With the Ashes now safely secured by the Aussies, we can now relax and turn our attention to another popular form of the game of cricket – the Twenty20 Big Bash series. It’s come up very quickly with the first game kicking off this Friday night. The Ashes was certainly exciting, but the Big Bash takes excitement to a whole new level and this year it should attract plenty of attention in the public eye as it will be broadcast on free-to-air TV on Channel Ten for the first time.
Last year the Brisbane Heat surprised many by winning the title from a seemingly impossible position. Can they repeat this year? The great thing about this format is that anyone can beat anyone on any given day, so it truly is an open competition.
Here’s our Big Bash preview of the eight teams, as well as a few betting options for the series.
Sydney Thunder (Betfair Odds: $11.00)
Let’s start at the bottom and work our way up. The Sydney Thunder have been hopeless in the two-year history of this event. Last year they couldn’t even win a single game. That was largely because of their reliance on import Chris Gayle who just could not fire at all on the slow ANZ Stadium pitch.
Gayle is out of the squad which frees up plenty of money to bring in the likes of David Warner, Mike Hussey, Tillakaratne Dilshan and Eoin Morgan. Some of those will not play many games due to international commitments, but Hussey will be available throughout and could be the difference. He was the leading run scorer in the IPL and will make sure this team improves on previous seasons.
With the ball Dirk Nannes is again the key but he’ll get some help from Sri Lankan spinner Ajantha Mendis who could be a real handful on the slow decks.
Don’t be surprised to see the Thunder make an impact this year with a few upset victories, but they still look short of a finals team.
Melbourne Renegades (Betfair Odds: $9.20)
How is a team that finished two games clear on top of the ladder last season, ranked as the second outsider of the field?
The Renegades built a fortress at Etihad Stadium last year, and if it wasn’t for some Luke Pomersbach magic in the semi-final, the Renegades were likely to claim the title. Imports Faf du Plessis, Marlon Samuels, Alex Hales are big losses for this team but Mohammad Hafeez and Jos Buttler will fill that hole a little, while quick Peter Siddle will enjoy getting into the coloured clothing once Test commitments are out of the way.
Once again the Renegades will be reliant on batting heavyweight Aaron Finch, but with ODI duties likely to conflict, they will have to find some other avenues to score. Ben Rohrer, Tom Cooper and Alex Doolan are the keys. They are low-profile players, but can they stand up again this year?
The bowling stocks again look strong with big emphasis on spin with Aaron O’Brien, Fawad Ahmed and Muthiah Muralidaran leading the way on the slow, low Etihad surface.
The Renegades are certainly over the odds at $9.20 as they’ll be pushing finals again this year, but they might lack the fire power to go all the way.
Sydney Sixers (Betfair Odds: $8.40)
The Sixers are a tricky team to rate. After winning the inaugural title, they were disappointing last year, and have made plenty of changes to their squad for this year’s Big Bash.
David Warner and Sunil Narine are the big losses, and while the likes of Ravi Bopara, Chris Tremlett, Nathan Lyon, Sean Abbott, Mark Cosgrove, Marcus North, Jordan Silk and Trent Copeland are all handy squad members, none of them are really T20 match winners are they?
If Brad Haddin and Steve Smith are with the Test team, then their batting relies too much on the inconsistent Michael Lumb and talented youngster Nic Maddinson. I believe that this series will be a turning point in Maddinson’s career as he elevates himself to the next level. And he'll have to if the Sixers are to be a chance for the finals.
The pace division of Mitchell Starc, Brett Lee and Josh Hazlewood looks strong, but they are all subject to injuries.
A team capable of anything. They’ll be wanting for finals but I don’t think they have enough match winners to pose a serious threat.
Perth Scorchers (Betfair Odds: $8.40)
The Perth Scorchers have finished runner-up in this competition the last two seasons, mixing some average performances with some sheer brilliance.
