on players getting their full allotment.
SUPERCOACH WATCH LIST
Glenn Maxwell has the highest ceiling in Australian cricket. If he bowls consistently he’s too scary not to own. But is he fit?
Beau Webster, if released from the Test Squad, should be highly owned. Not only does he bat at three and accumulate runs well, his bowling has gone to another level this season. A perfect all-rounder to build your side around for the first three rounds.
Tom Curran adds some panache to a bowling attack, which has sadly lacked it in seasons gone. He’s a genuine straight captain option in round 1.
Marcus Stoinis’ price tag and formline make him almost a set and forget team member to hold for the first three rounds at least.
Mark Steketee is a SuperCoach stud of seasons gone, but averaged just nine last year. If priced cheaply, could be an important piece to help add depth and build value. But can you trust his overs?
Hamish McKenzie will benefit as the primary spin option for the first two rounds, although with so many bowling options that doesn’t mean he will be guaranteed his four overs. A solid cheapie prospect, albeit not a slam dunk.
Perth Scorchers
1. Finn Allen
2. Keaton Jennings
3.Josh Inglis/Matt Hurst
4. Josh Inglis (wk) / Ashton Turner
5. Ashton Turner / Matt Hurst
6. Nick Hobson
7. Matthew Spoors/Ashton Agar
8. Andrew Tye
9. Jhye Richardson
10. Lance Morris
11. Jason Behrendorff
NOT SELECTED/UNAVAILABLE
Ashton Agar (injured), Cooper Connolly (injured), Mitch Marsh (national duty), Matt Kelly, Mahli Beardman, Sam Fanning, Matt Hurst (will deputise for Josh Inglis when needed), Liam Haskett
WHAT PRE-SEASON HAS TAUGHT US
The injury bug has hit the Scorchers hard. We expect Agar and Connolly to miss the first few rounds of the tournament at a minimum. Ashton Turner has a side strain but that should only impact his bowling stocks.
Leg-spinning all-rounder Matt Spoors has emerged as a cheapie option. A rookie spinner in the XI is also great signs for Aaron Hardie, who is more chance to bowl when a second-string player is in the side. Hardie looks an astute round 1 play if you can afford him.
Jhye Richardson is tempting to include in round 1 sides at his price, but buyers beware – his shoulder can pop in and out from a simple high five.
If Josh Inglis makes his Test debut this summer, Englishman Matt Hurstshould take the gloves.
CHANGES SINCE LAST SEASON
Another largely settled side, the Scorchers should once again contend in BBL14.
Kiwi Finn Allen is a season-long signing and should open the batting. Few have his ability, although he will need to get used to a shorter four-over Power Play. He’s a high-risk player who puts bums on seats and I cannot wait to see him out here.
English opener Keaton Jennings was a surprise draft pick, but fills a need in the side and should partner Allen at the top of the order. His compatriot and club mate in County Cricket Matt Hurst is another option, but most likely provides squad depth and keeper coverage.
It’s pick your poison with the bowling attack. When all fit, there’s simpler no better side.
SUPERCOACH WATCH LIST
Aaron Hardie is no secret any more, but probably needs an injury from one of the bowlers to see consistent overs with the ball. A glance at the Scorchers’ injury list makes him a must-have for the round 2 double, if not sooner.
Josh Inglis is consistent and now has two centuries in International T20s. Don’t be put off by his position at No.4 – he can score brilliantly well from here. In the off chance he opens, he will be one of the most owned at the position. If he is released from the Test squad, jump on.
Andrew Tye’s season average of 47 is slightly down from what you’d expect from him, so he could offer some value.
Jhye Richardson’s season average of just 30 from BBL13 is downright awful compared to what he is capable of. Could be amazing value.
Matt Spoors offers a decent cheapie prospect as the primary spinner in a side which should take a lot of wickets. He should start until Agar is back.
Sydney Sixers
1. Josh Philippe (wk)
2. Kurtis Patterson
3. James Vince
4. Moises Henriques
5. Jordan Silk
6. Jack Edwards
7. Hayden Kerr
8. Jafer Chohan
9. Ben Dwarshuis
10. Sean Abbott
11. Todd Murphy
NOT SELECTED/UNAVAILABLE
Daniel Hughes (injured), Akeal Hossein (national duty), Steve Smith (national duty), Ben Manenti, Joel Davies, Mitch Perry, Jackson Bird
WHAT PRE-SEASON HAS TAUGHT US
One of the quieter sides in terms of player movement. The injury to Dan Hughes created a momentary murmur that Jack Edwards could bat in the top three, however the stunning form of Kurtis Patterson has surely put that one to bed.
