Apologies for those expecting the Sixers next, updated my squad list for the Thunder and just started doing their write ups first. Sixers should be up in hopefully 30-45 minutes.
Sydney Thunder
Jonathon Cook: Was a great cheapie last season for those that hopped on and was a very good option for the thunder at the beginning of innings. Cook could find himself as the first choice spinner now the Fawad has gone to the Scorchers. However, I think we’ve squeezed every bit of juice that we could out of him cash wise.
Verdict: Risk
Oliver Davies: Its rare I know barely anything about a NSW based player but I’ve not seen or heard a lot about the Aus 19’s representative. Plays for Manly on a fairly benign wicket and his numbers are largely unimpressive, so unless he’s in the team from day 1, I wouldn’t be moving mountains to grab him as a batsman cheapie.
Verdict: Cheapie
Brendan Doggett: Quality quick that’s come from the Heat, looking for opportunities at the Thunder. Might not benefit from the slow surface at Spotless so might be a good one to avoid this season.
Verdict: Pass
Callum Ferguson: The captain of the Thunder needs to have a big season if they are to feature in the finals series this time round. Had a few good knocks but too many in between where he did barely anything. Not the type of player you’d be looking at to produce consistent scores for you.
Verdict: Risk
Matt Gilkes: Infamous for his drop of Shaun Marsh, then almost instantly hero status with the knock he played an hour or two later. Pretty sure that was his only game as he took a catch as a sub fielder a few games later. Will be one to watch if named, could fill that cheapie keeper spot nicely.
Verdict: Cheapie
Chris Green: The male model has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders this season. We may see him elevated in the order in addition to his current role of bowling at tough times. Green has performed admirably and it is his batting that gets his SuperCoach scores up there, so here’s hoping he can get more time in the middle this BBL.
Verdict: Risk/Underrated
Alex Hales: The English batsman returns to the BBL via the Thunder. Interesting choice of team, but might enjoy the smaller straight boundaries and slower wicket at Spotless, which are reminiscent of the pitches back home. Hits the ball a long way. Pricing will be the main issue on whether you select him or leave him out.
Verdict: Strongly Consider/Risk (pending price)
Usman Khawaja: SuperCoach stud batsman, unfortunately we may not see a lot of him if he’s selected for tests this summer (again!). If unselected, it will be every man and his dog jumping on the Uzzie train, and who can blame him with the scarcely believable record he has in the BBL.
Verdict: Strongly Consider/Risk (pending test selection)
Jay Lenton: Piqued my interest a couple seasons ago when he had a great T/20 tournament at grade level, but hasn’t had an extended run for the Thunder. Big chance of getting that this season with Buttler out. However, Gilkes presence in the squad means they’ll both be gunning for the keeper spot.
Verdict: Risk
Nathan McAndrew: Has been around the Thunder setup for a while and never has made a fist of it. Hard to see him breaking into the squad with the new fast bowling stocks the Thunder have recruited. Would probably avoid unless there are injuries that thrust him into the squad (but even then would avoid).
Verdict: Pass
Chris Morris: The South African international will definitely be of interest this BBL, with the slippery quick joining the Thunder. Again, price will be a big factor in his selection in a lot of teams, as will his availability.
Verdict: Risk/Strongly Consider (Price/Availability pending)
Arjun Nair:
Alex Ross: Made the move to the Thunder after limited opportunities last season. I feel this is a great move by both the Thunder and Ross as he is adept at playing spin and should succeed playing at Spotless half the season. He is priced awkwardly, but if he is batting in the top 3 you should definitely consider drafting him in (pending salary cap).
Verdict: Underrated/Risk
Daniel Sams: Went bang at the beginning of the year (much to my chagrin as I had him until the last minutes of pre-season), and then fizzled out as the year went on. Has the potential to be a big scorer and so should always be in consideration (especially given his price is less than the beginning of last season). Might hold his position in the middle order and hopefully will bowl in times where wickets come often.
Verdict: Strongly Consider/Risk
Gurinder Sandhu: The G man had one decent game last season, but otherwise was pretty quiet. Should do better with the ball given his talent. His price is really awkward, so I’m not considering him this time round as job security may be an issue with the extra quicks in the Thunder lineup.
Verdict: Pass
Jason Sangha: Quality young batsman coming through. Unfortunately, apart from 1-2 knocks, he didn’t really set the world on fire. The longer format is where his future lies, I believe, but it doesn’t mean you won’t be able to squeeze some cash out of him in the early season should you feel he’s got some runs in him.
Verdict: Pass/Cheapie
Chris Tremain: Has come from the Renegades back home. Finished the season cheaper than the start, and with a change of team he could well grow a leg and be amongst the premium bowlers around. That said, his price is awkward and you might want to have a look before taking the punt.
Verdict: Risk