Last Updated on 1 month by Charbel Coorey
6 big predictions for Big Bash League 08 + key fantasy picks
The Big Bash League will have a full home-and-away season for the first time in its history.
Too much? Maybe. It remains to be seen whether fan engagement will still be at a high in February, when school is back in full swing.
Nevertheless, it promises to be an exciting tournament. There are few things more challenging than making predictions for a T20 tournament, as it is a format with great uncertainties. However, it was always worth a go, and it will be interesting to come back to this once the tournament is over!
Below are my six big predictions for Big Bash League 08 and key fantasy picks for each side, too. Feel free to leave a comment!
BBL 08 Prediction #1: Leading wicket taker – Rashid Khan (Adelaide Strikers)
Rashid Khan, the world’s best T20 bowler, lived up to the hype in BBL 07. He topped the wicket taking chart, along with Dwayne Bravo, and was key to Adelaide’s triumphant campaign.
Rashid continues to work wonders around the globe, taking 77 wickets in T20s after BBL 07. His accuracy and incredible know-how renders him a dangerous prospect for batsmen in this tournament.
Other strong candidates for leading wicket taker include Andrew Tye (Perth Scorchers), Ben Laughlin (Adelaide Strikers) and Jofra Archer (Hobart Hurricanes).
BBL 08 Prediction #2: Leading run scorer – Alex Carey (Adelaide Strikers)
Alex Carey has had a big 2018. He was instrumental in helping Adelaide Strikers lift the BBL 07 trophy, and is now Vice-Captain of the Australia T20I side.
Indeed, one of Carey’s main attributes is his composure and consistency. He can change gears really well, which is an important attribute to have in this format. The BBL is blessed with plenty of big hitters, but Carey is a player with great touch.
Other strong candidates for leading run scorer include Chris Lynn (Brisbane Heat), Ben McDermott and D’Arcy Short (Hobart Hurricanes), and Glenn Maxwell (Melbourne Stars).
BBL 08 Prediction #3: Team to watch out for – Melbourne Stars
Melbourne Stars had easily their worst ever season in BBL 07, finishing last.
However, they have too many good players to write off again. Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis are two dangerous white-ball all-rounders, and Ben Dunk is capable of firing after a poor season. Dwayne Bravo is an excellent addition to their side, which gives the Stars three dangerous all-round options. Sandeep Lamichhane, the Nepalese legspin sensation, will have an impact in the few weeks he’s here, and will be replaced by the capable Liam Plunkett when he leaves for the Bangladesh Premier League. Their seam attack could be of concern, but the likes of Scott Boland and Daniel Worran have been bowling very well in Shield Cricket.
Of course, the challenge will be to transfer that form into the shortest format of the game.
Also, the international calendar is kind to the Stars. Australia play three ODIs against India in January, which is likely to be the only time where Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa are missing. Personally, there is little doubt that the Stars will improve significantly on last year’s finish.
BBL 08 Prediction #4: Bottom placed team – Brisbane Heat
Brisbane Heat possess fine bating capabilities in Chris Lynn, Brendon McCullum, Joe Burns and Ben Cutting.
However, their bowling attack is of great concern. Despite possessing good players on paper such as James Pattinson (whose fitness will be key) and Afghanistan spin sensation Mujeeb ur Rahman, Brisbane’s lack of depth in the bowling department means their batting will have to fire every game.
Most telling is Brisbane’s inability to stem the flow of runs. Mark Steketee, Brendan Doggett, Josh Lalor and Ben Cutting combined for an economy rate of 9.15 last season.
Once again, Brisbane Heat look too batting heavy in this tournament, and will struggle as a result.
BBL 08 Prediction #5: Top four
The BBL’s top four, after a mammoth 56 games, can well and truly be considered the best four sides in the tournament.
BBL 08 top four (in no particular order):
- Perth Scorchers
- Adelaide Strikers
- Sydney Sixers
- Melbourne Stars
Perth Scorchers have made the finals every single season, and will be thereabouts again. Adelaide Strikers are the defending champions, and possess a quality side, even with Travis Head to be missing for most of the campaign.
However, two additions, possible a surprise to some, are Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Stars.
Sydney Sixers have lost Nic Maddinson, but have fantastic youth in their squad, including the brilliant Jack Edwards and Lloyd Pope. The Sixers’ mix of youth and experience, which also includes Joe Denly and Moises Henriques, will be key, along with their good spin attack which will be a danger especially in Sydney.
Also, the Stars, as mentioned, will be much improved.
In regards to the other teams, all have their strengths, but their weaknesses could hurt them. Sydney Thunder have Jos Buttler and Joe Root for the first part of the season, and, along with Shane Watson, the Thunder could be in the runs. However, their pace bowling stocks look a little thin. The same applies for Brisbane Heat. Hobart Hurricanes, last year’s finalists, look to be relying on moments of brilliance from players who need to find form again (i.e. D’Arcy Short). Melbourne Renegades will be without Aaron Finch and Marcus Harris for most of the season due to Test duty, and have lost Dwayne Bravo. The Renegades possess a decent attack, but do they have enough firepower with bat and ball to win games? Not so sure.
READ: 15 funny cricket tweets!
BBL 08 Prediction #6: Winner – Perth Scorchers
They say bowling attacks win you T20s, and Perth have a fine one.
Jason Behrendorff and Nathan Coulter-Nile return after missing last season with injuries. They will partner the likes of Andrew Tye, Jhye Richardson, Ashton Agar, David Willey and the impressive Usman Qadir.
The batting is one area that could be light, but the likes of Michael Klinger, Mitchell Marsh, Hilton Cartwright and the returning Cameron Bancroft are capable of delivering runs. Along with a good lower order, Perth will be very hard to beat in this tournament.
They will win BBL 08.
BBL 08 Dream11 + SuperCoach Fantasy Picks
Below are my key picks from each team, especially in the early part of the tournament as you put your teams together!
Adelaide Strikers: Alex Carey, Jake Weatherald, Colin Ingram, Rashid Khan, Ben Laughlin
Brisbane Heat: Chris Lynn, Brendon McCullum, Ben Cutting, Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Hobart Hurriances: D’Arcy Short, Ben McDermott, Jofra Archer, Matthew Wade
Melbourne Renegades: Tom Cooper, Cameron White, Mohammad Nabi, Jack Wildermuth
Melbourne Stars: Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Sandeep Lamichhane, Dwayne Bravo, Adam Zampa
Perth Scorchers: Mitchell Marsh, Ashton Turner, Jason Behrendhorff, Andrew Tye, Ashton Agar, David Willey
Sydney Sixers: Moises Henriques, Joe Denly, Sean Abbott, Lloyd Pope, Tom Curran
Sydney Thunder: Jos Buttler, Joe Root, Shane Watson, Fawad Ahmed, Chris Green
Thanks for reading!
