Shane Warne rates his five must-have players for SuperCoach BBL finals

Big Bash League finals are where the country’s best T20 players will shine, spin legend Shane Warne says. Here’s Warney’s top-five targets for his SuperCoach BBL team.

Shane Warne

2 min read

January 30, 2020 - 1:01PM

Shane Warne says Adam Zampa is ready to assert himself on BBL finals.

SuperCoach BBL

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Nathan Ellis has been one of the finds of BBL09.

Hobart Hurricanes have unearthed a T20 star and with 11 wickets in 14 matches, he’s become of Australia’s most-reliable death bowlers.

Ellis has been a great story and one of the best SuperCoach BBL rookies of the summer.

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The paceman, who started at $42,000, has averaged 38.4 points and made a profit of more than $70,000.

He’ll have a crucial role to play if the Hurricanes are to continue their momentum beyond the eliminator and is one of the first players I picked for Round 14.

His role bowling at the death and precise execution should result in plenty of points against Sydney Thunder.

Shave Warne has locked in Hobart Hurricanes quick Nathan Ellis for SuperCoach finals.

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I’ve gone for a few unique picks, but finals is where the best of the best shine.

Players such as Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and D’Arcy Short will relish the big stage and are worth paying top dollar for.

You can nail all the right PODs, but if you don’t select the stars who score big, you’re going to be a long way behind.

I’m sitting 4470th overall but have Mike Hussey (2262) and Isa Guha (3010) in my sights.

There’s still four rounds of SuperCoach BBL left and plenty of time for a late charge.

D’Arcy Short has scored triple figures twice since returning from India.

SHANE WARNE’S FIVE FINALS MUST-HAVES

1. D’Arcy Short (Hobart Hurricanes) $295,900 BAT-BWL Average: 87.9

Short has bowled seven overs in two games since returning from India and scored 160 despite being out for a duck against Sydney Thunder. He’s a dual threat who is worth the high price tag.

2. Glenn Maxwell (Melbourne Stars) $193,600 BAT-BWL Avg: 70.3

The Stars have shuffled their batting line-up in recent games after sealing a top-two spot, but Maxwell won’t be wasted in finals. Sandeep Lamichhane being unavailable will increase his role with the ball and he’ll be batting in the top four. He’s a steal for under $200,000.

Marcus Stoinis is on track to set a new record for most runs in a BBL campaign.

3. Marcus Stoinis (Melbourne Stars) $204,600 BAT-BWL Avg: 66.1

The all-rounder has flagged his return to bowling ahead of the qualifier against Sydney Sixers. Stoinis is only 31 runs from setting a new record for the most runs in a Big Bash League season. It takes a phenomenal player to average 60+ without bowling.

4. Nathan Ellis (Hobart Hurricanes) $114,100 BWL Avg: 38.4

In one season with Hobart, he’s become one of the best death bowlers in Australia. If Haris Rauf is the find of BBL09, the Hurricanes quick is a close second. His execution is a real strong point as he showed by bowling Hobart to victory against Melbourne Renegades. The Hurricanes wouldn’t be playing finals without him.

Shane Warne says Adam Zampa is ready to assert himself on BBL finals.

5. Adam Zampa (Melbourne Stars) $161,500 BWL Avg: 58.9

Zampa is the best T20 spinner in Australia and I expect him to stamp his authority on this finals series. He’s going to have to step up without Lamichhane and has the quality with the white ball to bowl the Stars through the qualifier and into a home final.

SHANE WARNE’S ROUND 14 TEAM