Ultimate KFC SuperCoach guide to international stars coming to Australia for BBL10
Jonny Bairstow won’t join the Stars after being recalled to England’s Test squad. But given his replacement, it could be a win for KFC SuperCoaches. Ultimate import guide.
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After his IPL form and recent limited-overs performance for England, KFC SuperCoaches were eagerly awaiting Jonny Bairstow’s BBL10 arrive.
But the English selectors have been enjoying Bairstow’s form, too, set to recall him back into the Test squad.
So, unfortunately, it’s time to cross him off your late-December trade plans in KFC SuperCoach BBL.
It comes as the Brisbane Heat confirm fellow Englishman Tom Banton will not return this summer.
It’s not all bad news, however, in fact it could even be a blessing in disguise, despite how exciting Bairstow would’ve been to watch.
His international replacement at the Stars is West Indies T20 gun Andre Fletcher.
Yep, the same guy who opened the batting against New Zealand the other night and has a T20 century to his name,
Oh, and he’s a WKP-BAT in KFC SuperCoach and looks set to be here for the opening-round double.
Bairstow is not the only English star who will miss BBL10 after initially signing on.
Sydney Sixers all-rounder Tom Curran, one of the best KFC SuperCoach BBL scorers last season, has opted to return to England after being involved in the tour of South Africa.
Fletcher’s signing adds to the impressive haul of international stars set to grace the BBL this summer. Here’s how they all affect KFC SuperCoach.
Jason Roy $160,000 BAT (Perth Scorchers)
The English white-ball opener didn’t exactly set the world alight during three previous BBL campaigns where he featured for Sydney Sixers. It’s worth noting his first BBL appearance was in 2014-15 though, when he only managed 20 runs in three innings. Roy managed 92 runs from four innings in 2016-17 and only 62 runs from six innings in 2017-18, when he endured a run of four single-digit scores. He’s been a more regular run scorer in the English Vitality Blast. Roy will have a point to prove on Australian soil after signing with Perth Scorchers but it will take a brave SuperCoach to start with him based on his history in past tournaments.
Tim's verdict: Not sure I’d pay $160,000 for a batsman who doesn’t have the best record in the BBL.
The Phantom’s verdict: Could explode but there’s better value around.
Alex Hales $162,100 BAT (Sydney Thunder) BBL09 avg: 56.6
Hales vanquished his BBL demons with a sterling summer for the Thunder in BBL09. The Englishman belted 576 runs at an average of 38.4 and strike rate of 146.9, finishing second behind record breaker Marcus Stoinis on the tournament’s runs tally. He opened the campaign with a KFC SuperCoach BBL score of 128 in Round 1 but then bottomed out at $80,600 after Round 7. From that point of the campaign he averaged 78.2 points and soared to a finishing price of $241,800. If he replicates that type of form he’ll fast become a must-have player.
Tim's verdict: Not at such a high starting price. No doubt Hales could take the BBL by storm again but his start last season showed you will be able to get him much cheaper than his Round 1 price. Wait for the right time and then jump on.
The Phantom’s verdict: He’s not cheap, but given his ceiling, he’s arguably underpriced. One I’m considering as a slight point-of-difference.
Dawid Malan $175,000 BAT (Hobart Hurricanes)
The world’s No. 1 ranked T20 batsman has joined the Hurricanes in a huge coup for the BBL. Malan made 208 runs in four T20 international knocks in 2019, including an unbeaten 103 from 51 balls against New Zealand — in which he hit nine fours and six sixes. He averages 48.7 from 16 T20 internationals with a strike rate of 146.6 and 33 from 210 career T20s. Malan opens in domestic T20s in England but has featured at No. 3 and No. 4 for England. Don’t be surprised if he slots in at No. 3 when Matthew Wade and D’Arcy Short are both available after the Indian Test series. With Wade, Short, Malan, Peter Handscomb and Ben McDermott, the Hurricanes will boast an imposing top-five.
Tim's verdict: Has to be considered. He won’t come cheap, but a player with Malan’s T20 record should be worth paying top dollar for. Especially if he’s opening when Matthew Wade is on Test duties.
