This summer’s Big Bash League looms as one of the most anticipated yet, and it all starts with the inaugural overseas player draft on Sunday.
It has been a big off-season for the league, and many big names in T20 cricket have put themselves forward for selection.
The KFC BBL|12 Draft begins at 6.30 pm on Sunday and will be telecast live on Foxtel and Kayo Sports before the Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Stars season begins at Manuka Oval on Tuesday, 13 December. Here’s a definitive guide to how each club is shaping up ahead of the season and how they look to add to their list in the draft.
Adelaide Strikers
BBL|12 Squad (So far): Wes Agar, Cameron Boyce, Alex Carey, Harry Conway, Ryan Gibson, Travis Head, Henry Hunt, Thomas Kelly, Chris Lynn, Harry Nielsen, Matt Short, Jake Weatherald, Henry Thornton
Ins: Cameron Boyce, Chris Lynn, Henry Hunt
Out: Matthew Renshaw, John Wells, Daniel Worrall
The Strikers have had a big week with pacer Henry Thornton rising for the season this season with the BBL’s all-time leading run scorer Chris Lynn. The 32-year-old will be expected to top the order with Matt Short, who is in shape to form a formidable opening pair.
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With the departures of Matthew Renshaw (Brisbane Heat) and Jon Wells (Melbourne Renegades), plus the unavailability of Travis Head and Alex Carey for the first half of the season due to Test commitments, expect the Strikers to boost their middle-order batting in the draft.
Despite parting ways with Lynn during the off-season, the Heat’s top-order batting remains strong with the inclusion of Test stars Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, and Renshaw.
Xavier Bartlett, James Beazley, Matt Kahneman, Michael Neser, Mark Steketee, and Jack Wildermuth can all play roles with the ball so look for the Heat to solidify your power-hitting on draft night. Afghan finger spinner Mujeeb ur Rahman could also have second-round retention pick to assist Swepson.
