Predicted Big Bash teams and SuperCoach BBL14 analysis
Fantasy cricket expert Max Bryden has researched every potential lineup for BBL14 to predict these starting XIs for the tournament that is just weeks away.
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We’re drawing closer to the beginning of the Big Bash season for 2024/25.
We’ve done our best to predict the starting XI for every club to begin their campaigns and highlighted key players that will deliver SuperCoach impact.
Note that we’ve excluded Australian international players that we know will be unavailable, however for now we’ve included other internationals who will have mixed availability throughout the tournament.
As we are still a fair way out from the opening game, there’s plenty of uncertainty around availability.
We’ll update this article before the season to reflect the latest information. The latest update was on November 12 with information firming about the Australian Test players availability to start the tournament as well as clarity on which internationals will arrive late.
Adelaide Strikers
– Matt Short
– D’Arcy Short
– Chris Lynn
– Jake Weatherald
– Alex Ross
– Jamie Overton
– Harry Neilsen
– Henry Thornton
– Cameron Boyce
– Lloyd Pope
– Jordan Buckingham
12/11 Updates and unavailable players
Ollie Pope will miss the start of the tournament, and most likely at least one of the Strikers double game week fixtures. Fabian Allen missed recent selection for West Indies, however a white ball series against Bangladesh would see him miss the start of the tournament if selected.
Jake Weatherald is likely to slot in at number 4 with Pope out, while Harry Neilsen would get a reprieve if Allen was unavailable.Rookie Jordan Buckingham is battling a side strain which could see him replaced by Doggett or Bazely.
Changes since last season
A new coach and no Rashid Khan means predicting how the Adelaide Strikers will line up could prove difficult.
On face value, the Strikers still look like a side reliant on Matt Short to determine their destiny, albeit there’s a couple of important upgrades and the balance finally looks good.
Bringing in Ollie Pope through the draft significantly improves their batting depth and should finally end the BBL career of Harry Neilsen who at times batted as low as 8.
Stalwart Wes Agar has moved to the Thunder, meaning Henry Thornton and Englishman Jamie Overton are the undisputed pace spearheads.
In all, the pace bowling options look a little thin. There’s a vacancy for the third seam option which could go to all-rounder James Bazley or red-ball specialist Jordan Buckingham.
Brendan Doggett has in the past shown some ability to bowl the death overs and could usurp both of them if in form.
There’s a bit of a logjam with the reserve batters with Jake Weatherald expected to put pressure on D’Arcy Short for an opener’s spot, with new recruit Alex Ross and Thomas Kelly to battle for the number 5 slot.
The Strikers could of course go for an extra batter if they are finally ready to rely on Matt Short as the certified fifth bowler.
No Khan brings West Indian Fabian Allen into the fold. The talented left-arm orthodox is a more than handy lower-order batsman and excellent fielder.
With the success of Lloyd Pope to end last year’s tournament, they could field both he and first-choice Cameron Boyce as well.
Relevant SuperCoach player snapshot
Fabian Allen is a genuine three-skill cricketer. Not always known as a huge wicket-taker, he’s got an exciting skillet and if named at 7 should be in most people’s sides.
Jamie Overton as a death bowler and number 6 bat is one of the best prospects in SuperCoach, albeit he will be expensive after last year’s numbers and hasn’t bowled in months due to injury.
Henry Thornton has stepped into the limelight after some glimpses in the previous years. If he adds consistent death bowling to his repertoire he could be another SuperCoach stud.
Matt Short might cost over $300k but should again play a starring role. Go against him at your own peril.
Jordan Buckingham could be a potential cheapie if named in their XI for game one.
Brisbane Heat
– Jimmy Pierson
– Max Bryant
– Colin Munro
– Matt Renshaw
– Tom Alsop (wk)
– Paul Walter
– Michael Neser
– Xavier Bartlett
– Matthew Kuhnemann
– Mitch Swepson
– Spencer Johnson
12/11 Updates and unavailable players
Nathan McSweeney’s selection in the Test squad creates a vacancy which we expect to be filled by Jimmy Pierson.
Albeit with now three players in the Test side, more local replacement players will be announced closer to the start of the Tournament who could also come into calculation.
The order of the batting is hard to pin down with all of Bryant, Renshaw and Pierson having featured throughout the order.
Michael Neser is battling an injury sustained for Australia A, the severity of which is unknown.
Changes since last season
Last year’s champions have a relatively settled line-up, albeit new coach Johan Botha could have some new ideas on how they want to go about it.
