We have reached our final set of team previews for the upcoming Big Bash League season set to kick off next Tuesday. Today we take a look at the top two teams on last years, the Perth Scorchers and Brisbane Heat. Check out our previous team previews by clicing the links below.
Thunder and Hurricanes Preview
Renegades and Strikers Preview
Stars and Sixers Preview
Brisbane Heat
Squad: Max Bryant, Joe Burns, Ben Cutting, Brendan Doggett, Jason Floros, Cameron Gannon, Sam Heazlett, Shadab Khan, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Lalor, Chris Lynn, Brendon McCullum, Jimmy Peirson, Matt Renshaw, Alex Ross, Yasir Shah, Mitchell Swepson, Mark Steketee, Cameron Valente
Last Year: On the back of a monster season by Chris Lynn that saw him score 309 runs at an average of 154, the Heat were able to make their first finals series since winning the tournament back in 2012-13. They won five of eight games but ultimately couldn’t get past the Sydney Sixers in the semi final sans Lynn.
Key Signings/Losses: The acquisitions for Brisbane will be headlined by former Heat championship winner and fast bowler, Cameron Gannon, who returns to the side after stints with the Stars and Renegades. Pakistani spinner Yasir Shah also joins the Heat and will play a big role with the ball. All-rounder Cameron Valente and exciting young batsman Max Bryant make up the other signings. Samuel Badree departs.
Players to Watch: Obviously when you think of the Brisbane Heat you think of Chris Lynn. The hard hitting top order batsman single handedly carried the team to the finals last year after playing match winning innings’ in four of their five victories. Lynn has stated he’ll be back from injury by the start of the season, but if his body lets him down, or when he inevitably gets the call up for international duty, Brendon McCullum, Ben Cutting and Shah will all play vital roles.
BBL06 Championship Odds: $6 at Sportsbet
Prediction: The Heat will once again rely so heavily on Lynn to be a dominant force this season. They improved their bowling stocks by adding Gannon and Shah to the mix but their batting lineup apart from Lynn needs work. Matt Renshaw and Joe Burns can’t be relied upon to play quality T20 innings’ while Brendon McCullum is now 36 years old. If Lynn continues to dominate they could push for top four but at the moment, we have them in 5th place.
TIP: Mark Steketee team top wicket taker - $3 at CrownBet
Perth Scorchers
Squad: Ashton Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Jason Behrendorff, Hilton Cartwright, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Cameron Green, Josh Ingles, Mitchell Johnson, Michael Klinger, Mitch Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Joel Paris, Jhye Richardson, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Adam Voges, Sam Whiteman, David Willey
Last Year: The Perth Scorchers continued their dominance over the BBL last season, picking up their 3rd title in the six-year span. No other team has won multiple titles and the Scorchers have never missed the finals, making the Grand Final every year but one. This season will be the last the Scorchers have at the WACA before moving to the new Perth stadium, so they’ll look to make the most of the absolute fortress it has been over their existence.
Key Signings/Losses: Not much to report here. In a move of complete confidence in their system, the Scorchers go into the season with the exact same squad, barring a few youth player movements, and just one international player after losing Ian Bell.
Players to Watch: Mitchell Johnson will be a threat to any batsman that strolls out to the bouncy WACA wicket, while Michael Klinger has proven himself as one of the most dominant domestic batsman Australia has ever seen. The key to the Scorchers success, however, is their depth, they are stacked from top to bottom, making any XI that stroll out on a nightly basis ‘must watch’ TV.
BBL06 Championship Odds: $4.33 at Sportsbet
Prediction: The Scorchers should be tough to beat at home once again this year. However, the WACA has been more susceptible to big scores in the Shield matches played there this year, so it might even the playing field a touch. We still think they will have dominant stretches throughout the season, and a bet on them to finish top four is an absolute lock. At the moment, we have them in 3rd place behind the Melbourne teams.
TIP: Michael Klinger top team run scorer - $2.40 at Sportsbet
Always Gamble Responsibly and stay tuned to our big bash betting tips page for tips for every match of the BBL07 season.