The Phantom’s verdict: If he opens, I’ll be going cheaper elsewhere to get him in.
Rashid Khan $192,300 BWL (Adelaide Strikers) BBL09 avg: 67.2 BWL
The spin wizard is back at the Strikers — as if there was any doubt. The Afghanistan international has been consistency personified in three seasons with Adelaide, recording hauls of 19, 19 and 18 wickets from BBL07-BBL09. While his ability to bamboozle the BBL’s best batsmen is well known, Khan added another string to his bow last season as a middle-to-lower order finisher with the bat. His electric knock of 40 from 18 balls on New Year’s Eve against Sydney Thunder was something to behold.
Tim's verdict: He should be one of the first-picked in your KFC SuperCoach team. He’s valuable regardless of whether the Strikers have a double or not.
The Phantom’s verdict: Yes. Next.
Mohammad Nabi $191,500 BAT-BWL (Melbourne Renegades) BBL09 avg: 74.3
Nabi has been locked in for another season in red after producing a strong finish to what was a forgettable BBL09 for the Renegades. After returning to the club in Round 9, Nabi hit his straps in the final three games of the campaign with scores of 63, 20 and 38 — for KFC SuperCoach totals of 155, 68 and 98. The Afghani all-rounder took a wicket in five of the six games he played, twice conceding six runs an over or less. Dan Christian’s move to the Sixers will only increase his importance to the Renegades and could lock Nabi in for a spot in the top five of the batting line-up.
Tim's verdict: Tempting, but not at a starting price of $191,500. He’ll need to score big from Round 1 just to maintain that price. Target him for a Renegades double instead when he should be cheaper.
The Phantom’s verdict: A BBL veteran – and a solid KFC SuperCoach scorer – but I won’t be fitting him in to start.
Liam Livingstone $166,000 BAT-BWL (Perth Scorchers) BBL09 avg: 58
Livingstone will be part of a powerful one-two punch at the top of the order with fellow Englishman Jason Roy for the Scorchers. Throw in breakout gloveman Josh Inglis and Perth will boast one of the most dangerous top-threes in the BBL this summer. KFC SuperCoaches hoping Livingstone would be a regular with the ball for Perth were left disappointed last season when he only delivered 8.1 overs in 14 matches. However, he was the Scorchers’ leading run scorer with 425 runs at an average of 30 and blistering strike rate of 142.6.
Tim's verdict: A must-have when the Scorchers have a double, but otherwise coaches can wait for Livingstone’s price to drop unless there’s an earlier indication he’s going to be bowling regularly.
The Phantom’s verdict: Took nine wickets in the recent Vitality Blast, in another sign of his effectiveness with the ball in T20 cricket. So, if he bowls more this BBL, I’ll be jumping all over the Englishman when he arrives. Because he can hit.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman $115,900 BWL (Brisbane Heat) BBL09 avg: 40.5
Mujeeb hasn’t been a huge wicket-taker in the BBL with 15 wickets in 18 games in the past two seasons. However, it’s his ability to restrict batsmen in the power play which has made him such as asset for the Heat. In BBL08 he only conceded 6.04 runs an over and in BBL09 he went at 6.16 runs an over. Bowlers need to deliver three overs to be eligible for the KFC SuperCoach BBL economy bonus this season but that shouldn’t be an issue for Mujeeb. Unfortunately, the young star was diagnosed with COVID-19 while in his mandatory 14-day quarantine period and is now in doubt for the Heat’s opening three matches.
Tim's verdict: He’s a trade target.
The Phantom’s verdict: Not to start, but he’s priced very well for the Heat’s Round 3 double.
Noor Ahmad $62,500 BWL (Melbourne Renegades)
The Afghani teenager was scouted for more than a year by Melbourne Renegades before they signed him. At 15 years old, the left-arm wrist spinner has only played one first-class match. Noor does have an impressive T20 record in his native Afghanistan though, boasting 19 wickets in 15 career matches. He should get an early opportunity to impress with the Renegades as Imran Tahir doesn’t arrive until after Christmas.