The Heat’s title was won off the back of their impeccable six-string bowling attack and the whole cast should be available again this summer to carry on business per usual.
It’s really only the batters where we expect some changes, albeit minimal.
In the search for an opener, the Heat could turn back the clock and have tyro Max Bryant return to the top.
He’s transformed himself into a dependable finisher, but that’s a role they’ve strangely got in abundance and have drafted for with English-keeper Tom Alsop likely to take the number 5 role.
Pending fitness, another title won’t be out of the question for this squad.
Nathan McSweeney’s Australian Test squad call-up will open another top order spot.
Relevant SuperCoach player snapshot
Spencer Johnson is the best bowler in the Big Bash, yet doesn’t always take big bags of wickets. Could this be his year?
Max Bryant if opening becomes an interesting prospect to monitor, albeit high risk.
Tall Paul Walter could again have a starring role as a death bowler and number 6 batsman.
Michael Neser will always be popular albeit he has handed over some responsibility for death bowling to Xavier Bartlett.
Hobart Hurricanes
– Caleb Jewell
– Ben McDermott
– Matt Wade (wk)
– Mac Wright
– Tim David
– Nikhil Chaudary
– Mitch Owen
– Chris Jordan
– Nathan Ellis
– Paddy Dooley
– Riley Meredith
12/11 Updates and unavailable players
There’s unconfirmed reports that Bangladeshi International Rishad Hossein has withdrawn from the tournament and it remains to be seen how Hobart would replace him – you’d think they are most likely to need a bowler.
I have local quick Mitch Owen replacing him currently. He himself is a big watch in pre-season having taken a new role in domestic cricket as an opening batter for Tassie – the Canes are not short on opening batters so I don’t see it happening personally, but trial matches will tell us their intentions.
West Indian Shai Hope will miss the start of the tournament which should open the door for perennial understudy Mac Wright to have a crack in the top 4.
Changes since last season
With minimal changes to the bowling list, this could be another middling year for the ‘Canes.
Shai Hope from the West Indies joins a top 4 that is largely flexible and could be picked in any order. No doubt it’ll shift around pending form and fortunes.
Last year’s breakout local Nikhil Chaudary should ideally start as their number 6 and 6th bowling option, but has largely gone unsighted since the end of the tournament.
Chris Jordan as a number 7 is a great role for SuperCoach, and Bangladeshi spinner Rishad Hossain offers them some late order hitting to go with his leg spin.
Hossain has been rumoured to be ruled out of the tournament, although this is yet to be made official.
Pending the fitness of Riley Meredith – unfortunately an all too common sentence to write – they will at least have a solid pace attack.
Paddy Dooley could be rotated with Billy Stanlake or Peter Hatzoglou pending conditions.
Relevant SuperCoach player snapshot
A fit Riley Meredith is always an interesting prospect, but it’s a big ask to rely on him given his track record.
Pending availability, Rishad Hossain brings an element of mystery and some decent batting highlights which could see him as a good POD.
Chris Jordan is extremely hot and cold for a player of his stature but there’s no denying it’s a plum role.
Shai Hope could earn WKP dual which could make him an interesting target, albeit he won’t come cheap.
Melbourne Renegades
– Josh Brown
– Tim Seifert (wk)
– Jake Fraser-McGurk
– Laurie Evans
– Mack Harvey
– Jono Wells
– Will Sutherland
– Tom Rogers
– Adam Zampa
– Fergus O’Neil
– Kane Richardson
12/11 Updates and unavailable players
English all-rounder Jacob Bethell is an unexpected out having been named in the English Test squad. He should be here for their round 4 Double.
Jono Wells most likely comes into the middle order to replace him, while the bowlers – in particular Will Sutherland and rookie Fergus O’Neill look more likely to bowl their four without Bethell’s orthodox spin on hand to give them a chop out.
Changes since last season
A new coach joins the ‘Gades who lost significant experience in Aaron Finch and Shaun Marsh last year.
They’ll be an exciting side, albeit one who might not have the mettle to challenge for the Title this year.
Brisbane hero Josh Brown has earned himself a big contract for the red team and should like the short square boundaries at Marvel.
Kiwi keeper Tim Seifert has also signed on and should open the batting with him. JFM makes it a powerful top 3.
English duo Laurie Evans and Jacob Bethell have also joined and should form part of the middle order.
While we know Evans as the late order batsman from his Scorchers days, he’s played throughout the order for other franchises and looks like he will be needed for the crucial number 4 spot in this year’s team.
