We continue our BBL06 team previews with two teams who barely missed on last year’s finals series, the Brisbane Heat and Melbourne Renegades. If you missed our previous feature articles you can check out our team previews for the Hurricanes and Sixers, before all the action of the 2016-17 Big Bash League starts December 20th.
Brisbane Heat
Squad: Chris Lynn (Captain), Samuel Badree, Joe Burns, Ben Cutting, Alex Doolan, Andrew Fekete, Luke Feldman, Jason Floros, Sam Heazlett, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Lalor, Brendon McCullum, James Peirson, Nathan Reardon, Alex Ross, Mark Steketee, Mitchell Swepson, Jack Wildermuth.
Last Year: The Heat were one of three teams to finish with three wins and five losses last year. Along with the Hurricanes and Renegades, Brisbane narrowly missed the playoffs last year and will be hoping to go one step further this season after not playing finals cricket since their championship season in 2012/13.
Key Signings/Losses: New Zealand import Brendon McCullum was absent from the roster last season but has returned and will be available throughout the tournament with his recent retirement from international cricket. West Indian import Lendl Simmons departs from the heat roster for the upcoming season.
Players to Watch: McCullum is arguably still one of the best T20 batsmen in the world, and having him back as a full time player for the Heat could easily propel them into finals contention. Pair McCullum with BBL05’s leading run scorer, Chris Lynn, who blasted 378 runs last year, and you have a very formidable top order. However, Brisbane’s bowling attack seems a little bit light on, look for them to rely heavily on local boy Ben Cutting.
BBL06 Championship Odds: $6.50 at Sportsbet
Prediction: Even with the addition of McCullum, the compeition is just way to strong at the moment and I think this could be another tough season for the Heat. I have them finishing just outside finals in 6th Place.
Melbourne Renegades
Squad: Aaron Finch (Captain), Dwayne Bravo, Tom Beaton, Tom Cooper, Xavier Doherty, Callum Ferguson, Marcus Harris, Brad Hogg, Sunil Narine, Peter Nevill, James Pattinson, Nathan Rimmington, Peter Siddle, Chris Tremain, Matthew Wade, Guy Walker, Cameron White, Nick Winter.
Last Year: The Renegades missed out on finals cricket last year when a tough round eight loss to the Strikers sent them packing. Captain Aaron Finch will be looking to take Melbourne one step further, after not having reached the finals since they were runners up in 2013/14.
Key Signings/Losses: The big omission here is T20 mega-star Chris Gayle. After a season of controversy in BBL05, the Caribbean blaster has not been invited back by the Renegades, who will look to fill the void with Aussie fan favourite Brad Hogg.
Players to Watch: Aaron Finch is a proven match winner with the bat. Like his Australian ODI opening partner, David Warner, they can both turn a game on its head within the first few overs. Finch will likely miss a few games due to international duty, so look for Cam White and Callum Ferguson to step up in his place. James Pattinson, if fit, will lead a bowling attack which includes Test player Peter Siddle.
BBL06 Championship Odds: $6.50 at Sportsbet
Prediction: The Renegades are the Ricmond Tigers of the BBL, every year they make a big move, and on paper they seem like they should be right in the mix, but they let us down year after year. I have them finishing outside of the finals again this season in 7th Place.
Always Gamble Responsibly and stay tuned to our big bash betting tips page for tips for every match of the BBL06 season.
