SuperCoach BBL: Five rookies set to take the Big Bash by storm
Australia’s domestic T20 competition has unearthed superstars from Pat Cummins to Travis Head. Get the inside word on the class of 2024-25.
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One of the most exciting parts of the Big Bash League is the unearthing of young talent – and BBL14 promises to deliver in spades.
Over the years, a who’s who of Australian talent has emerged in the domestic T20 competition.
The list includes notable players like Travis Head, whose famous New Year’s Eve century in 2015 catapulted him into Australia’s short-form teams, and Adam Zampa, whose 12 wickets in the 2015-16 season earned him national selection.
And while it wasn’t called the BBL back then, Australian captain Pat Cummins was also first introduced to national TV audiences through T20 cricket almost a full year before his famous Test debut in South Africa, where he took 6-79 to get Australia home.
Here is the cream of the rookie crop for 2024-25.
SAM KONSTAS
Key stat: Third-youngest Australian to post hundreds in both innings of a Sheffield Shield game behind Ricky Ponting and Archie Jackson.
SuperCoach: BAT, $39,500, Sydney Thunder
Konstas is seen as a generational talent and one of the best young players coming through the ranks.
The Thunder batsman recently became the third-youngest Australian to post hundreds in both innings of a Sheffield Shield game behind Ricky Ponting and Archie Jackson.
His rise is no surprise as he has dominated grade and underage competitions.
He’s proven he can perform on the highest of levels and has been identified as the next potential opening batsmen for Australia by many including Kerry O’Keeffe, who said: “It’s too early, of course. But he’s been a prolific scorer in under-19 international cricket. He’s also been a prolific scorer in grade and underage cricket in Sydney.”
Konstas has a close relationship with former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson who is a mentor. Focusing on the mental side of cricket was emphasised by Watson to Konstas.
HARRY DIXON
Key stat: Scored 167 against England U19s.
SuperCoach: BAT, $39,500, Melbourne Renegades
Harry Dixon is an aggressive up-and-coming opening batsman who has made a big impact in pathways for Victoria and Australia.
He has been compared to David Warner, his childhood idol, and centred his style of play around the champion batsman.
In 2024, he opened the batting for Australia in the U19 World Cup in a winning side that beat India in the final, contributing 42 off 56 balls to set up a comfortable win. He was the leading run scorer in the side, scoring 409 runs at 44.1 with a highest score of 89.
His consistency on an international level caught the attention of the Melbourne Renegades who signed Dixon to a two-year deal. His hard-hitting talent paired with guidance from players like Aaron Finch and Nathan Lyon hopefully leads to success.
MAHLI BEARDMAN
Key stat: 3-15 off seven overs in the U19 World Cup final.
SuperCoach: BWL, $39,500, Perth Scorchers
“Think I can hit the 150 mark.” Mahli Beardman is confident he has the potential to clock some seriously high speeds. He has a reputation for bowling raw pace and shone in the most recent U19 World Cup campaign for Australia.
He made his List A debut for Western Australia in 2023 against NSW and finished with 1-42 off six overs with an economy of 7.0.
He is one of many quality quicks in the West Australian set-up that also boasts Jhye Richardson, Lance Morris and Matt Kelly.
He played in Australia’s U19 World Cup campaign and played a huge role in their win in the final against India by taking 3-15 off seven overs.
He was named the player of the final.
Beardman was recently selected as a reserve to join the Australian squad for the five-match ODI series against England.
Despite only having one List A match to his name Beardman was called in to cover the squad who had been riddled by injuries.
CALLUM VIDLER
Key stat: 4-17 off 8.1 overs against Namibia U19s.
SuperCoach: BWL, $39,500, Brisbane Heat
Vidler was the spearhead of the Australian U19 World Cup winning team.
The right-arm pacer clocked bowling speeds of 140km/h and poses a serious threat with the new rock.
In the World Cup he took 14 wickets at 11.7 to be Australia’s leading wicket-taker.
With his outstanding U19 World Cup campaign he earned an opportunity to make his Sheffield Shield debut for the Queensland Bulls against NSW.
He took five wickets for the game in an electric performance that included the prized wicket of Daniel Hughes in both innings.
Vidler recently signed a one-year deal with the Brisbane Heat which will surround him with experienced quicks Michael Neser and Xavier Bartlett.
WILL SALZMANN
Key stat: 16 one-day wickets for NSW at an average of 17.6.
SuperCoach: BWL/BAT, $39,500, Sydney Thunder
The bowling all-rounder is regarded highly and has made his mark in a short professional career.
He made his debut for NSW in 2023-24 Marsh One-Day Cup and impressed instantly in four matches, taking 12 wickets at an average of just 14.2, economy rate of 5.6 and best figures of 4-48. His sudden emergence saw him included in cricket.com.au’s Marsh Cup team of the tournament without playing a full season.
He signed a two-year deal with the Sydney Thunder in 2023 which will see him at the club for BBL14. Growing up in Western Sydney, he has close ties with the Thunder and is excited about the prospect of making his debut.
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Originally published as SuperCoach BBL: Five rookies set to take the Big Bash by storm
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