Bethell, a recent International debutant, is an energetic all-rounder who should play a prominent role with the ball and in the field.
His presence in the Top 5 helps the balance of this side significantly.
Mack Harvey should battle with Jono Wells for the number 6 spot, and Fergus O’Neil could earn consistent game time off the back of impressive performances in the Shield for Victoria.
Relevant SuperCoach player snapshot
Pending starting price, Fergus O’Neil could be a cheapie prospect who will swing the ball in the opening Power Play.
Jacob Bethell as an all-rounder should consistently bowl, especially at Marvel Stadium.
Josh Brown’s heroics all came in the BBL Finals last year, meaning his 38 average is below what he’s capable of.
Adam Zampa averaged just 27 last year and looked exhausted. At his pomp he can more than double that and should be a good money maker.
Melbourne Stars
– Tom Rogers
– Joe Clarke (WK)
– Beau Webster
– Glenn Maxwell
– Marcus Stoinis
– Hilton Cartwright
– Tom Curran
– Usama Mir
– Mark Steketee
– Scott Boland*
– Hamish McKenzie
12/11 Updates and unavailable players
Usama Mir is firming as a Round 1 starter and looks a great POD.
With Ben Duckett unavailable for Round 1, the Stars will sign Joe Clarke on a short term deal for the first couple of games – could you own him in your starting team?
You could do a lot worse. Sam Harper is at high ownership due to his price, but I struggle to see how he fits in the side if someone else is keeping.
Scott Boland’s availability will depend on him being released from Test duties, with Brody Couch the likely replacement if required.
Changes since last season
New Internationals should bring new hope for the Stars. Glenn Maxwell’s demotion from captain as well could change their playing style.
Ben Duckett was the number 1 draft pick and should take the gloves for the Stars to complement his opening batting. That’s a pretty juicy role.
From numbers 3 – 6 however the batting order is hard to judge. The last few seasons has seen the Stars ‘back end’ their batting line-up and I expect more of the same.
Beau Webster has floated in the last two seasons, but if named at 3 with the potential of bowling he’s an interesting prospect once more.
Maxwell always tantalises and without the pressure of Captaincy, could he become a set and forget batting option for SuperCoach?
The days of Stoinis’ SuperCoach dominance appear over as he looks settled into a middle order role. And due to the lack of consistent batting success over the seasons, new recruit Tom Curran should inspire confidence as a number 7 with some genuine fire power.
Between Curran, Steketee and Boland they’ve got some talent in the fast bowling department. New recruit Hamish McKenzie also offers something different.
The risk with the Stars has always been the multitude of bowling options. With so much choice, it’s hard to rely on players getting their full allotment.
Relevant SuperCoach player snapshot
Glenn Maxwell has the highest ceiling in Australian cricket. If he bowls consistently he’s too scary not to own.
Tom Curran adds some panache to a bowling attack which has sadly lacked it in seasons gone.
Mark Steketee is a SuperCoach stud of seasons gone by, but he averaged just 9 last year. If priced cheaply, he could be an important piece to help add depth and build value.
Perth Scorchers
– Finn Allen
– Keaton Jennings
– Aaron Hardie
– Josh Inglis (wk)*
– Ashton Turner
– Nick Hobson
– Ashton Agar
– Andrew Tye
– Lance Morris
– Jhye Richardson
– Jason Behrendorff
12/11 Updates and unavailable players
Cooper Connolly has a broken hand and could miss significant time. They have a like-for-like finisher in Nick Hobson, while Aaron Hardie and Ashton Turner’s bowling stocks rise.
Josh Inglis is now in the Test squad. He should be released to play Big Bash, but English keeper Matt Hurst looms in the wings as a handy replacement should he have to keep the whites on.
Changes since last season
Another largely settled side, the Scorchers should once again contend in BBL14.
Kiwi Finn Allen is a season-long signing and should open the batting. Few have his ability, albeit he will need to get used to a shorter four-over Power Play.
He’s a high-risk player who puts bums on seats and I cannot wait to see him out here.
English opener Keaton Jennings was a surprise Draft pick, but fills a need in the side and could open the batting.
His compatriot and club mate in County Cricket Matt Hurst is another option at the top of the order, but most likely provides squad depth and keeper coverage.
It’s ‘pick your poison’ with the bowling attack. When all fit, there’s simpler no better side.
Josh Inglis has been named in the Australian squad for the first Test against India, but may yet be released for domestic duties throughout the series if not required.
