Why the Mzansi Super League finals could spell trouble for SuperCoach BBL teams

Could three popular Round 1 SuperCoach BBL options still be in South Africa? There’s a fixture overlap brewing, however Sydney Sixers expect two English stars to be available.

The success of three popular SuperCoach BBL players in South Africa’s Mzansi Super League will have SuperCoaches scrambling for a back-up plan ahead of Round 1.

Sydney Sixers pair James Vince and Tom Curran and Thunder all-rounder Chris Morris feature for teams in contention for Mzansi Super League finals, which start on December 14 (Australian time).

Vince’s Paarl Rocks are one match clear on top of the MSL table, with the top side at the end of the pool rounds qualifying directly for the decider on December 17.

That is the same day the Big Bash League starts, with Brisbane Heat taking on Morris’ Thunder.

The Sixers then face Perth on December 18, while the Renegades play the Thunder on December 19.

Morris and Melbourne Stars batsman Ben Dunk have featured for the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants, who are currently second, while Curran plays alongside AB De Villiers for the third-placed Tshwane Spartans.

The second and third-placed finishers clash in the tournament’s elimination final, which will be held three days before the start of the BBL.

The Sixers confirmed on Tuesday they expect Curran and Vince to feature against the Scorchers, welcome news for the thousands of SuperCoaches who have selected the English pair.

Round 1 captaincy candidate Tom Curran could still be in South Africa when the BBL starts.

Chris Morris is set to join Sydney Thunder but has been playing in the Msanzi Super League.

Last season, Melbourne Renegades all-rounder Dan Christian won the MSL title with Jozi Stars on December 16 and played for the Renegades four days later.

The quick turnaround didn’t impact on his output either.

Christian took 3-22 and made 13 not out as the Renegades toppled Perth Scorchers by four wickets.

The fixture overlap is unlikely to affect David Miller or Alex Hales, whose Durban Heat are fifth, five points behind Tshwane Spartans.

However Cape Town Blitz (Dale Steyn and Liam Livingstone) are fourth and still in the mix for a top-four finish.

Christian’s Jozi Stars are winless in their title defence.

Sydney Sixers batsman James Vince has been playing for Paarl Rocks. Picture: Phil Hillyard.

Morris’ unavailability would increase the popularity of fellow all-rounder Daniel Sams and bring players such as Chris Tremain, Gurinder Sandhu and Arjun Nair into the selection mix.

Jackson Bird would have a prominent role in Round 1 for the Sixers in Curran’s unlikely absence, while Moises Henriques or Jack Edwards could be elevated to No. 3 in the event Vince misses.

The last MSL regular-season fixture takes place on December 11, giving SuperCoaches ample time to alter their sides.

Ensure you have a contingency plan in case the trio misses one game in Round 1.

If you select them based on their double, it could derail your plans from the start.

KEY DATES*

(Dates in Australian time)

In 2018 …

Mzansi Super League

Elimination final (2v3) December 14

Final December 16 (first qualifies directly, Dan Christian played)

BBL started December 19

Melbourne Renegades first game December 20

Christian played, taking 3-22 & making 13 not out

2019 …

Mzansi Super League

Elimination final December 14 (2v3)

Final December 17 1st qualifies directly

BBL starts December 17 Chris Morris (Thunder) vs Heat

Sixers play December 18th vs Perth (Curran, Vince)

Renegades play Thunder December 19th (Morris, Christian)

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Originally published as Why the Mzansi Super League finals could spell trouble for SuperCoach BBL teams