Tim's verdict: Very keen on Noor. The BBL hasn’t seen many genuine left-arm wrist spinners since Brad Hogg and we all know the success he had. Could the Renegades fit Tahir, Noor and Cameron Boyce into the same team though?
The Phantom’s verdict: Afghani spinners are the masters of T20, so he could prove a perfect bench option.
Adam Milne $125,000 BWL (Sydney Thunder)
The Kiwi quick has opted out of his deal with New Zealand side Central Districts to play under compatriot Shane Bond at the Thunder. As Bond did during his playing days, Milne has endured a host of injury setbacks in recent years. But at his best he’s been clocked at faster than 150km/h and has 25 international T20 scalps in 21 games. At a price of only $125k, Milne appeals as a KFC SuperCoach starting pick. He should be the spearhead of the Thunder attack alongside Daniel Sams.
Tim's verdict: A bowling attack of Milne, Sams, Ben Cutting, Chris Green and Jono Cook will be potent. Milne will be the frontline quick with Sams and Cutting as handy foils. If he settles quickly, $125k will be a bargain.
The Phantom’s verdict: An international opening bowler with a solid T20 record at $125k? I’m keen.
👕 61 international appearances
— ICC (@ICC) April 13, 2020
â˜ï¸ 66 wickets
He represented New Zealand in @T20WorldCup 2012 and 2016, as well as @CricketWorldCup 2015.
Happy birthday, Adam Milne 🰠pic.twitter.com/oHkRobQfrW
Imran Tahir $175,000 BWL (Melbourne Renegades)
The veteran leg-spinner remains one of the world’s most dangerous Twenty20 spinners. Tahir was the leading wicket-taker in last year’s Indian Premier League with 26 wickets from 17 matches, an indication of his quality considering the depth of batsmen who play spin well in the IPL. He looms as a real headache for BBL batsmen with a career record of 381 wickets from 304 T20 games. He’s also conceded less than seven runs an over during his T20 career. Those numbers would add up to serious KFC SuperCoach points once he joins the Renegades after Christmas.
Tim's verdict: If you can build enough bank to pay $175k by Tahir’s debut, I wouldn’t have any hesitation paying it. He’s going to cause all sorts of dramas for batsmen in the BBL, especially if the Renegades play enough games at Marvel Stadium.
The Phantom’s verdict: I’ll be putting some money aside in anticipation.
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James Vince (Sydney Sixers) $98,700 BAT BBL09 avg: 34.5
Top-order batsman Vince has been one of the most consistent Englishmen in the BBL’s history. While several of his compatriots have struggled down under, Vince has consistently averaged about 30 across four seasons with the Sixers. He enjoyed his best campaign two summers ago with 269 runs at 44.8 and contributed 310 runs at 23.9 in BBL09. He’s cheap for an international at $98,700 and the Sixers have a glut of early fixtures.
Tim's verdict: I seem to end up with Vince every year and expect this season will be no exception. The Sixers have an early double which will give their No. 3 batsman the opportunity to make a flying start and shoot above $100,000.
The Phantom’s verdict: Struggled last BBL but that means his price this summer is hard to ignore, given the Sixers’ early double.
Lewis Gregory in FC cricket this season:
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) April 11, 2019
4-28 v Cardiff MCCU
3-26 & 5-18 v Kent
4-43 v Notts, including this absolute beauty to Samit Patel.
He's on fire! 🔥🔥🔥#NottsvSom #CountyChampionshippic.twitter.com/Rn6Zk9TWb9
Lewis Gregory (Brisbane Heat) $175,000 BAT-BWL
The English all-rounder arrives in the BBL with a solid T20 career record, averaging 21.9 (strike rate 146.8) and taking 109 wickets from 113 matches. A medium-fast bowler and right-hand batsman, Gregory enjoyed a breakout Vitality Blast tournament in 2018 when he launched 328 runs at an average of 46.9 and strike rate of 202. He also snared 18 wickets in that edition of England’s T20 tournament and made his international debut in November, 2019 against New Zealand. Gregory was one of the leading wicket-takers in last year’s County Championship with 51 wickets in 11 matches for Somerset.