Hayden Kerr has missed almost 10 months of cricket since last year’s BBL Final but is returning at grade level in Sydney. There’s plenty of options for how they can cover the bowling stocks, however they love spin and english recruit Jafer Chohan could start in round 1 pending how he performs in the intra-club trials.
Sean Abbott received a worthy call-up to the Aussie Test squad but should be available to play Big Bash.
CHANGES SINCE LAST SEASON
Last year’s runners up will be stinging after the final loss in front of a sellout home crowd. The retirement of Stephen O’Keefe is the only major change to this side in what feels like 10 years.
In place of SOK, the club has gone heavily into the market for spin bowlers. West Indian Akeal Hosein is the big prize – he’s an absolute weapon who should love conditions in Sydney. He also adds further depth to a lower order who can all swing the bat.
Ben Manenti has also returned to the squad, but probably sits behind Todd Murphy, who should earn consistent game time. Forgotten man Hayden Kerr has missed a lot of cricket in the last 12 months through injury, but should be in their best XI if fit.
No Tom Curran or noted international pace bowler means the high-scoring death overs are up for grabs. Expect Abbott and Dwarshuis to take the lead with support from Edwards.
SUPERCOACH WATCH LIST
Jack Edwards has truly arrived, and if he takes the mantle as death bowler, offers up an incredible role for SuperCoaches.
Akeal Hosein has earnt his high price tag through strong performances in the tournament previously.
Sean Abbott’s down season saw him average just 34 last year. This is a guy whose consistently one of the best players in SuperCoach.
Sydney Thunder
1 David Warner
2. Sam Konstas
3. Cameron Bancroft
4. Ollie Davies
5. Sam Billings (wk)
6. Matt Gilkes
7. Daniel Sams
8. Chris Green
9. Wes Agar
10. Lockie Ferguson
11. Tanveer Sangha
NOT SELECTED/UNAVAILABLE
Nic Maddinson (injured), Nathan McAndrew (injured), Will Salzmann (injured), Liam Hatcher (injured), Jason Sangha (injured), Sherfane Rutherford (national duties, round 3), Ryan Hadley (expected signing).
WHAT PRE-SEASON HAS TAUGHT US
The side looked settled until the untimely finger injury to recruit Nic Maddinson. The cheapie option looked to be firming for the vacated No.3 spot but it’s not all doom and gloom from a SuperCoach perspective – the likely replacements are all cheapies, including rising star Sam Konstas.
Fellow newbie Wes Agar will contend with state teammate Nathan McAndrew for a round 1 berth. Both could play if Kiwi recruit Lockie Ferguson doesn’t overcome a current calf niggle.
All eyes will be on their practice matches to see who has landed the No.3 spot. No early double game week hurts their relevance, but they should serve up some cheapies.
CHANGES SINCE LAST SEASON
Fresh blood behind the scenes at the Thunder has seen some strong recruitment and the best looking Thunder side in years.
A full season of David Warner means one of the opener’s slots is also sewn up. Cam Bancroft’s omission from the Test side creates an intriguing opening pair.
Englishman Sam Billings also returns to the club and should slot into the crucial No.5 slot which has proven tricky for the club to fill. Daniel Sams also gets a reprieve with West Indian Sherfane Rutherford likely to push him down one spot to No.7.
Kiwi Lockie Ferguson is an awesome pick-up in the draft and will take the death bowling overs for his new club straight away. Sams has always needed more help and it could arrive in the shape of Wes Agar, albeit he will need to beat out Nathan McAndrew for the spot.
SUPERCOACH WATCH LIST
Cameron Bancroft averaged 35 last summer but with the openers slot sewn up could be an interesting option with WKT-BAT DPP.
David Warner’s poor returns last year are well below his capability. One to monitor.
Lockie Ferguson’s role and home conditions could make him unplayable.
Sam Konstas, Matt Gilkes, Jason Sangha – whoever wins the No.3 spot – could be a great cheapie. Sangha looks the least likely of the three but his handy leg spin could push him into contention.
This article was originally published at SuperCoach Playbook.
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