Were super excited for the start of the Big Bash’s 10th edition tomorrow! It’s going to be great to have one of the world’s best T20 competitions back and be able to watch cricket most days of the festive period. We’re only going to do a quick preview of each team and where we predict they will finish today, and then we will tweet our thoughts throughout the competition.
For a daily review of the BBL action, we suggest giving The Cricket Badger Podcast a listen! Especially as our man, Ash, will hopefully be featuring as one of the fans. It was a fantastic resource for IPL fans during the recent IPL and were sure it will be a great listen during the BBL.
Anyway, onto the team guides and prediction...
Adelaide Strikers:
Adelaide look likely to have at least an outside chance of making the top 5, which is hardly surprising when you have the world’s number one spinner in Rashid Khan; although a lot may rest on his shoulders again. They also have plenty of fire power with their Australian batting contingent, and the thrilling Englishman Phil Salt at the top of the order is another class act who will only improve.
Key Man: Rashid Khan
One to Watch: Matt Renshaw
Prediction: 6th
Brisbane Heat:
They have the experienced and hungry Chris Lynn as captain, but you have to feel a lot rests on him at the top of the order with Tom Banton dropping out. Morne Morkle as a local player may be a great capture and adds another dimension to their bowling attack, although he will need plenty of support from Steketee and Mujeeb ur Rahman amongst others should they want to threaten.
Key Man: Chris Lynn
One to Watch: Dan Lawrence
Prediction: 8th
Hobart Hurricanes:
Hobart look likely to be without their skipper Wade and also Paine due to test call ups, and with Archer also having dropped out they may miss a little star quality at the beginningg of the tournament. But they do possess some talented players including England duo Malan and Will Jacks. Malan is the world‘s number 1 T20 batsman and he will be desperate to prove it in the BBL; if he has a big tournament they will have a chance.
Key Man: Dawid Malan
One to Watch: Sandeep Lamichhane
Prediction: 7th
Melbourne Renegades:
The Renegades possess a very strong Australian core including Finch, Harris, S.Marsh, Pattison and Kane Richardson. Add to this Imran Tahir, Mohammed Nabi, Rilee Rossouw and Benny Howell, and they surely have to be at the right end of the table after a disappointing effort last year. They seem well balanced and should be right at the top end should Finch find form.
Key Man: Aaron Finch
One to Watch: Rilee Rossouw
Prediction: 3rd
Melbourne Stars:
The Stars have a great mix of players, with some big Aussie names including Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis; who will always offer both runs and a dependable option with the ball. They may find the loss of Bairstow to be costly though, as he would of been a superb addition to their solid batting line-up. Their hopes may ride on whether their Australian bowling options showcase their potential or not.
Key Man: Glenn Maxwell
One to Watch: Nicholas Pooran
Prediction: 5th
Perth Scorchers:
Perth are looking very strong, with plenty of batting depth and fire power, plus a great set of bowlers. They have a good mix of youth and experience, which includes two English stars in Liam Livingstone and Jason Roy. They should bat deep, with a superb top 6 or 7, and also have enough in their bowling attack led by Andrew Tye.
Key Man: Andrew Tye
One to Watch: Josh Inglis
Prediction: 1st
Sydney Sixers:
Last year’s winners are potentially looking a little weaker than last year and they have lost Tom Curran in the last few days. However, they still possess some fantastic players such as Moises Henriques, Dan Christian and Josh Phillipe; and we think Jason Holder is a superb addition as an oversees all-rounder. There’s also a chance that we may see Mitch Starc in magenta which would be a massive boost.
Key Man: Dan Christian
One to Watch: Josh Phillipe
Prediction: 2nd
Sydney Thunder:
Thunder look to have a well-balanced side, with great batting options from the top of the order through to finishers positions; with two Englishmen likely to be at either end of the batting engine room with Alex Hales and Sam Billings. They have some good spin options with Chris Green, Jonathon Cook and Nair; but maybe lack an out and out pace option which will put pressure on bowlers like Cutting, Sams and Milne.
Key Man: Alex Hales
One to Watch: Chris Green
Prediction: 4th
Overall Predictions:
Top Run Scorer: Alex Hales
Top Wicket Taker: Andrew Tye
Young Player of the Tournament: Josh Phillipe
Player of the Tournament: Alex Hales
Winner after Knockouts: Sydney Thunder, beating Perth Scorchers in the final.
What do you guys think will happen? Have we got our predictions totally wrong?
Let us know and please follow and retweet us!
Go well!
PS don’t forget to book your Tailenders tour tickets on Friday!
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