Couch Critic takes a look at each of the teams competing in the upcoming Big Bash League and nails up his bets bets with @Olimp_SA
Despite COVID concerns the IPL delivered a good product for viewers and the Big Bash will be hoping to do something similar. There have been the now expected disruptions to squads due to the impact of the virus as well as international cricket commitments but there should still be some entertaining cricket to sink our teeth into over the next two months.
Sydney Sixers (defending champs)
Withdrawal of Tom Curran and Steve Smith will slow them down. Shaun Abbott, Nathan Lyon and Starc will also only be available at the end of the comp – the Sixers will hope it’s not too late by then. Moises Henriques, James Vince and Ben Dwarshuis will be their vital players.
Sydney Thunder
Almost zero disruption to their squad. Sam Billings will be available after a quarantine period and Khawaja & Hales currently not part of their respective international squads which is to the benefit of the Thunder. Adam Milne and Daniel Sams (fresh off some international exposure) could prove an effective quick combo to have. The other team from Sydney have an experienced leader in Callum Ferguson to help guide them through the season.
Hobart Hurricanes
Short, Ingram, Malan and Handscomb offer a strong top order. Wade won’t be available much which will be an issue. Sandeep Lamichhane is available in Jan and will be vital to their fortunes as they look a touch short in the bowling department.
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Melbourne Stars
Th perennial favourites have big hitting power in the form of Maxwell and Stoinis to call on. Nicolas Pooran also adds six-hitting ability for the first half of the campaign. Stanlake, Coulter-Nile and Zampa form a resilient white-ball attack. If their top order can fire the stars are the limit for Melbourne.
Perth Scorchers
With Colin Munro, Jason Roy and Liam Livingston (last two available from Christmas) there is some good power at the top. In Jason Behrendorff, Andrew Tye and Fawad Ahmed the Scorchers have an experienced attack to rely on. Mitch Marsh’s contribution could prove the deciding factor whilst Josh Inglis will look to continue his rise. It has been a tough few seasons in Perth but the 2020 crop will look to turn the tide.
Melbourne Renegades
Between Imran Tahir, Noor Ahmad and Mohamed Nabi the Renegades will have their spin options sorted throughout the comp. Aaron Finch will have to lead from the front with the willow with support from the reliable Marcus Harris. The form of Rilee Russouw and Shaun Marsh could determine the level of success since their quick options are limited without James Pattinson.
Brisbane Heat
Not a big international contingent available to them from abroad and will miss Marnus Labuschagne, Joe Burns and Mitchell Swepson due to Aussie test duty. The unavailability of AB de Villiers is a big blow for Brisbane. Chris Lynn will remain the big dog for the Heat and comes into the tournament with good form, despite it being at a lower level.
Adelaide Strikers
Travis Head will miss most of the action due to test duty. Phil Salt will be tasked with carrying the batting in the absence of the skipper whilst Alex Carey will also be important. No team with Rashid Khan at their disposal can be ignored but there appears to be a bit of a lack of support for the leg-spinner.
Betolimp Best Bets
To reach the final – Perth Scorchers @3.00
With power at the top and an experienced attack I believe there is some value in backing the boys from Perth to make it to the main event.
Team to hit the most Sixes – Melbourne Stars @5.50
Misters Pooran, Maxwell and Stoinis equal MASSIVE hits in my books.
Player to hit the most Sixes – Chris Lynn @5.00
He is available for the entire comp, seems fit and in decent enough touch and will be the MVP for his side. Lyn should collect big hits like St Nick gets letters throughout the tournament – bags full!
Player of the Tournament – Glenn Maxwell @15.00
Maxwell came out of the T20I series against India looking in solid touch finishing with a sparkling fifty in the final outing. The Stars will rely heavily on the Big Show finishing games for them and he could play a decent roll with the ball as well. His fielding abilities add that extra bit of value in this market.
Top Tournament Bowler – Adam Zampa @17.00
Zampa isn’t always the most economic of bowlers but he sure has that wicket-taking ability. Over the long-run I expect the leggy to fill his boots and be right in the mix for the most wickets.
Outright Winner – Melbourne Stars @5.25
They are always there and there about but have never been able to take the final step. In this strange season it might just be their best chance yet. If they can get solid starts from their top order they have the rest of the team to go all the way.
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change
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