SuperCoach BBL trade tips: Who are the top trade targets in Round 12?

The security blanket of the double game week will be lifted in Round 12, with every team playing once. Is it time to load up on Stars players — like Ben Dunk — before their double in the final round of the season? TRADE GUIDE

Could Ben Dunk blast off for the Stars? Picture: Getty Images

The security blanket of the double game week will be lifted in Round 12 as the extended BBL season heads toward a long-awaited climax.

After three teams played twice last round, we’re down to the business end of the campaign when each team will feature once in a round of only four matches.

Where we have been able to rely on a second opportunity if a player failed in their first game of past rounds, coaches need to nail their selections in the coming matches to hold or improve their rank.

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Marcus Stoinis is the most expensive player in SuperCoach. Picture: Getty Images

You should always be looking for ways to increase your chances of a triple-figure score and the best opportunity this week will come from loading your side with all-rounders.

Marcus Stoinis ($329,600) is an obvious choice for those who don’t have him or chose to trade him out when Melbourne Stars had the bye in Round 11.

The all-rounder has amassed outrageous scores of 196, 180 and 199 in his past three matches to average 116.8 points per game.

With only a few rounds left in the campaign, you can’t afford to be without the best Supercoach scorer and arguably Australia’s premier all-rounder.

Other all-round options worth consideration include Sydney Thunder’s Daniel Sams, Sydney Sixers Tom Curran, Brisbane Heat’s Ben Cutting and Melbourne Renegades pair Dan Christian and Mohammad Nabi.

Dan Christian has been ultr reliable for the Renegades this season. Picture: Getty Images

Your trades this round will ultimately be determined by where you sit and whether you are playing for league success or to top the overall rankings.

If you’re in the top 10 or top 20, there’s something to be said for playing the percentages and loading up with players such as Stoinis, D’Arcy Short and Kane Richardson, who averaged more than 80 to Round 11.

Should you find yourself in the top 100 and still within striking distance, the time has come to throw caution to the wind and choose a few players who could rocket you up the rankings.

Sean Abbott averaged 66 to Round 11 and was only in 11 per cent of teams, while the returning Sandeep Lamichhane ($150,200, avg 73, 6.2 per cent of teams) and Renegades paceman Chris Tremain (avg 67, 0.8 per cent of teams) represent potential risk-reward picks.

If league success is your target, take a look at the other teams in finals contention and trade accordingly to give yourself the best opportunity of finals success.

Sandeep Lamichhane could prove a masterstroke... if he returns for the Stars. Picture: AAP

TOP TARGETS

■ Sandeep Lamichhane

The Nepalese spinner was a revelation in the early rounds of the Big Bash League and has been due to return to Melbourne Stars in Round 12. Averaging 73, he’ll be a bargain at $150,200 if he can match his output when he features again for the Stars. Lamichhane scored 68, 109, 79 and 35 in the opening four rounds, impressing with his economy rate and wicket-taking nous. Keep a close eye on the Stars squad before locking him in as he is playing T20s for Nepal.

■ Daniel Sams

While Sams’ average has dipped since he made a flying start to the season, there’s no doubting the Sydney Thunder all-rounder’s scoring potential. The left-arm quick bowls four overs in most matches and has been batting in the top five since the Thunder reshuffled their batting line-up after the departure of Jos Buttler and Joe Root. He ticks a lot of boxes.

■ Tom Curran

Curran has been one of the best-scoring Supercoach quicks in BBL08 and had an average of 77.3 after Round 10. Any batting points remain a bonus, but Curran has shown he can contribute in the event of a Sydney Sixers collapse. His economy rate has been higher in recent rounds than early in the tournament but he is always a threat, especially in the death overs.

■ Kane Richardson

Richardson has been the standout paceman of BBL08 and had snared 11 wickets in five games before Round 11. While he has enjoyed particular success at Docklands, Richardson has underlined his consistency by averaging about two wickets per game. His figures have been reflected in his superb Supercoach scoring. The only concern this round is he plays away to Hobart, where Matthew Wade and Short have ensured wickets are at a premium with several dazzling partnerships.

■ Marcus Stoinis

Stoinis will be a popular captaincy choice in Round 12 and then plays a double in Round 13. While he was added to the Test squad, chances are he will still be available when the Stars take on Perth Scorchers on February 3.

Can Daniel Sams recapture his early-season form for the Thunder? Picture: Getty Images

PODs (point of difference)

■ Ben Dunk

If you’re inclined to start making moves in preparation for Melbourne Stars’ Round 13 double, Ben Dunk could be your man. He has five scores above 20 in his last six innings including two half-centuries. He’s in 26 per cent of teams, but be mindful some of those will leave him on the bench in Round 12. Your point of difference could come from backing him to fire again.

■ Chris Tremain

It took until the latter rounds of the surface for Tremain to figure for the Renegades but he made the most of his chance with 3-9 against Perth Scorchers, a haul which resulted in 124 points. He’s in less than one per cent of teams but does play against the power-packed Hobart side in Round 12.

■ Alex Ross

Available for a bargain price, Ross found form in spectacular fashion in the opening game of Round 11 with 62 against Hobart. If you select him you’re reliant on the Heat top order failing, a factor you need to weigh up if you have the likes of Chris Lynn, Max Bryant or Brendon McCullum.

■ Matthew Renshaw

Hear me out. Renshaw has opened the bowling and delivered two overs in Brisbane’s past three games, bringing the economy rate bonus into play. He’s also batted at four in each of those matches, managing 45 from 43 balls against Melbourne Stars. If he picks up a bonus wicket and makes runs, he might be the surprise selection who rockets you up the rankings.

Could Ben Dunk blast off for the Stars? Picture: Getty Images

Originally published as SuperCoach BBL trade tips: Who are the top trade targets in Round 12?