SuperCoach BBL study guide: Melbourne Renegades
PRESSURE is on the Melbourne Renegades, who are the only team in the Big Bash yet to play a final.
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With only one spot to fill on their list following confirmation Afghani sensation Mohammad Nabi (BAT/BWL, $193,000) has signed on again, the pressure is on the Melbourne Renegades to get their balance ‘just right’ — they are the only club in the Big Bash who have failed to make a final in the first seven seasons of the competition.
The burn man
As a rule, it can be expected the highest-priced player in the SC BBL competition will be listed as ‘the gun’ of his side — but when it comes to the ‘Gades, Aaron Finch (BAT, $194,000) is also the ‘burn man’, otherwise known as the player to avoid. Quite simply, he is less rather than more likely to suit up this season — he’s now captain of the Australian ODI side and will, form pending, play Test cricket this season too.
The Mid-Pricer
With Finch a no-go, the better option is to look at some ‘mid-pricers’ sitting in that awkward price point between $90,000 and $130,000. The Renegades have a ripper batsman who is more than worth looking at, with great form in the JLT and Sheffield Shield thus far this year. Marcus Harris (BAT, $126,000) may be a wise investment at a slightly lower price point than ‘star’ batsmen, especially given his position at the top of Renegades’ batting order is all but assured due to Finch’s likely national commitments.
The Point of difference
Harris is also a ‘point of difference’ to other teams within the SC BBL competition, but two others who have been in-and-out of the Australian short-form game set-up for some time are awkwardly priced, neither truly premium nor mid-priced. Cameron White (BAT, $145,200) and new recruit Dan Christian (BAT/BWL, $161,700), the latter of whom has been poached from the Hobart Hurricanes set-up coming off a season in which he played 12 games for an average of 59.75, may prove unique selections for SC BBL teams this season.
The breakout contender
Not due back from injury until after the Christmas / New Year period, Will Sutherland (BAT/BWL, $42,000) is a ‘breakout contender’ or ‘young gun’ depending upon which way you look at it. At just 18 years of age, he already has a five-fer to his name with the ball in this season’s JLT Cup, taking 5-45 against Queensland in Victoria’s opening game.
The young gun
When it comes to a ‘young gun’ in the Australian cricket scene, none shine brighter than 20-year-old Will Pucovski (BAT, $42,000). The big question, however, is whether he’ll play — currently he’s on a break from cricket for mental health reasons, with no set date for his return. He is a class player, so if he does come back, get him in.
MORE SUPERCOACH BBL CONTENT
Cheapie Bible / Schedule analysis / L-plate guide / Batsmen prices revealed / Bowlers prices revealed / Top 100 players in BBL / SuperCoach scoring system revealed / 10 commandments / Best batsmen / Best all rounders / Best bowlers / Best wicket keepers / 10 fearless predictions / BBL’s international onslaught / Poms set to dominate Big Bash / West Indian guns-for-hire / Full squad list
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Originally published as SuperCoach BBL study guide: Melbourne Renegades
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