Over the next week, we will be bringing you comprehensive BBL06 team previews of all eight Big Bash League teams leading up to the much anticipated BBL06 starting December 10th.
In today’s BBL06 team previews, we bring you the top two teams from the 2015/16 BBL table, the Melbourne Stars and minor premier Adelaide Strikers! With the top of the ladder teams done, you can find links to all the rest of our BBL06 Team previews at the bottom of this article, while stay tuned for our BBL06 season preview and Big Bash Round 1 betting tips!
Melbourne Stars
Squad: David Hussey (Captain), Michael Beer, Scott Boland, James Faulkner, Seb Gotch, Evan Gulbis, Peter Handscomb, Sam Harper, John Hastings, Ben Hilfenhaus, Glenn Maxwell, Kevin Pietersen, Rob Quiney, Marcus Stoinis, Tom Triffit, Daniel Worrall, Luke Wright, Adam Zampa.
Last Year: The Melbourne Stars came into last season with high expectations, and they almost lived up to those expectations, making it all the way to the final before being thwarted by Usman Khawaja and the Sydney Thunder. The Stars will be looking to go one further this year and claim that elusive championship.
Key Signings/Losses: The Stars have backed themselves to win it all with virtually the same lineup this season, and I wouldn’t put it past them. No major ins or outs for the Stars.
Players to Watch: We think because of his long and infamous career that Kevin Pietersen is an old man, the fact is, he’s still only 36, that’s younger than Adam Voges, who’s still in the Test team. Pietersen finished third in run scorers in BBL05 and showed no signs of slowing down. It will be strike bowler by committee in Melbourne once again, with the stars boasting an array of all-rounders in John Hastings, James Faulkner and Glenn Maxwell.
BBL06 Championship Odds: $5 at Sportsbet
Prediction: Along with the Scorchers, the Stars have been the most dominant team in BBL history, they are the only two teams to play finals in all five years of BBL but unlike Perth, Melbourne have failed to capture that first championship thus far. I think they have figured out that batting is the key to winning T20 games. They have lots of all-rounders which sees them consistently making massive scores. I have them winning it all this year after finishing in 1st Place.
Adelaide Strikers
Squad: Brad Hodge (Captain), Wes Agar, Alex Carey, Jono Dean, Travis Head, Jon Holland, Chris Jordan, Ben Laughlin, Jake Lehmann, Tim Ludeman, Michael Neser, Kieron Pollard, Kane Richardson, Craig Simmons, Kelvin Smith, Billy Stanlake, Jake Weatherald, Ben Dunk.
Last Year: Adelaide shocked many last year when they finished atop the BBL05 ladder, however, it only takes one look at their lineup to understand why they did. While they don’t have the out and out stars that a team like the Melbourne Stars boast, their squad is filled with players who have dominated the Australian domestic scene for years.
Key Signings/Losses: The Strikers lose English bowler Adil Rashid, who finished 2nd in the leading wicket takers in BBL05. However, they replace him with another Englishman in all-rounder Chris Jordan. While BBL05 marquee player Mahela Jayawardene also parts ways with Adelaide. Note: in a late trade, the Strikers have acquired Hobart Hurricane Ben Dunk
Players to Watch: The Strikers are filled with talent, top to bottom, along with Rashid, bowler Ben Laughlin also finished inside the top five for leading wicket takers in BBL05, while batsman Travis Head managed the feat for run scorers. When you’re not watching them two dominate, you can turn to any one of Kieron Pollard, Craig Simmons, or arguably the best T20 player of all-time, Brad Hodge.
BBL06 Championship Odds: $8 at Sportsbet
Prediction: With so many good teams in the BBL, the Adelaide Strikers are right in the mix and could finish anywhere in the top four. I have them finishing in 4th Place but don’t be surprised if they make a run and win it all!
Other BBL06 Team Previews
- Perth Scorchers & Sydney Thunder Preview
- Brisbane Heat & Melbourne Renegades Preview
- Sydney Sixers & Hobart Hurricanes Preview
Always Gamble Responsibly and stay tuned to our big bash betting tips page for tips for every match of the BBL06 season.
