Just when you thought you were getting a handle on the strengths and weaknesses of the respective Big Bash teams, international call-ups and injuries are likely to make you think again.
In a format where one player – just one – can be the difference between winning and losing, comings and goings can have a major impact on a team’s chances.
So here we rundown each franchise to add clarity as to who the movers and shakers are. And what it means for the outright betting.
Brisbane Heat
Heat are as short as 3.5 jollies with Bet365 and no better than 3.75 with BetVictor, William Hill, and other Green Listed Book Makers. It’s a bad price because they can’t bowl. Sure, they can bat. They are terrific. But we would never be betting on them defending a target. Which is why the hamstring injury to Samuel Badree, by far their best bowler, is a blow. Oppose, oppose and oppose again when they bat first. Chris Lynn is the top runscorer in the tournament. He could soon be called to Australia’s ODI squad as a result.
Perth Scorchers
The second favourites at 4.5 (Paddy Power, Bet365, Ladbrokes) are beginning to struggle with injuries. They have just lost Adam Voges but he should be fit for the finals. A couple more wins will ensure they get there but the Marsh brothers are likely to miss the rest of the series when they join up with Australia’s ODI squad from January 13. Shove in an injury to pacer Jason Behrendorff and David Willey’s absence with England and they might come up short.
Melbourne Renegades
At 6.5 with NetBet and 10Bet the Renegades look like value. But Aaron Finch is in danger of missing the finals for Australia duty. They have also lost key all-rounder Dwayne Bravo with an injury. Will they seek to replace both men? Bravo certainly and the hunt is on. Given they have fewer holes to fill than the rest they are worth a wager at the odds.
Melbourne Stars
Having lost to the Sydney Thunder last time, this lot are only now at a price worth considering at 6.5 (Sportingbet). They will lose Glen Maxwell but they have squad depth to cover for that. Kevin Pietersen has a tight groin so keep an eye on that. KP also revealed that his team are “panicking” at key times. We’ve known that for some time. They’ll make the finals but won’t get over the line.
Sydney Sixers
The Sixers at 8.5 with Paddy Power are far from the worst bet in the world. Largely because they are one of the few teams to react to losing a player to a call-up. Michael Lumb has replaced Jason Roy. It’s pretty much like for like. With the ball they are hoping beyond hope that Mitchell Starc is released from duty. Surely if he was never going to play they would have filled his squad place with someone else? One bonus is that Nathan Lyon will give them an extra spin option soon.
Hobart Hurricanes
They are 10 across the board with green-listed bookies but it’s going to be a struggle now to make the play-offs. They need reinforcements and they are unlikely to get them. George Bailey will surely go away with Australia leaving the sort of hole in their batting that sunk the Titanic. Kumar Sangakkara is a shadow of his former self. They should have been in the market for Lumb or James Vince (see below).
Adelaide Strikers
At the start of the tournament Strikers said they were looking for a spin option to replace Adil Rashid, the No 2 wicket-taker last term. They’ve made no progress. It is a bizarre dereliction of duty and it damns their play-off hopes. The 17 with Bet365 is irrelevant.
Sydney Thunder
The Thunder are 51 (Boylesports, Paddy Power, Coral). They can’t afford another slip. But they’re still fighting. Or spending cash in an effort to defend their title. Take note Strikers. James Vince has replaced Eoin Morgan while Andre Russell (hamstring) has been replaced by Carlos Braithwaite, his West Indian compatriot. That’s fine work and they could go on a good run. They are value at odds against.
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