Big Bash 2017/18: Preview, fixtures, predictions, key men, overseas stars
WITH the summer of cricket in full swing we’ve previewed the seventh edition of the eagerly anticipated Big Bash League. We have the squads, fixtures, predictions and key men for every team in the tournament.
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WITH the summer of cricket already in full swing we’ve previewed the seventh edition of the eagerly anticipated Big Bash League.
Reigning champions Perth Scorchers start the tournament as favourites to collect their fourth crown, while heavyweights Melbourne Stars will be looking to claim their illusive first title.
We have the squads, fixtures, predictions and key men for every team in the tournament ahead of the opening clash between the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder.
UNDERDOGS: Sixers import shrugs off bookies snub
FINALE: Will this be Pietersen’s final Big Bash?
INJURY: Pattinson likely to mis entire Renegades campaign
PERTH SCORCHERS
PREDICTION: Runners-up
2016/17: Champions
ODDS: $4
OVERVIEW
The most successful club in Big Bash history will be looking to add a fourth title to their stacked trophy cabinet in the competition’s seventh edition.
The Scorchers have maintained the bulk of their squad from last year’s triumphant season and are likely to again contend for glory with ultra-impressive T20 coach Justin Langer again at the helm.
The squad is exceptionally well tailored with T20 specialists, however several stars are likely to miss key games late in the competition due to international duty.
KEY MAN
Veteran Michael Klinger is the highest run-scorer in BBL history and has shown no indication of slowing down ahead of the upcoming season.
The 37-year-old has brushed Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield this season for a focused preparation in the shortest form of the game.
OVERSEAS STAR
Allrounder David Willey isn’t the most prolific international name in the competition, but the left-hander’s experience will be an important asset for the Scorchers.
Valuable with leather and willow, Willey is a match-winner in all facets of the game and will be hoping for a breakout Big Bash campaign after two respectable seasons in past years.
SQUAD
Ashton Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Jason Behrendorff, Hilton Cartwright, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Johnson, Michael Klinger, Mitch Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Joel Paris, Jhye Richardson, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Adam Voges (c), Sam Whiteman, David Willey (England)
INS: Cameron Green, Josh Inglis
OUTS: Ian Bell (OS), James Muirhead
SCHEDULE
Sixers (SCG, Dec 23, 4:10pm), Stars (WACA, Dec 26, 7.10pm), Renegades (Etihad Stadium, Dec 29, 7.10pm), Sixers (WACA, Jan 1, 9.25pm), Heat (Gabba, Jan 5, 7.10pm), Renegades (WACA, Jan 8, 9.20pm), Thunder (Spotless Stadium, Jan 11, 7.40pm), Strikers (Alice Springs, Jan 13, 4.10pm), Hurricanes (WACA, Jan 20, 9.20pm), Strikers (WACA, Jan 25, 7.40pm).
BRISBANE HEAT
PREDICTION: Fourth
2016/17: Second
ODDS: $7
OVERVIEW
Brisbane Heat are coming off a strong BBL06 campaign where they finished second in the regular competition behind the Scorchers.
The Queenslanders were agonisingly knocked out in the semi-final by the Sixers via an enthralling Super Over.
The Heat were crowned champions of BBL02 and can again figure in the business end of the competition.
KEY MAN
The king of recent seasons Chris Lynn has shrugged off a potential tournament-ending shoulder injury to declare himself fit for the side’s opener.
Lynn has the third most runs in BBL history and leads the six tally with 94 maximums, a staggering 38 more than second placed Aaron Finch.
Simply put, if Lynn is firing, the Heat can go all the way.
OVERSEAS STAR
Retired Kiwi star Brendon McCullum returns for his seventh season in Brisbane and will again be crucial to the Heat’s overall success.
Possessing arguably the most explosive batting attributes in world cricket over the past decade, McCullum should be witnessed in awe by fans before he eventually hangs up the spikes for good.
SQUAD
Max Bryant, Joe Burns, Ben Cutting, Brendan Doggett, Jason Floros, Cameron Gannon, Sam Heazlett, Shadab Khan (International), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Lalor, Chris Lynn, Brendon McCullum (international, captain), Jimmy Peirson, Matt Renshaw, Alex Ross, Mitchell Swepson, Mark Steketee, Cameron Valente.
