Which wicketkeeper should start in your SuperCoach BBL side?
Josh Philippe and Tom Banton have Round 1 doubles, but who are the other SuperCoach BBL wicketkeepers you should consider? Tim Michell outlines the five best options.
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Thousands of SuperCoaches capitalised on Matthew Wade’s stunning career resurgence during last year’s Big Bash League which culminated in his return to the Australian Test team.
The Hobart Hurricanes keeper-bat clubbed 592 runs in last summer’s BBL, second only to teammate D’Arcy Short on the overall run scorers chart as they formed a hugely profitable partnership.
Wade bottomed out in price at $98,900 during BBL08 and those who jumped on enjoyed a tournament which included four tons — 110, 133, 173 and 175.
The 31-year-old was head and shoulders above the next best wicketkeeper for runs, with his teammate Ben McDermott (376) ranking second ahead of Ben Dunk (342) and Sam Harper (341).
Runs are critical when choosing your two glovemen.
While keepers score 15 points for a stumping and 10 points for a catch, relying on dismissals as a source of points is fraught.
Brisbane Heat’s Jimmy Peirson played 14 games in BBL08 for four catches and two stumpings — which equates to 70 points (or five per match on average).
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Melbourne Renegades’ Sam Harper produced similar numbers from 16 games, collecting eight dismissals.
Sydney Sixers rising star Josh Phillipe recorded the most dismissals in 2018-19 (12), with 78 in total for wicketkeepers from 59 matches.
Only 17 of those were stumpings at a rate of about one every four fixtures.
While Wade’s likely Test inclusion is a blow, the early availability of Alex Carey looms as a significant bonus for SuperCoaches and Adelaide Strikers.
Carey, who has a Round 1 bye, averaged 62.5 in this year’s World Cup and opens the batting for Adelaide alongside Jake Weatherald.
Unless Ben McDermott, Sam Harper or Josh Philippe are guaranteed a top-three spot, make plans to have Carey as your keeper by the Strikers’ Round 3 double.
5 wicketkeepers to consider*
1. Alex Carey (Adelaide Strikers) 2018 SCBBL average 48.6 $139,800
The Australian one-day and Twenty20 wicketkeeper ticks every box apart from his Round 1 bye. He opens for Adelaide and scored a strike rate of 120 last season. You will need him by Round 3 when Adelaide plays twice.
VERDICT: If you can start him as your captaincy loophole, you’ll be several steps ahead of your rivals. Every team should have him by Round 3.
2. Josh Philippe (Sydney Sixers) 2018 SCBBL average: 42.7 $ $123,000
If only Philippe opened the batting for the full tournament in BBL08. We were given a glimpse of the rising star’s attacking prowess when he was elevated midway through the tournament, scoring 138 and 92 in the last five rounds.
VERDICT: He’s going to be very popular in Round 1 due to Sydney Sixers’ double against Perth and Hobart. Close to a must-have if he’s opening.
3. Peter Handscomb (Melbourne Stars) 2018 SCBBL average: 41.6 $119,600
Wade’s Test squad status might have left coaches with a headache, but Handscomb’s likely availability for the Stars could present one of the bargain picks of BBL09. Who could forget his brilliant 70 from 35 balls against the Sixers which netted 145 points?
VERDICT: He could make a great point of difference if Carey is too popular.
4. Ben McDermott (Hobart Hurricanes) 2018 SCBBL average: 41.1 $118,300
McDermott has retained his status as a WKP-BAT due to the likelihood Wade is chosen in Australia’s Test squad. Wade’s absence should also increase his importance with the bat and he’ll be worth considering if he bats at No.3.
VERDICT: He’s a gifted player but behind Carey, Handscomb and Tom Banton in the pecking order.
5. Tom Banton (Brisbane Heat) debut season $125,000
England’s young cricketer of the year has been listed as a WKP-BAT after taking the gloves for Somerset in the Vitality Blast this year. If he’s opening with Max Bryant and wicketkeeping, Banton will be a popular starting selection.
VERDICT: Banton’s value has increased after gaining WKP status. The main query is whether he can replicate his English form in Australia, but his selection is a risk worth taking.
*If Matthew Wade is selected for Australia-New Zealand Test series
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