Tim’s verdict: He’s going to have a very KFC SuperCoach friendly role for the Heat but is unproven in the BBL. I might wait one or two games before deciding.
The Phantom’s verdict: A watch-and-see for me.
Sam Billings (Sydney Thunder) $160,000 WKP-BAT
Billings is set for his third BBL campaign after featuring for Sydney Sixers in 2016-17 and 2017-18. Both of those were short stints, only playing 11 games across the two tournaments. In that time he peeled off 283 runs at 31.4 batting predominantly at No.5. The Englishman seems likely to fulfil a similar role for the Thunder and his signing could squeeze young gloveman Matthew Gilkes, a popular KFC SuperCoach option, out of the team. Billings doesn’t often keep for England but could fulfil that role when team balance demands in the BBL.
Tim’s verdict: I wouldn’t normally pay that much for a middle-order batsman but this guy is a bona fide star. Anyone who watched his ton against Australia in Manchester will know how damaging he can be.
The Phantom’s verdict: When he lands, he has to be considered, even at the price.
Andre Fletcher (Melbourne Stars) $138,000 WKP-BAT
The 33-year-old is an experienced T20 cricketer, having been part of West Indies’ 2016 T20 World cup winning team and playing 200 matches across the globe. He opened the batting against New Zealand in the recent three-match T20 series making 34, 20 and 4*. But he’s far better than those numbers suggest. Fletcher has made 4891 T20 runs at an average of 27.47, blasting 25 half-centuries and a career-best 103 not out. And, while his recent form doesn’t scream pick me, a reasonably-priced WKP-BAT who could feature at the top of the order twice in Round 1 does.
Rilee Rossouw (Melbourne Renegades) $160,000 BAT
The South African top-order batsman has been playing in the Pakistan Super League, where he had 189 runs from six innings including an unbeaten 100 which came from 44 balls. With a career T20 average of 29.7 from 199 games and strike rate of 136, Roussow will bring plenty of firepower to the Renegades’ top-four. With Aaron Finch and Shaun Marsh set to bat in the top three, Roussow could slot in behind them and help the Renegades up the ante through the middle overs.
Tim’s verdict: The Renegades don’t have a double until Round 6, which will give Roussow plenty of time to warm into the BBL. I’m hopeful his price will drop by then and would love to get him or closer to $130,000.
The Phantom’s verdict: Would love to see him at the top but the Renegades have said he should start in the middle order. But I’m still keen – just not to start with.
Colin Ingram (Hobart Hurricanes) $125,000 BAT
The South African returns to the BBL after making 610 runs over two seasons with Adelaide Strikers in BBL07 and BBL08. He was a hit-and-miss KFC SuperCoach pick during those two seasons, hammering five half-centuries in 25 innings but also 10 single-digit scores. He should enjoy the traditionally bat-friendly conditions in Hobart and if he can make enough money, he’d be a straight swap to Dawid Malan when the world’s No. 1 T20 batsman replaces him.
Tim’s verdict: The man known as the Bulldozer looks a great option to start with and I expect he’ll be popular. The Hurricanes have a double in Round 2 and Ingram will bat in the top four while he fills in for Dawid Malan. He might even bowl a few overs of spin too.
The Phantom’s verdict: Will be a lot more than just cover for Dawid Malan in KFC SuperCoach BBL, especially in the Round 2 double-game. A few overs with the ball would be a bonus
Phil Salt (Adelaide Strikers) $134,300 BAT BBL09 avg: 46.9
The English opener is back for a second season with the Strikers after a debut season which yielded 361 runs at an average of 25.8. Three of Salt’s four fifties came in the last four rounds of the regular season as he finished BBL09 with a flourish. He blazed 67 not out from 38 balls against Brisbane Heat, 66 from 33 balls against Hobart and 59 from 31 balls against Perth. Adelaide has a bye in Round 1 but if you manage your budget well you could pick him as a bench loophole for his Round 2 double.