Relevant SuperCoach player snapshot
Aaron Hardie is no secret anymore, but probably needs an injury from one of the bowlers to see consistent overs with the ball.
Josh Inglis is consistent and now has two centuries in International T20s. Don’t be put off by his position at 4 – he can score brilliantly well from here. In the off chance he opens, he will be one of the most owned in the position.
Andrew Tye’s season average of 47 is slightly down from what you’d expect from him so he could offer some value.
Jhye Richardson’s season average of just 30 is downright awful compared to what he is capable of. He could be amazing value.
Sydney Sixers
– Josh Philippe (wk)
– James Vince
– Kurtis Patterson
– Moises Henriques
– Jordan Silk
– Jack Edwards
– Hayden Kerr
– Jafer Chohan
– Sean Abbott
– Ben Dwarshuis
– Todd Murphy
12/11 Updates and unavailable players
Akeal Hossein should be here in time for the Sixers round 3 double. English rookie leg-spinner Chohan or Ben Manenti should deputise in his absence.
Dan Hughes has become particularly important to the side in the last 12 months but is likely to miss the first couple of games. Kurtis Patterson looms as the logical replacement, with Joel Davies another option.
Changes since last season
Last year’s runners up will be stinging after the loss in front of a sellout home crowd.
The retirement of Stephen O’Keefe is the only major change to this side in what feels like 10 years.
In place of SOK, the club has gone heavily into the market for spin bowlers.
West Indian Akeal Hosein is the big prize – he’s an absolute weapon who should love the conditions in Sydney. He also adds further depth to a lower order who can all swing the bat.
Ben Manenti has also returned to the squad, but probably sits behind Todd Murphy who should earn consistent game time.
Forgotten man Hayden Kerr has missed a lot of cricket in the last 12 months through injury, but should be in their best XI if fit.
No Tom Curran or a noted International pace bowler means the high-scoring death overs are up for grabs in the side.
Relevant SuperCoach player snapshot
Jack Edwards has truly arrived, and if he takes the mantle as death bowler, he offers up an incredible role for SuperCoaches.
Akeal Hosein is likely to be extremely high-priced but has earnt it through strong performances in the tournament previously.
Sean Abbott’s down season saw him average just 34 last year. This is a guy who is consistently one of the best players in SuperCoach. He’s a borderline must have.
Sydney Thunder
– Cameron Bancroft
– David Warner
– Nic Maddinson
– Ollie Davies
– Sam Billings (WK)
– Matt Gilkes*
– Dan Sams
– Chris Green
– Wes Agar
– Lachie Ferguson
– Tanveer Sangha
12/11 Updates and unavailable players
West Indian Sherfane Rutherford will miss the start of the tournament. It’s likely we see Matt Gilkes get first dibs in the lower order spot, albeit Dan Sams could also bat 6 and another bowler come in.
Kiwi Lockie Ferguson has injured himself and it remains to be seen if this will impact his availability. Nathan McAndrew is next cab in the pace bowling stocks.
Changes since last season
Fresh blood behind the scenes at the Thunder has seen some strong recruitment and the best looking Thunder side in years.
Nic Maddinson joins his fourth Big Bash team and should fill the vacancy in the top order left by the non-signing of Alex Hales.
Of course a full season of David Warner means one of the opener’s slots is also sewn up.
Englishman Sam Billings also returns to the club and should slot into the crucial number 5 slot which has proven tricky for the club to fill.
Dan Sams also gets a reprieve with West Indian Sherfane Rutherford likely to push him down one spot to number 7.
Kiwi Lockie Ferguson is an awesome pick-up in the draft and will take the death bowling overs for his new club straight away.
Sams has always needed more help and it could arrive in the shape of Wes Agar, albeit he will need to beat out Nathan McAndrew for the spot.
Relevant SuperCoach player snapshot
Cameron Bancroft averaged 35 but with the opener’s slot sewn up he could be an interesting option if he gets the WKP dual position in SuperCoach.
David Warner’s poor returns last year are well below his capability. One to monitor the price on.
Nic Maddinson and ‘consistency’ don’t go together, but in this line-up he could be the 6th bowling option which at the Showgrounds could mean a few overs. One to monitor.
Lachie Ferguson probably comes at a premium price but with his role, home conditions could make him unplayable.
This article was originally published at SuperCoach Playbook.
Originally published as Predicted Big Bash teams and SuperCoach BBL14 analysis
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