2016-17 Big Bash League Team Preview: Renegades, Sixers & Stars
As part of our BBL06 team preview series, we looked at Perth Scorchers and Adelaide Strikers in our first article. Today we preview the Melbourne Renegades, Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Stars ahead of BBL06 beginning on December 10th.
Often playing small brother to the Stars, the Melbourne Renegades haven’t set the Big Bash alight in any of the seasons so far. But this year they have high hopes after going for a balanced unit. The absence of Chris Gayle is offset by the presence of T20 regulars from West Indies – Sunil Narine and Dwayne Bravo.
Aaron Finch and Cameron White will lead their batting with Callum Ferguson and Marcus Harris providing cover. The 45-year-young Brad Hogg continues to hog the limelight and will be a great asset with his experience. James Pattinson and Peter Siddle lead their bowling although they will have question marks regarding their fitness to last the season. Odds being offered for their win are $6.50 (Sportsbet).
Player to Watch: James Pattinson
X-Factor: Dwayne Bravo
Prediction: Knocked out in first round
Squad:
Aaron Finch (Captain), Dwayne Bravo, Tom Beaton, Tom Cooper, Xavier Doherty, Callum Ferguson, Marcus Harris, Brad Hogg, Sunil Narine, Peter Nevill, James Pattinson, Nathan Rimmington, Peter Siddle, Matthew Short, Chris Tremain, Matthew Wade, Cameron White, Nick Winter.
Winners once, runners-up once but bottom of the table last year – that’s pretty much what Sixers have dished up so far in their BBL history. Last season was their worst with just two wins. There’s hope that the team will gel well and banish those bad memories.
One area where the Sixers have definitely improved is the overseas recruitment. The English duo of Jason Roy and Sam Billings are veterans of this format and their game suits the format to the ‘T’. Together with Nic Maddinson, they form an explosive group that can dismantle any attack.
The bowling group isn’t bad either with Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazelwood and Johan Botha making it a formidable group. The three Aussies could be lost to national duty but the squad is still strong on paper. All it remains to be seen is if they can perform consistently. Odds being offered for their outright win are $8 (Sportsbet).
Player to Watch: Sam Billings
X-Factor: Jason Roy
Prediction: Top six
Squad:
Moises Henriques (Captain), Sean Abbott, Sam Billings, Jackson Bird, Doug Bollinger, Johan Botha, Ryan Carters, Ben Dwarshuis, Brad Haddin, Josh Hazlewood, Daniel Hughes, Nic Maddinson, Joe Mennie, Nathan Lyon, Steve O’Keefe, Jason Roy, Jordan Silk, Mitch Starc.
A very consistent team that has made it to the semis of all seasons. It was only last season that they passed the hurdle but lost in the final. The presence of Luke Wright, Kevin Pietersen and Glenn Maxwell gives them an explosive outlook which could prove a handful for any attack in this BBL.
Bowling too looks great, the likes of Adam Zampa, Ben Hilfenhaus, James Faulkner and Scott Boland give their bowling a lot of variety. The problem for Stars is that they sometimes are too flashy and this may work to their disadvantage. But, this is a team that is made to entertain. Odds for their win are offered at $5 (Sportsbet) – the lowest of all teams.
Player to Watch: John Hastings
X-Factor: Glenn Maxwell
Prediction: Semi-finals
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.
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