Sports

Wayne Clark’s BBL07 Preview

Posted on | Posted by Wayne Clark

ADELAIDE STRIKERS

Verdict

A balanced squad but lacks a little bit of brilliance.  Lehmann, Weatherald and Head are exciting but inconsistent.  Colin Ingram (NZ) is an interesting recruit and experienced pair Peter Siddle and Ben Laughlin will take wickets.

Most Wickets

Ben Laughlin – has great variation, is a proven wicket taker and gets the ball at the right times. (TABtouch Price $3.50)

Most Runs

Jake Weatherald – has shown good form in the longer game leading into this tournament.  Could excite. (TABtouch Price $3.75)

BRISBANE HEAT

Verdict

Won’t be underdogs like last year.  Possess big hitters who can change games and have a bowling line-up that will be again underrated, but they are effective.  Shadab Khan (Pak) provides an x-factor.

Most Wickets

Ben Cutting – experienced and generally very good bowling at the death. (TABtouch Price $4.50)

Most Runs

Joe Burns – with a question mark over Chris Lynn’s fitness, Burns can continue his great start to the season into this tournament. (TABtouch Price $13)

HOBART HURRICANES

Verdict

Will have a heavy reliance on the experienced trio of George Bailey, Dan Christian and Mathew Wade and overall lack depth.  A young side that will be keen, however will struggle for consistency.

Most Wickets

Cameron Boyce – Proven in the shorter form of the game as a wicket-taker. (TABtouch Price $4)

Most Runs

Ben McDermott – showed glimpses last year of what he is capable of. Exciting prospect. (TABtouch Price $3.75)

MELBOURNE RENEGADES

Verdict

I like the balance and the inclusion of Kane Richardson, Jon Holland, Jack Wildermuth, Tim Ludeman and Brad Hodge adds depth.  They will be right in it until the end.

Most Wickets

Jack Wildermuth – very talented cricketer who could surprise. (TABtouch Price $15)

Most Runs

Cameron White – smart, experienced, is in good form and can adjust to any situation the game produces. (TABtouch Price $4)

MELBOURNE STARS

Verdict

Offer plenty but fail to produce when needed. Again, will be affected by ODI’s with Maxwell, Stoinis, Zampa, Handscomb and Faulkner all possible losses.  Although Ben Dunk is a great pickup their depth is sure to be tested.

Most Wickets

John Hastings – the new skipper will lead from the front. Great variety for this format. (TABtouch Price $4.50)

Most Runs

Luke Wright – very effective against the new ball and when the field is up.  Exciting when firing. (TABtouch Price $3.75)

PERTH SCORCHERS

Verdict

May have only one of last year’s top 5 batsmen available in the early rounds.  No Bancroft or either of the Marsh Brothers (Aust), Whiteman (inj) or Bell (absent) leaves Michael Klinger as the sole survivor.  Batting depth is sure to be tested.  Bowling, if all fit, looks dangerous again.

Most Wickets

Andrew Tye – hard to go past.  Thrives in 20/20 format. Great variety and can bowl to any situation. (TABtouch Price $3.50)

Most Runs

Hilton Cartwright – talented hard-hitter who is ready to fire in this format. (TABtouch Price $5.50)

SYDNEY SIXERS

Verdict

Steady bowling attack but too reliant on a select few batsmen.  Fringe players need to step up if they are going to be a real force.  Looks a tough season.

Most Wickets

Sean Abbott – leading wicket taker last year and can see no reason why he won’t be up there again this series. (TABtouch Price $3)

Most Runs

Moises Henriques – talented and will carry a lot of responsibility this season. (TABtouch Price $4.25)

SYDNEY THUNDER

Verdict

Will be competitive but lack that little bit of star power to be a serious threat.  Need plenty from batsmen like Watson, Patterson, Ferguson and Khawaja.  Loss of Andre Russell is a blow.

Most Wickets

Clint McKay – getting a bit long in the tooth but is a proven wicket taker in this form of the game. (TABtouch Price $4.75)

Most Runs

Kurtis Patterson – talented and ready to shine.  Great ball striker and plays well both sides of the wicket. (TABtouch Price $4.50)

BIG BASH WINNER

I think the Melbourne Renegades, who have recruited well, will win the tournament. (TABtouch Price $5)

MOST TOURNAMENT WICKETS

Andrew Tye – consistent wicket taker in 20/20 cricket. Has great variation and generally gets the ball at the right time of the innings. (TABtouch Price $9)

MOST TOURNAMENT RUNS

Moises Henriques – has promised plenty and I believe it could be his year to shine. (TABtouch Price $41)

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Prices correct as of 12pm Wednesday 13 December 2017.




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