INS: Max Bryant, Brendan Doggett, Shadab Khan, Matt Renshaw, Cameron Valente, Yasir Shah.
OUTS: Sam Badree, Alex Doolan, Andrew Fekete, Nathan Reardon, Jack Wildermuth, Tymal Mills.
SCHEDULE
Stars (Gabba, Dec 20, 7.40pm), Renegades (Etihad Stadium, Dec 23, 7.25pm), Thunder (Gabba, Dec 27, 7.10pm), Strikers (Adelaide Oval, Dec 31, 7.10pm), Stars (MCG, Jan 2, 7.10pm), Scorchers (Gabba, Jan 5, 7.10pm), Hurricanes (Gabba, Jan 10, 7.40pm), Hurricanes (Blundstone Arena, Jan 15, 7.40pm), Sixers (SCG, Jan 18, 7.40pm), Renegades (Gabba, Jan 27, 7.20pm).
SYDNEY SIXERS
PREDICTION: Fifth
2016/17: Runners-up
ODDS: $9
OVERVIEW
The Sixers advanced from the semi-final in last year’s competition with a thrilling Super Over win over the Heat, before being crushed against the Scorchers by nine-wickets in the decider.
Often among the early tournament fancies, Sydney may find the coming season a touch harsher with a notably weaker squad than previous seasons.
That being said, they’ve been consistent from year to year, so don’t overlook the men in magenta.
KEY MAN
He’s certainly not the most high profile name in the Sixers squad, but Sean Abbott is a proven T20 cricketer and will be vital to the side’s BBL07 success.
Abbott was crowned the Sixers’ player of the year last season (co-winner with Daniel Hughes) when amassing a tournament topping 20 wickets, five ahead of second-placed Mark Steketee.
OVERSEAS STAR
Jason Roy has been in immense touch at both international and county level for England and Surrey of late.
The explosive batsmen played just four matches at an average of 23 in his first season with the Sixers last year.
Unfortunately the franchise are likely to lose Roy and fellow Englishman Sam Billings to international duty late in the competition.
Hopefully Roy - who has four domestic T20 centuries to his name – can catapult the side up the ladder prior to his departure.
SQUAD
Sean Abbott, Sam Billings (England), Jackson Bird, Johan Botha, Ben Dwarshuis, Mickey Edwards, Jack Edwards (rookie), Moises Henriques, Daniel Hughes, Nathan Lyon, Nic Maddinson, Peter Nevill, Steve O’Keefe, Jason Roy (England), Jordan Silk, Mitchell Starc, Henry Thornton.
INS: Peter Nevill (Renegades), Henry Thornton (upgrade).
OUTS: Ryan Carters (retired), Brad Haddin (retired), Michael Lumb (retired), Joe Mennie (Renegades), Doug Bollinger (unsigned), Josh Hazlewood.
SCHEDULE
Thunder (Spotless Stadium, Dec 19, 7.45pm), Scorchers (SCG, Dec 23, 4.10pm), Strikers (SCG, Dec 28, 7.10pm), Scorchers (WACA, Jan 1, 9.25pm), Renegades (Geelong, Jan 3, 7.10pm), Hurricanes (Blundstone Arena, Jan 8, 6.10pm), Thunder (SCG, Jan 13, 7.20pm), Stars (MCG, Jan 16, 7.40pm), Heat (SCG, Jan 18, 7.40pm), Stars (SCG, Jan 23, 7.40pm).
MELBOURNE STARS
PREDICTION: Champions
2016/17: Fourth
ODDS: $4.50
OVERVIEW
The perennial disappointments will be looking to finally break their BBL duck after a string of underwhelming seasons.
The Stars have never missed the finals, but have incredibly only advanced to one decider where they finished runners-up in the 2015/16 edition.
With a typically strong squad they will once again be fancied to break the hoodoo this season.
KEY MAN
There’s a few. Luke Wright is the fourth highest BBL run scorer of all-time and has notched two centuries.
Marcus Stoinis starred for Australia with the willow in Australia’s recent limited overs tours of India and New Zealand and is very capable with the six-stitcher.
