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SuperCoach BBL: Mike Hussey’s FINAL team for BBL14

Test great Mike Hussey has selected his final side for SuperCoach BBL – and he’s backing a player at just 0.9% ownership to produce the goods.

Mike Hussey can't decide on Matt Short in SuperCoach BBL

After over a month of researching and agonising, I’ve finally settled on a squad for BBL14.

Yes, The Baggy Greens are back and primed to improve on our best ranking of 10th overall.

In all, 10 players from my original squad have changed throughout the pre-season, so it’s a significant overhaul.

FIRST PLAYER PICKED

Tom Curran BAT/BWL $152,000

The English international always bowls the big overs and his batting has improved considerably.

SuperCoach BBL banner for BBL14

DON’T GET CAUGHT SHORT

Matt Short BAT/BWL $304,200

I’ve agonised over this decision all pre-season as Short is the most expensive player in the game, but also the best SuperCoach player from last year. Ultimately though, I’d have to use all three trades to create the cash to bring him in before his round 2 double (soon followed by a double in round 4). So I’ve decided to get on early.

SuperCoach BBL launch at SCG (L-R), Phoebe Litchfield, Mike Hussey and Tanveer Sangha. Picture: Sam Ruttyn
SuperCoach BBL launch at SCG (L-R), Phoebe Litchfield, Mike Hussey and Tanveer Sangha. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

BOLTER #1

Keaton Jennings BAT $117,500

Keaton Jennings is a top import for the Scorchers. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images
Keaton Jennings is a top import for the Scorchers. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

The English import is currently in only 0.9 per cent of teams. But he dominated in The 100 competition in England and has a game perfectly suited to the fast and bouncy wicket in Perth. I’ve got a great feeling about this guy.

BOLTER #2

Hamish McKenzie BWL $69,400

A mystery spinner who should play a big early role for the Stars with Usama Mir out. While I’m not 100 per cent sure he plays in Perth for the opening game, he’s a great competitor and will always be in the batter’s face.

CHEAPIES YOU CAN’T MISS

Marcus Stoinis BAT/BWL $84,200

Hasn’t produced in the BBL for a few seasons and is therefore priced very well compared to what he is capable of. Getting the captaincy at the Stars might bring the best out of him and I’m hoping he bowls more. He should also bat higher given Glenn Maxwell (hamstring) is out of the opening game at least.

It has been a while since Melbourne Stars got the best of Marcus Stoinis. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images
It has been a while since Melbourne Stars got the best of Marcus Stoinis. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Adam Zampa BWL $80,100

Not his greatest BBL campaign last year and therefore starts very cheap for a world class spinner.

Sam Konstas BAT $39,500

When I heard he’s going to open with David Warner I simply had to bring him in.

YOUNG GUN FROM SCORCHERS

Cooper Connolly BAT/BWL $118,700

I’m hoping he will bat a bit higher for the Scorchers this year and his left arm orthodox is underrated.

Mike Hussey in the nets at the SuperCoach BBL launch. Picture: Sam Ruttyn
Mike Hussey in the nets at the SuperCoach BBL launch. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

FLEX TACTICS

Jake Fraser-McGurk BAT $128,600

I am loving the addition of the new Flex position to SuperCoach BBL. I plan to take risks on a few more batters this season knowing the worst score from my team won’t count due to the new best-11-of-12 scoring system. This is particularly true for high risk batters like Fraser-McGurk. He is so dangerous when he comes off but is also a gamble because he can score low if he doesn’t fire.

TOP TIP FOR BEGINNERS

Just pick the players you like watching. And make sure you take a sneaky look at the schedule. Sign up today at supercoach.com.au to take on my team and those chosen by News Corp’s line-up of experts.

MIKE HUSSEY’S SUPERCOACH BBL TEAM

Mike Hussey's SuperCoach BBL team for 2024/25.
Mike Hussey's SuperCoach BBL team for 2024/25.

Originally published as SuperCoach BBL: Mike Hussey’s FINAL team for BBL14

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/cricket/big-bash/supercoach-news/supercoach-bbl-mr-cricket-mike-hussey-reveals-his-team-for-bbl14/news-story/7e48c325e304080f0752118433ddeed5