Michael Hussey, Herschelle Gibbs and Albie Morkel are big outs for this team, with West Indian Dwayne Smith the inclusion. Smith is not exactly a like-for-like replacement, but they will have Mitch Marsh fit this year which will make a huge difference.
Shaun Marsh led the competition last year for most runs, so there will be plenty of weight on his shoulders once again, but he will be well supported by Adam Voges and Simon Katich who are both in smoking-hot form.
Throw in some x-factor with Ashton Agar and Nathan Coulter-Nile, and experienced spinners Brad Hogg and Michael Beer, and the Scorchers are likely to be contenders again this year.
Adelaide Strikers (Betfair Odds: $7.40)
A team full of potential, the Adelaide Strikers haven’t quite put it together in the Big Bash as yet after narrowly missing the finals last year.
They’ve lost Kieren Pollard, Nathan Lyon and Saeed Ajmal from last season’s squad, but Alex Hales will bolster the batting while Adam Zampa helps maintain the heavy reliance on spin.
The Strikers batting looks strong with Hales to open with Michael Klinger. Callum Ferguson and Nathan Reardon are both capable of anything, while Phil Hughes will also be included when not on ODI duty. Throw in keeper Tim Ludeman at number six, and those batsmen are all capable of winning matches off their own bat which is exactly what you want in this format.
Kane Richardson and captain Johan Botha are also great support with bat or ball, while the wild one Shaun Tait will be slinging them down to support spinners Zampa and Jon Holland.
This is a squad capable of winning the title and if they can close games better this year then they will be right in the hunt.
Brisbane Heat (Betfair Odds: $7.40)
The defending champs are being offered at the odds of $7.40, which sounds juicy, but is it really value?
Last year, the Brisbane Heat started off poorly before some upset wins late saw them sneak into the finals and go all the way to the title. The reality was that they weren’t that far away from winning the early matches either, so their apparent lack of form was a little misleading.
Their squad is full of talent, with Luke Pomersbach the difference with a remarkable comeback season at the top of the order. We all knew he was capable of special things and he delivered for the Heat last season. He’ll be joined at the top of the order by English wicketkeeper-batsman Craig Kieswetter. Dan Christian, Joe Burns and Chris Lynn are quality stroke players, and if Test stars Shane Watson or Mitchell Johnson can sneak a game or two in then that’s a bonus.
In the bowling department, the Heat have lost imports Dale Steyn, Kemar Roach and Thisara Perera who are three big losses. However Kiwi Daniel Vettori will be available for a full season, while James Hopes, Nathan Hauritz, Alister McDermott and Ben Cutting are serviceable with the ball.
The Heat are a flexible team, and certainly have some batting firepower. With the ball, they don’t have any real guns, but plenty of options should things go awry. Expect them to be a part of the finals again this year.
Hobart Hurricanes (Betfair Odds: $7.00)
The biggest disappointment of the Big Bash season last year, and this year we’re talking them down even further, despite their current listing as the second favourite to win the competition outright.
The Hobart Hurricanes had batting power all through their lineup last year, but failed to impress time and time again, losing games they shouldn’t have, which ultimately cost their spot in the finals.
This time around, the Hurricanes are without superstar Ricky Ponting which is an impossible hole to fill. Captain George Bailey is also spending more time in Australian colours, while Tim Paine might also get a look in for the ODIs. So who will score their runs?
It’s time for Aiden Blizzard to stand up for his adopted home. He’s done nothing since moving to Tasmania, so he needs to show what a devastating batsmen he can be. Travis Birt is another who is capable of everything, but yet still can’t get a state game.
There will be a lot of pressure on Owais Shah and new recruit Shoaib Malik. They are both low-profile but effective T20 players, but it seems like they will too often have too much to do. Ben Dunk and new import Dimitri Mascarenhas will probably have to chip in with some runs as well.