While James Faulkner, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Hilfenhaus and Peter Handscomb need no introduction.
The man the Stars need to fire at the top of the order is Ben Dunk.
Dunk was the tournament’s top run-scorer last season with an average of 52.
His averages in seasons past have delivered huge inconsistency: 14.12 (2015/16), 21.87 (2014/15) and 43.88 (2013/14). If Dunk fires, the ultra-impressive Stars roster will take serious beating.
OVERSEAS STAR
Who else but KP? The highly polarising Kevin Pietersen has already terrorised the Australian cricket scene this summer without picking up a bat, and he’s set to continue his rampage from the centre square.
Pietersen averages a stunning 40.18 for the Stars across 25 matches, and fortunately for the franchise he won’t be wearing the Three Lions badge when the ODI series begins.
SQUAD
Michael Beer, Scott Boland, Jackson Coleman, Ben Dunk, James Faulkner, Seb Gotch, Evan Gulbis, Peter Handscomb, Sam Harper, John Hastings (c), Ben Hilfenhaus, Glenn Maxwell, Kevin Pietersen (ENG), Rob Quiney, Marcus Stoinis, Dan Worrall, Luke Wright (ENG), Adam Zampa.
INS: Jackson Coleman (upgrade), Ben Dunk (Strikers).
OUTS: David Hussey (retired), Tom Triffitt.
SCHEDULE
Heat (Gabba, Dec 20, 7.40pm), Scorchers (WACA, Dec 26, 7.10pm), Heat (MCG, Jan 2, 7.10pm), Renegades (MCG, Jan 6, 7.10pm), Strikers (Adelaide Oval, Jan 9, 7.40pm), Renegades (Etihad, Jan 12, 7.40pm), Sixers (MCG, Jan 16, 7.40pm), Thunder (MCG, Jan 20, 6.10pm), Sixers (SCG, Jan 23, 7.40pm), Hurricanes (MCG, Jan 27, 4.10pm).
MELBOURNE RENEGADES
PREDICTION: Third
2016/17: Fifth
ODDS: $5
OVERVIEW
Despite a vast exchange of players over the off-season, the Renegades have maintained the experience based roster we’ve seen in past years.
The Melbourne franchise have arguably been the disappointments of the Big Bash with just one finals series to their name.
In that season they finished first on the table before being knocked out in the semi-final the following week.
With a wealth of T20 specialists the men in red can surely only improve on past failures.
KEY MAN
Skipper Aaron Finch is the man to again attempt to lead the Renegades’ resurgence.
Finch is a true gun of the tournament with his 1561 runs at 43.46 placing him second to only Michael Klinger on the all-time BBL list.
When Finch departs for Australian duties it’ll be savvy veteran Brad Hodge forced to lead the batting line-up.
Hodge has been a model of consistency across all formats of the game for many years.
Hodge is fifth on the BBL all-time run-scorer’s list with 1344 at 43.35.
OVERSEAS STAR
The loss of Sunil Narine due to personal reasons has been offset by the signing of the explosive Kieron Pollard.
Unfortunately Pollard won’t be seen for the first seven games of the tournament due to international duty, with Afghanistan off-spinner Mohammad Nabi filling his place.
While it is unlikely the Afghani will have the same impact as his international predecessors, his place in the tournament as the nation’s first representative - along with Strikers signing Rashid Khan – is sure to generate plenty of hype.
SQUAD
Aaron Finch (c), Dwayne Bravo (WI), Tom Cooper, Marcus Harris, Brad Hodge, Brad Hogg, Jon Holland, Tim Ludeman, Joe Mennie, Mohammad Nabi (AFG), Kieron Pollard (WI – international replacement), Kane Richardson, Matt Short, Will Sutherland (rookie), Chris Tremain, Guy Walker, Beau Webster, Cameron White, Jack Wildermuth.
INS: Tim Ludeman, Kane Richardson, Jack Wildermuth, Brad Hodge, Jon Holland, Joe Mennie, Mohammad Nabi, Will Sutherland (rookie), Beau Webster.
OUTS: Peter Nevill, Peter Siddle, Callum Ferguson, Matthew Wade, Sunil Narine.
