With the 2017-18 Big Bash League now only a week away, we continue our team previews today by taking a look at the third and fourth placed teams on last season’s BBL table, the Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Stars, ahead of the commencement of BBL07! You can view our team previews that have come our over the past two days by clicking the links below.
Thunder and Hurricanes Preview
Renegades and Strikers Preview
Melbourne Stars
Squad: Michael Beer, Scott Boland, Jackson Coleman, Ben Dunk, James Faulkner, Seb Gotch, Evan Gulbis, Peter Handscomb, Sam Harper, John Hastings, Ben Hilfenhaus, Glenn Maxwell, Kevin Pietersen, Rob Quiney, Marcus Stoinis, Daniel Worrall, Luke Wright, Adam Zampa
Last Year: The Stars narrowly beat out their cross town rivals, the Renegades, to claim the 4th and final spot in the finals, winning four games and losing four. However, they were dismantled by a rampant Mitchell Johnson in the semi final against the Scorchers and will be looking to go one better this season with a talented list.
Key Signings/Losses: BBL06 skipper David Hussey departs the side after a glittering Big Bash career and will be replaced in the top order by hard hitting former Hurricane Ben Dunk. Dunk topped all run scorers in the BBL last season and should provide plenty of stability at the top of the order. Apart from luring Dunk from the Hurricanes, Melbourne will go in with a very similar squad to last season.
Players to Watch: When you think of Australian T20, one player comes to mind maybe more than anyone else, that’s Glenn Maxwell. It’s unknown as of yet whether the star all-rounder will miss early games due to Test duty, but you can be assured he will miss games later in the season for ODI’s and international T20s against England. Kevin Pietersen will return as the Stars marquee international and promises to be an exciting watch once again.
BBL06 Championship Odds: $6.50 at Sportsbet
Prediction: Even though Dunk was the only major signing for the Stars, they still boast arguably the best list on paper in BBL07. Their problem will be losing players to international duty with James Faulkner, Peter Handscomb, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa all likely to be in the Australian selection scope in some regard in the coming months. However, their stock of domestic players including Daniel Worrall, Luke Wright, Rob Quiney, Ben Hilfenhaus, Sam Harper and Seb Gotch is dangerous in itself. Add Pietersen and Dunk to the mix and this team is capable of beating anyone on any given night. We think they have the talent to take the next step this year and we like them to finish in 1st place.
TIP: Luke Wright team top run scorer - $4 at CrownBet
Sydney Sixers
Squad: Sean Abbott, Sam Billings, Jackson Bird, Johan Botha, Ben Dwarshuis, Mickey Edwards, Moises Henriques, Daniel Hughes, Nathan Lyon, Nic Maddinson, Peter Nevill, Stephen O’Keefe, Jason Roy, Jordan Silk, Mitchell Starc, Henry Thornton
Last Year: The Sixers surprised many last year when they finished 3rd on the table with five wins and three losses. Many picked them to finish near the bottom of the ladder as their team didn’t inspire a lot of confidence and their pace attack was decimated by international duty, however, they were able reach the grand final against the Scorchers, before ultimately going down by 9 wickets at the WACA.
Key Signings/Losses: The Sixers go into the BBL07 season with a very similar core to the one that finished third last year. Jason Roy and Sam Billings fill the international slots when not called up to the England side, while veterans Brad Haddin and Doug Bollinger depart the team.
Players to Watch: Moises Henriques might be the best Australian cricketer who is not currently getting a regular look into the Australian squad, in any format. The talented all-rounder is capable of turning a T20 with bat or ball and will once again be the barometer for the Sixers. Oh and he captains too. Out and out star.
BBL06 Championship Odds: $6 at Sportsbet
Prediction: The Sixers still boast a very young and exciting team. There were doubts over their list last season due to its inexperience but the likes of Sam Billings, Jordan Silk, Jason Roy and Sean Abbot have all shown that they can be capable of being core players in a strong T20 side. Having the experienced all-rounder duo of Henriques and Johan Botha adds plenty and we expect them to go well again this season, finishing in 4th place.
TIP: Sean Abbot top team wicket taker - $3.25 at Sportsbet
Always Gamble Responsibly and stay tuned to our big bash betting tips page for tips for every match of the BBL07 season.
