SuperCoach BBL: Come in spinner? We compare Steve O’Keefe and Cam Boyce as two likely local lads
If a sense of nervousness permeates picking spinners who may not be available for the entire Big Bash League season, what of the likely local lads who can step up and stake a claim for a role as a spinning BWL-only option in the BBL?
SuperCoach BBL
Don't miss out on the headlines from SuperCoach BBL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Spin king Shane Warne has already predicted that Brisbane Heat signing Zahir Khan will become the latest Afghan spinner to bamboozle Big Bash League batsmen, following on in the footsteps of fellow tweakers Rashid Khan and Sandeep Lamichhane as international imports who have come down under and made strong impressions.
Stream international cricket Live & On-Demand with KAYO SPORTS including every Australian Test, ODI and T20I on home soil. Get your 14-day free trial >
The biggest danger with the likes of Khan and Lamichhane is that they will miss a section of the tournament as they either are overseas taking part in another domestic T20 tournament, with the Bangladesh Premier League scheduled to take place from 11 December, 2019 to 17 January, 2020, or alternatively are replaced by players returning from the BPL – Khan for instance will be available for the opening eight games before Mujeeb Ur Rahman arrives after playing in the Bangladesh Premier League.
So if a sense of nervousness permeates picking spinners who may not be available for the entire Big Bash League season, what of the likely local lads who can step up and stake a claim for a role as a spinning BWL-only option in the BBL?
Here we look at two who are flying under the radar, weighing up the possibilities presented by the Sixers’ Steve O’Keefe ($179,700) and the Renegades’ Cameron Boyce ($171,000).
WHY O’KEEFE?
Steve O’Keefe’s start to this domestic season has been exactly what is to be expected for the 35-year old veteran, to the point where he is now being talked of as an option for the SCG Test if it’s a turning wicket.
A Sixer since the competition began back in 2011, O’Keefe’s selection is favourable due to the nature of the Sixers’ season, with a heap of double match round scoring opportunities in the early stages of the SuperCoach BBL, with the Sixers having two scoring opportunities in both Round 1 and 3, before they have a bye in Round 4.
O’Keefe was second on the wicket-taking tally for the Sixers last season during BBL|08, with the left-arm finger spinner claiming 21 wickets at an average of 17.52, nearly 10 better than his BBL career average of 26.8 runs per wicket. His Economy Rate of 6.57 also bettered his BBL career average of 6.74.
He is the sort of spinner who can pick up bonus points with his miserly ways, which helps add to his SuperCoach scoring ability too.
WHY BOYCE?
Cameron Boyce joined the Renegades ahead of the BBL|08 season, having previously represented both the Adelaide Strikers and Hobart Hurricanes, and he made an immediate impression while helping the ‘Gades claim their maiden Big Bash League title.
He was the difference-maker in the BBL Grand Final, with his snares of Stars’ openers Marcus Stoinis and Ben Dunk turning the match around when all seemed lost for the Renegades.
He bowled more overs than any of his teammates, and his ability to simply ‘do his job’ with a no frills approach confirmed his role as an honest cricketer who can be relied upon by his team.
Boyce’s batting also left an impression last season, scoring his highest score (51 not out) in the T20 format, going at a fantastic Strike Rate just shy of 149, indicating that when he does get an opportunity to get to the crease he is more than capable of making an impact with the willow as well as the leather.
SUPERCOACH BBL STUDY GUIDES:
> Adelaide Strikers SuperCoach BBL|09 preview
> Brisbane Heat SuperCoach BBL|09 preview
> Hobart Hurricanes BBL|09 preview
> Melbourne Renegades BBL|09 preview
> Melbourne Stars BBL|09 preview
> Perth Scorchers BBL|09 preview
> Sydney Sixers BBL|09 preview
> Sydney Thunder BBL|09 preview
Register for SuperCoach BBL now!
WHY NOT BOTH?
As always, picking a BWL-only player is fraught with risk – they simply don’t have the impact that the likes similarly-priced DPP option Glenn Maxwell from the Melbourne Stars ($175,100) might be able to have both with bat and ball.
Of course, picking the likes of O’Keefe and / or Boyce also gives your team a serious Point of Difference from the average SuperCoach BBL squad – the likelihood is that they will fly under the radar.
In BBL|08 they respectively ranked as the #14 and #19 players in the competition based upon end of season average.
With the Sixers’ friendly schedule in the early part of the SuperCoach BBL season, at the very least O’Keefe should be under serious consideration.
SUPERCOACH BBL CELEB SIDES:
> Warne is good on the lip, but is he ready to take on BJ?
> Vaughan's opportunity awaits – it's time for Warne to be hit out of the park
> Watch out Warnie – Isa is coming for you
> Mark Howard's one aim this SuperCoach BBL season
> The side everyone wants to beat: Warnie reveals his squad
ADD THE CELEBS TO YOUR SUPERCOACH LEAGUES: all celebrities playing the SuperCoach BBL game are now available to add to your leagues!
Register for SuperCoach BBL now!
Originally published as SuperCoach BBL: Come in spinner? We compare Steve O’Keefe and Cam Boyce as two likely local lads
How to enjoy live cricket with fantasy game SuperCoach BBL
Take the thrills of Australia’s elite Twenty20 league to a new level by playing fantasy cricket for free. Find out how SuperCoach BBL makes being a cricket fan even more fun, and how to get started.
How to get the fantasy cricket app SuperCoach BBL
SuperCoach BBL has become the must-play, free fantasy cricket competition for fans. Now is the time to sharpen your skills and develop a winning strategy.