SCHEDULE
Hurricanes (Blundstone Arena, Dec 21, 7.40pm), Heat (Etihad Stadium, Dec 23, 7.25pm), Scorchers (Etihad Stadium, Dec 29, 7.10pm), Sixers (Geelong, Jan 3, 7.10pm), Stars (MCG, Jan 6, 7.10pm), Scorchers (WACA, Jan 8, 9.20pm), Stars (Etihad Stadium, Jan 12, 7.40pm), Strikers (Etihad Stadium, Jan 22, 7.40pm), Thunder (Manuka Oval, Jan 24, 7.40pm), Heat (Gabba, Jan 27, 7.20pm).
ADELAIDE STRIKERS
PREDICTION: Seventh
2016/17: Sixth
ODDS: $11
OVERVIEW
Whoever is in charge of the Strikers recruitment process has some answering to do.
The men from Adelaide lost a host of stars over the off-season and start as outsiders for the 2017/18 edition of the tournament.
Coupled with that is their hardly enthralling international contingent of Rashid Khan and Colin Ingram.
They’ve recorded two minor premierships in 2014/15 and 2015/16, but are yet to make it past the semi-final stage of the tournament.
Fortunately the T20 format despises following expectation, so an underdog charge to glory is never out of the question.
KEY MAN
Captain Travis Head had a quiet BBL06 for his lofty standards and the Strikers will need him firing on all cylinders should they look to make an unlikely title charge.
Head exploded in BBL05 with the bat and has proven more than capable with the ball.
As an excitement machine and fan favourite, an in-form Head is a winner for everyone in cricket circles.
OVERSEAS STAR
18-year-old Rashid Khan joins fellow countrymen Mohammad Nabi (Renegades) as the first Afghanistan representative in the Big Bash.
The off-spinning Rashid hit the international spotlight with 17 wickets in his debut Indian Premier League season for Sunrisers Hydrabad and is sure to be an exciting prospect in this year’s Big Bash.
SQUAD
Wes Agar, Alex Carey, Jono Dean, Travis Head, Colin Ingram (SAf), Ben Laughlin, Jake Lehmann, Rashid Khan (Afg), Michael Neser, Liam O’Connor, Peter Siddle, Billy Stanlake, Jake Weatherald, Jonathan Wells.
INS: Colin Ingram (SAf), Rashid Khan (Afg), Peter Siddle (Renegades), Jonathan Wells (Hurricanes).
OUTS: Ben Dunk (Stars), Chris Jordan (ENG), Brad Hodge, Jon Holland, Tim Ludeman, Kieron Pollard, Kane Richardson (all Renegades), Craig Simmons, Kelvin Smith.
SCHEDULE
Thunder (Adelaide Oval, Dec 22, 7.40pm), Sixers (SCG, Dec 28, 7.10pm), Heat (Adelaide Oval, Dec 31, 7.10pm), Hurricanes (Blundstone Arena, Jan 4, 7.10pm), Thunder (Spotless Stadium, Jan 7, 7.10pm), Stars (Adelaide Oval, Jan 9, 7.40pm), Scorchers (Alice Springs, Jan 13, 4.10pm), Hurricanes (Adelaide Oval, Jan 17, 7.40pm), Renegades (Etihad Stadium, Jan 22, 7.40pm), Scorchers (WACA, Jan 25, 7.40pm).
HOBART HURRICANES
PREDICTION: Last
2016/17: Seventh
ODDS: $15
OVERVIEW
The Hurricanes are against the odds to break their BBL duck this season.
They’ve qualified for finals just twice in six attempts, coming in the first and third editions of the tournament.
Their off-season market movements don’t appear beneficial to the side’s overall strength.
The fact they are unlikely to lose any players to the international series appears one of few positives for the men in purple.
All that being said, T20 cricket loves to throw up a surprise packet, so who knows what this year’s edition has in store.
KEY MAN
George Bailey is set to continue the trend of veterans dominating the Big Bash.
The former Australian captain averaged 49.40 last season, and has an average of 38.95 across his 39 BBL matches.
Bailey’s explosive style and incredible consistency will be crucial to the Hurricanes’ success in the tournament.
OVERSEAS STAR
22-year-old West Indian Jofra Archer is an exciting prospect coming out of English county cricket with Sussex.
