SuperCoach BBL: Test spinner Nathan Lyon headlines Round 11’s best unique picks
It’s getting harder to find unique picks in SuperCoach BBL as coaches hone in on the players who will propel them to league or rankings glory. Here are eight who can set you apart in Round 11.
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The GOAT is back in the BBL.
Australia’s greatest off-spinner Nathan Lyon is due to make his second appearance of the summer for Sydney Sixers when they host Melbourne Stars on Monday.
Lyon’s BBL return was delayed by a thumb injury from the SCG Test victory over New Zealand which caused him to miss the first game of the Sixers Round 10 double.
With less than one per cent ownership in Round 10, Lyon looms as the ultimate point of difference pick for must-win league match-ups or for those in need of a rankings surge.
Here’s why you should consider him and six other players with potential upside.
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Nathan Lyon (Sydney Sixers) BWL Ownership (as of Round 10): 0.9 per cent
Australia’s Test spinner has an impressive BBL record with 34 wickets from 23 matches and an average of 17.2. It would have been ideal if Lyon returned for both Round 10 matches, but a thumb injury he sustained in the Sydney Test was due to keep him out until the club’s January 18 clash with Sydney Thunder. That will ensure his ownership remains low heading into Round 11. Although the Sixers don’t have another double, Lyon has a BBL strike rate of 15.3 which at the very least demands consideration.
Liam O’Connor (Adelaide Strikers) BWL Ownership: 1 per cent
The leg-spinner has scores of 33 and 107 since being recalled to the Strikers team. He bowled impressively in Adelaide against Brisbane Heat, claiming man-of-the-match honours with 3-30 from four overs including the scalps of Chris Lynn and Ben Cutting. His price will continue to rise after that performance and the Strikers have a double in Round 12. There are few genuine bowling options available for less than $100,000 but O’Connor represents value. At the very least, he’ll increase in value with games against Hobart, Melbourne Stars and Perth in the next two rounds.
David Miller (Hobart Hurricanes) BAT Ownership: 2.1 per cent
Crazy to think South African batsman Miller was available for less than a starting rookie price in Round 10 at $58,500. The left-hander is too good not to fire at some point despite a disappointing first season with the Hurricanes which had yielded 91 runs at 13 to Round 10 with a high score of 25 not out. If you need a cheap batsman, he’s worth the risk at such a low price. However, try to use the bench loophole to see whether it’s worth banking his score from the opening fixture of Round 11.
Phil Salt (Adelaide Strikers) BAT Ownership: 3.2 per cent
The Strikers have a double in Round 11, but most coaches will gravitate toward Jake Weatherald (299 runs, nine matches) over his opening partner Salt (129 runs, nine matches). Englishman Salt only has one innings of note to date, his 54 from 26 balls against Melbourne Renegades. If you’re strapped for cash, Salt is worth the punt.
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Sean Abbott (Sydney Sixers) BWL Ownership: 5.5 per cent
Abbott still has one of the best averages in SuperCoach BBL after being sidelined by a side strain since the Sixers’ super over triumph on December 28. The paceman was averaging 91.4 SuperCoach points per game when he was hurt and will be a real point of difference considering he still carries a price tag above $200,000.
Jon Wells (Adelaide Strikers) BAT Ownership: 6.4 per cent
Wells has won plenty of fans for his batting in Adelaide’s middle order this season and had a team-high 306 runs at 61.2 after nine matches. Wells has only two round scores less than 57 points and totalled 136 and 64 in Adelaide’s previous double game weeks. He’ll still be batting at No. 4 with Alex Carey in India keeping for the one-day side.
Mitch Swepson (Brisbane Heat) BWL Ownership: 8.0 per cent
The leg-spinner who was called up to the Test squad this summer had a SuperCoach average of 39.5 to Round 10. It’s worth being aware his job security isn’t great and he was left out of a recent away fixture against Perth. Swepson has taken wickets in four of his five Heat matches this summer.
Tom Rogers (Hobart Hurricanes) BAT-BWL Ownership: 1.6 per cent
Rogers has been the beneficiary of injuries to key Hurricanes James Faulkner and Riley Meredith. The seamer took the new ball in Hobart’s Round 9 loss to Perth Scorchers and finished with 2-30 from four overs to score 66 SuperCoach points. If you can’t afford the top targets and want a truly unique pick, Rogers fits the bill.
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