Last Updated on 4 years ago by Charbel Coorey
Cricket News: BBL Draft: Which players were picked for the BBL 12 season? | Which international stars will feature in BBL 12?
The first ever Big Bash League (BBL) draft took place on Sunday evening, bringing about some surprises and insights into how each team thinks ahead of a new season.
All eight BBL clubs opted for availability rather than choosing the biggest names. None of white-ball greats Andre Russell, Faf du Plessis, Jason Roy, Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo were picked, with the teams focused on how they could get the best value for money in terms of the number of matches a player is likely to feature given the South Africa, UAE and Bangladesh T20 leagues run at the same time as the BBL.
BBL Draft: Which players were picked?
Adelaide Strikers: Rashid Khan, Colin de Grandhomme, Adam Hose
Melbourne Stars tried to pick up Rashid Khan as their second pick. However, Adelaide Strikers were having none of it, immediately using their retention on the great Afghan legspinner.
The Strikers also picked New Zealand all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme and English all-rounder Adam Hose to add extra depth in the middle. Both de Grandhomme and Hose are expected to be available for the majority of the tournament at least.
Brisbane Heat: Sam Billings, Colin Munro, Ross Whiteley
Brisbane Heat picked up two experienced, proven internationals in Sam Billings and Colin Munro. As Chris Lynn is no longer with the Heat, Billings and Munro will provide that all-important power and experience to elevate the Brisbane-based team to another level.
The other pick was 33-year old English batsman Ross Whiteley. Whiteley, who normally bats in the middle order, strikes at 141.58 in over 170 T20s.
Hobart Hurricanes: Shadab Khan, Asif Ali, Faheem Ashraf
It was a Pakistan-themed evening for the Hobart Hurricanes, picking up three Pakistani players. Hobart, who underwhelmed in BBL 11, picked up all-rounders Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf, while also picking up finisher Asif Ali. All three are capable of adding value to the Hurricanes.
Melbourne Renegades: Liam Livingstone, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Akeal Hosein
Melbourne Renegades, who finished bottom of the table in BBL 11, arguably won the BBL draft. In the first pick of the evening, they landed superstar Liam Livingstone, followed by spinners Mujeeb ur Rahman and Akeal Hosein.
Given the Renegades play their home games on the typically slow surface of Marvel Stadium, these picks look strong on paper.
Melbourne Stars: Trent Boult, Luke Wood, Joe Clarke
Melbourne Stars opted for two left-arm seam options, including the world class Trent Boult. Boult will add great experience to a Stars’ lineup that has struggled with the ball in recent seasons. The experienced Luke Wood should also add good value.
Also, the Stars opted for Joe Clarke, who impressed in BBL 11. Expect the Englishman to take the gloves and potentially open once again.
Perth Scorchers: Phil Salt, Tymal Mills, Laurie Evans
Perth Scorchers retained Laurie Evans, who was crucial to their title last season. They also picked up the hard-hitting Phil Salt and versatile Tymal Mills, who will be key at the death.
These additions will go nicely with the Scorchers’ already strong squad.
Sydney Sixers: Chris Jordan, James Vince, Izharulhaq Naveed
It is no surprise that Sydney Sixers fought to keep James Vince. The Englishman has been superb over the past couple of seasons for the men in magenta.
The Sixers also picked up Chris Jordan, who will be key at the death and in the field. Also, they picked up 18-year old Afghan legspinner Izharulhaq Naveed, who has taken 12 wickets in 10 T20s to date at an economy rate of 6.56.
Sydney Thunder: David Willey, Alex Hales, Rilee Rossouw
Sydney Thunder are also a contender for BBL draft winner. Alex Hales will don the green once again, and the Thunder also picked up the experienced David Willey and Rilee Rossouw.
Willey is expected to partner fellow left-arm seamer Daniel Sams well in the powerplay in particular. Rilee Rossouw is having a brilliant 2022 in T20s, and can be expected to make an impact for the Thunder.