While not exactly a big name international in having never represented his country, Archer is a quality allrounder with potential to make a name for himself in the tournament.
SQUAD
George Bailey (c), Jofra Archer (international), James Bazley, Cameron Boyce, Dan Christian, Hamish Kingston, Ben McDermott, Simon Milenko, Tymal Mills (international), David Moody, Tim Paine, Jake Reed, Sam Rainbird, Tom Rogers, Clive Rose, D’Arcy Short, Matthew Wade.
INS: Jofra Archer, Tymal Mills, Tom Rogers, David Moody, Matt Wade.
OUTS: Stuart Broad, Kumar Sangakkara, Shaun Tait, Beau Webster, Jonathan Wells, Dominic Michael
SCHEDULE
Renegades (Blundstone Arena, Dec 21, 7.40pm), Thunder (Launceston, Dec 30, 7.10pm), Thunder (Spotless Stadium, Jan 1, 6.10pm), Strikers (Blundstone Arena, Jan 4, 7.10pm), Sixers (Blundstone Arena, Jan 8, 6.10pm), Heat (Gabba, Jan 10, 7.40pm), Heat (Blundstone Arena, Jan 15, 7.40pm), Strikers (Adelaide Oval, Jan 17, 7.40pm), Scorchers (WACA, Jan 20, 9.20pm), Stars (MCG, Jan 27, 4.10pm).
SYDNEY THUNDER
PREDICTION: Seventh
2016/17: Last
ODDS: $11
OVERVIEW
The Thunder’s record in the Big Bash is a tough one to look at despite claiming the title in 2015/16.
Alongside their triumph they’ve finished last on four occasions and seventh on the other.
The Thunder have added a number of strong campaigners to their squad this season, while paying the price with several classy casualties making way.
While another title may appear out of range this year, they certainly have the talent to give the tournament a shake.
KEY MAN
Boasting world-class quality with willow and leather, Shane Watson can single-handedly win a match at any stage.
The retired star enters the tournament in stunning form, blasting 114 from 53 balls, including 16 sixes, in a Sydney grade cricket T20 in December.
Despite being out of the game on a permanent basis for several years, Watson no doubt has the ability to propel the Thunder to success this season.
OVERSEAS STAR
Jos Buttler is a truly exciting prospect for both the Thunder and the entire tournament.
Buttler has the three quickest ODI centuries for England with the highlight coming from a 46-ball effort against Pakistan.
The explosive Englishman averages 26.68 at T20 international level with a strike-rate of 138.71.
Unfortunately the Thunder only have his services for the opening six matches when he leaves for international duty.
Hopefully he can produce enough early on to compensate for his departure at the business end of the tournament.
SQUAD
Fawad Ahmed, Aiden Blizzard, Jos Buttler (ENG), Pat Cummins, Andrew Fekete, Callum Ferguson, Ryan Gibson, Chris Green, Liam Hatcher (rookie), Usman Khawaja, Jay Lenton, Nathan McAndrew, Mitchell McClenaghan (NZ), Clint McKay, Arjun Nair, Kurtis Patterson, Ben Rohrer, Gurinder Sandhu, Shane Watson.
INS: Jos Buttler (ENG, first six only), Andrew Fekete (Heat), Mitchell McClenaghan (NZ), Callum Ferguson (Renegades), Liam Hatcher (rookie).
OUTS: Carlos Brathwaite (WI), Jake Doran, Nathan McAndrew, Alister McDermott, Eoin Morgan (ENG), Andre Russell (WI, banned), James Vince (ENG).
SCHEDULE
Sixers (Spotless Stadium, Dec 19, 7.45pm), Strikers (Adelaide Oval, Dec 22, 7.40pm), Heat (Gabba, Dec 27, 7.10pm), Hurricanes (Launceston, Dec 30, 7.10pm), Hurricanes (Spotless Stadium, Jan 1, 6.10pm), Strikers (Spotless Stadium, Jan 7, 7.10pm), Scorchers (Spotless Stadium, Jan 11, 7.40pm), Sixers (SCG, Jan 13, 7.20pm), Stars (MCG, Jan 20, 6.10pm), Renegades (Manuka Oval, Jan 24, 7.40pm).