Tim’s verdict: He shares a Round 2 double with Ingram and the Hurricanes. It took the Englishman a while to find his groove during his first season in Adelaide but his back end of BBL09 was encouraging. I expect he’ll be a nice POD for Round 2. Salt made 227 of his 361 runs during a five-match stretch to end the regular season.
The Phantom’s verdict: If he’s here for the consecutive double-game weeks, I’ll be jumping on but Salt has been named a reserve for England tour of South Africa.
Nicholas Pooran (Melbourne Stars)
The West Indian heavy hitter is scheduled to play six matches for the Stars in December and early January. Pooran has been named in West Indies squad to tour New Zealand, although the quarantine bubble between New Zealand and Australia could help him he available for the Stars’ Round 1 KFC SuperCoach BBL double. The West Indies’ last T20 game against the Kiwis is on November 30 and the BBL starts on December 10. Fingers crossed.
Tim’s verdict: Boy am I excited to watch Pooran play. This is a guy who has a career strike rate of 144 from 152 T20 games and has built a reputation as one of the world’s most destructive batsmen. He’s only down to play six games around international commitments but I’ll be moving heaven and earth to get him in when he’s available.
The Phantom’s verdict: If he arrives in time, he’s in. And it’s going to be an enjoyable ride.
Will Jacks (Hobart Hurricanes)
He’s largely an unknown quantity outside England but the 21-year-old will arrive in the BBL with a reputation as one of his country’s rising stars. Jacks was named the MVP of England’s T20 tournament this year, batting at No. 3 and bowling off-spin for his country Surrey. Hobart’s top-order will be stacked with D’Arcy Short, Colin Ingram, Peter Handscomb, Jacks and Ben McDermott competing for spots early in the tournament – and Matthew Wade and Dawid Malan to feature later in BBL10. Jacks looms as a player you can start and carry through all of BBL10 in KFC SuperCoach BBL — pending form — as he’ll feature for the full tournament.
Tim’s verdict: Lock him in. The player of the tournament in England’s Vitality Blast, Jacks is an off-spin bowler and top-order batsman. He took 13 wickets and made 309 runs in England’s T20 competition this year. He’ll play for the entire BBL tournament too which is a huge bonus.
The Phantom’s Verdict: YES. And no, I don’t have caps lock on.
Dan Lawrence (Brisbane Heat)
The Englishman has signed with Brisbane as a replacement player for the period his compatriot Tom Banton is in South Africa as a reserve player for England. Lawrence has already excelled in Australian conditions, compiling 498 runs at 98.6 and taking 11 wickets during an England Lions tour last summer. He didn’t have a prolific Vitality Blast this year (190 runs at 27.1, strike rate 136.7) but he was a key player for Essex in 2019 with 386 runs at 35 and a strike rate of 152.6. He’s also a handy off-spinner but seems unlikely to bowl if Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mitch Swepson are available.
Tim’s verdict: His Vitality Blast and recent numbers don’t scream pick me. I’d prefer to just pick Max Bryant if I decide to start with one of the Heat top-order batsmen.
The Phantom’s Verdict: I won’t be starting him but Lawrence may surprise.
Keemo Paul (Hobart Hurricanes) $125,000 BAT-BWL
The West Indian bowling all-rounder is due to link with Hobart at the end of his country’s tour of New Zealand. That will keep him out of Hobart’s Round 2 double, but hasn’t dulled the enthusiasm the Hurricanes have about Paul’s addition. Hobart has flagged Paul, a right-arm fast medium bowler, will bowl at the death – a valuable role in KFC SuperCoach BBL. He’s also a capable middle to lower-order batsman.
Tim’s verdict: Seems an exciting talent, but like Brathwaite didn’t do much in the Carribbean Premier League. Think there’s better options at Hobart for the Round 2 double.
The Phantom’s Verdict: A wait-and-see for me, especially if he misses Round 2.
Zahir Khan (Melbourne Stars) $129,900 BWL
The left-arm spinner’s first season in the BBL yielded eight wickets from as many games for Brisbane Heat. He’s back to complement Australian T20 spinner Adam Zampa at the Stars this summer, but should still have a prominent role. The Stars currently have Nathan Coulter-Nile and Billy Stanlake to lead their attack, but they should be complemented by Zampa, Khan and a mix of Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell. After a taste of the BBL he should be a real weapon for the Stars.