The Hurricanes have some good bowling stocks with Ben Laughlin and Xavier Doherty very crafty T20 bowlers, while Doug Bollinger and Ben Hilfenhaus are the strike weapons if they are both fit.
At full strength, the Hurricanes are a good team, but they lack batting depth. They will be wanting their bowlers to keep things tight as I don’t think their bats are good enough to consistently perform.
Melbourne Stars (Betfair Odds: $4.80)
A new season means the Melbourne Stars are once again favourites to claim the Big Bash crown. It hasn’t worked out that way for them over the first two seasons, but perhaps it will be third time lucky.
Undoubtedly the best squad on paper, the Stars are full of talent with bat and ball and have made minimal changes to their line up.
Englishman Luke Wright will be back and will be joined by a batting line up that includes Rob Quiney, Brad Hodge, Cameron White, David Hussey, Glenn Maxwell and Matthew Wade. That’s a super batting team. Wade, and possibly Maxwell, might be the only ones affected by the ODIs so the Stars should be strong throughout.
With the ball they have Lasith Malinga who last year proved what an incredible asset he is. He was virtually unplayable at times, and is one of the few bowlers in world cricket at the moment capable of bowling consistent yorkers. Throw in Clint McKay, John Hastings and James Faulkner who are all international level bowlers and there simply are no weaknesses.
If anything, the Stars might miss Shane Warne in the spin department if they play on some slower wickets, but Hussey, Maxwell, White and even Hodge are handy part-timers.
The team to beat in Big Bash Season 3 and deserving favourites.
Predicted Ladder
1st Melbourne Stars
2nd Adelaide Strikers
3rd Brisbane Heat
4th Perth Scorchers
5th Melbourne Renegades
6th Sydney Sixes
7th Sydney Thunder
8th Hobart Hurricanes
Leading Run Scorer Markets
In this market, look towards batsmen who are either opening the batting or at least in the top three, and those who are going to play every game without interruption from international duties.
Michael Hussey ($13 at Luxbet) and Shaun Marsh ($15 at Bet365) are the favourites, and I like both of their chances. Cameron White is also in very good form and could be worth a nibble at $21 at Sportsbet if he bats top three.
If you’re looking for a bit of value then Simon Katich is overs at $67 at Sportsbet or Mitch Marsh at $51 at Bet365.
Leading Wicket Taker Markets
The favourite here is Lasith Malinga at $9 on Sportsbet. He’s a superstar but I’d like a bit more value. Ben Laughlin was the leading wicket taker last year and he’s a very experienced death bowler. Laughlin is $15 on Luxbet, which is a more attractive option in my opinion along with Murali at $15. Dirk Nannes is also a good prospect at $21 at Sportsbet.
However my best value bet would have to be the Hurricane’s Evan Gulbis. This guy is a proven wicket taker and he’ll play a big part in the Big Bash as a hard-hitting all-rounder. At $51 at Luxbet, that price is too good to pass on.
Other bets
Shaun Marsh to score more runs than Rob Quiney (incl. Finals) @ $1.83 at Sportsbet
Sydney Thunder leading run scorer – Mike Hussey @3.05 at Betfair
Adelaide Strikers leading run scorer – Alex Hales @$4.00 at Ladbrokes
Sydney Sixes leading run scorer – Nic Maddinson @$5.00 at Bet365
Brisbane Heat leading run scorer - Craig Kieswetter @$5.50 at Ladbrokes
Wooden Spoon Winner – Sydney Thunder @$5.75 and Hobart Hurricanes @$9.00 at Luxbet
Trading plays
Back Melbourne Stars @$5.50 at Centrebet, Lay at $4.90 at Betfair
Twenty20 cricket is a very swingy game and things can happen very quickly. One wicket or one good over can drastically change the course of the game. It’s perfect for in-play trading. We’ll be posting trading plays regularly on Twitter so make sure you give us a follow.
Good luck during the Big Bash, gamble responsibly and enjoy the hit and giggle entertainment!
