We continue our BBL07 team previews today by taking a look at the 5th and 6th placed teams in last year’s Big Bash season, the Melbourne Renegades and the Adelaide Strikers. You can check out our preview for the Thunder and Hurricanes here or stay tuned over the coming few days for the remaining four team previews!
Adelaide Strikers
Squad: Wes Agar, Alex Carey, Jono Dean, Travis Head, Colin Ingram, Rashid Khan, Ben Laughlin, Jake Lehmann, Michael Neser, Liam O’Connor, Peter Siddle, Billy Stanlake, Jake Weatherald, Jono Wells.
Last Year: The Strikers were one of three teams to finish with a 3-5 record through their eight games but finished above the Hurricanes and Thunder due to a superior net run rate. A major factor in the positive net run rate was the fantastic season by Ben Dunk, who led the league with 364 runs at an average of 52. Ultimately a disappointing season, however, and one that the Strikers will look to improve on this season.
Key Signings/Losses: The aforementioned Ben Dunk departs after signing a multi year deal with the Melbourne Stars. A host of other departures include Kane Richardson, who will also head to Melbourne to play for the Renegades, Brad Hodge and Kieron Pollard. The signings are headlined by maybe the most exciting young spinner in the world, Afghan prodigy Rashid Khan and Australian stalwart quick Peter Siddle.
Players to Watch: Khan makes his way to the BBL with as much expectation as any 18-year-old can handle, and should be an exciting prospect to watch for many reasons. Australian ODI representative Travis Head will play a crucial role with bat and ball and should be the barometer for the Strikers season this year.
BBL06 Championship Odds: $8 at Sportsbet
Prediction: Losing Dunk, Pollard and Hodge amounts to losing the vast majority of batting production from last season. Some youngsters in the likes of Jake Lehmann will have to step up in a big way this year to support Travis Head. The Strikers pace attack with Siddle, Ben Laughlin and Billy Stanlake is up there with the best going around, so we like them to finish around the same mark as last season, in 6th place.
TIP: Ben Laughlin top team wicket taker - $4.50 at CrownBet
Melbourne Renegades
Squad: Dwayne Bravo, Tom Cooper, Aaron Finch, Marcus Harris, Brad Hodge, Brad Hogg, Jon Holland, Tim Ludeman, Joe Mennie, Kieron Pollard, Mohammad Nabi, James Pattinson, Kane Richardson, Matt Short, Chris Tremain, Guy Walker, Beau Webster, Cameron White, Jack Wildermuth
Last Year: Given their talented team on paper, the Renegades would have been extremely disappointed to miss the top four last season. Granted, they missed on net run rate only after being edged out by cross town rival Melbourne Stars, both finishing on four wins and four losses. After an off season full of marquee signings, the only way is up for the Gades.
Key Signings/Losses: Losing the likes of Matthew Wade, Peter Siddle, Nathan Rimmington, Callum Ferguson, Xavier Doherty, Sunil Narine and Peter Nevill would suggest to most onlookers that the Renegades are going to be on the slide this season. However, the signings of Kane Richardson, Brad Hodge, Kieron Pollard and Mohammad Nabi will be massive for Melbourne, and the structure and balance of the likely 11 seems to be much better this season.
Players to Watch: The pair might be pushing 90 years of age combined, but Brad Hogg and Brad Hodge are still some of the smartest, and most dominant T20 players in the country. Their talent and experience should hold the Renegades in good stead.
BBL06 Championship Odds: $6.50 at Sportsbet
Prediction: With an in form Aaron Finch and Cameron White leading the charge, backed up by the experience and pure match winning abilities of Hogde and Hogg, the Renegades have arguably the best core five or six players in the league. Kane Richardson and Jon Holland will provide great economy and wicket taking ability with the ball not to mention the potential of a fit and firing James Pattinson. Teams on paper is the only thing we have to go by at the moment and we think the Renegades have one of the best. We like them to finish in 2nd place.
TIP: Cameron White top team run scorer - $3.50 at CrownBet
Always Gamble Responsibly and stay tuned to our big bash betting tips page for tips for every match of the BBL07 season.