Tim’s verdict: One of the more obvious picks of the season. Can’t believe he’s this cheap. Should bowl eight overs in Round 1 and could rocket above $150,000 fast.
The Phantom’s Verdict: Took eight wickets, and conceded just 6.58 runs per over, in a strong finish to BBL09. Add a double-game round to start and he’ll be very popular, for good reason, at the price.
Carlos Brathwaite (Sydney Sixers) $160,000 BAT-BWL
Remember the name? BBL audiences should. Brathwaite returns to the BBL for the first time since 2017-18, when he took six wickets in four games for the Sixers. He’s certainly got the talent to blast the Sixers to another finals appearance, but KFC SuperCoaches might need to see the Sixers team before forking out $160,000. Especially when his new teammate Dan Chrsitian will fill a similar role and is $55,000 cheaper.
Tim’s verdict: I think he’ll be a key bowler for the Sixers in the opening 2-3 rounds when they could be without Tom Curran and Sean Abbott. His recent Caribbean Premier League return of 60 runs from nine innings and 10 wickets at 24.9 is a worry. There’s better options.
The Phantom’s Verdict: Big name. Big potential. But not at the price for me – not to start with, anyway.
Danny Briggs (Adelaide Strikers) $138,000 BWL
The leading wicket-taker in Vitality Blast history, Briggs has averaged more than a wicket a game and only conceded 7.2 runs an over in a 169-game T20 career. He’s played with Strikers talisman Rashid Khan before in England and will offer plenty of experience to support veteran seamer Peter Siddle.
Tim’s verdict: Must be honest that I’ve never seen him bowl. But his record as the leading wicket-taker in the Vitality Blast demands attention. I’d pick him ahead of Jon Wells and Matt Renshaw at a similar price.
The Phantom’s Verdict: At this stage, I’ll be stashing one of England’s most-effective T20 bowlers on the bench ahead of consecutive double-game rounds.
Colin Munro (Perth Scorchers) $160,000 BAT
The world’s No. 5 ranked T20 batsman, New Zealander Munro will be one of the most experienced batsmen in the BBL this season with 270 T20s to his name. He averages 29.2 with a strike rate of 144. He was one of only 14 batsmen to return more than 200 runs in the Carribbean Premier League, finishing with 207 at an average of 34.5 from eight games.
Tim’s verdict: The more I look at Perth’s possible Round 1 team I wonder whether Munro could provide part-time overs early on. His batting alone is reason to consider him, but only closer to Perth’s double in Round 10.
The Phantom’s Verdict: Three T20 international centuries, among 1724 runs for New Zealand. And he can bowl. In the mix.
Dilbar Hussain (Melbourne Stars) $62,500 BWL
“He’s a genuine 140km/hr bowler with a good yorker and an incredible slower ball.” That’s how Stars General Manager Nick Cummins describe Hussain, who returns to the BBL after one appearance last summer. The 27-year-old took 14 wickets in this year’s Pakistan Super League, seven of them in the final three games on resumption in November. If he’s in Round 1, you can’t leave him out at the price.
Joe Clarke (Perth Scorchers) $125,000 BAT
The 24-year-old finished fifth for runs in this year’s Vitality Blast with 371 from 11 innings. The highlight of his tournament was an unbeaten 100 from 44 balls against Durham. He only has a short time to make an impact in Perth as he’s been signed as a replacement player while Liam Livingstone and Jason Roy are in South Africa.
Tim’s verdict: Englishman normally take a while to get going in the BBL and with Liam Livingstone and Jason Roy to arrive around Christmas, he won’t have that luxury. Maybe if Perth had an early double I’d consider him – but it doesn’t.
The Phantom’s Verdict: An appealing price for a player who pummelled 100* of 44 balls and scored the 5th-most runs in this year’s Vitality Blast in England.
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Originally published as Ultimate KFC SuperCoach guide to international stars coming to Australia for BBL10
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