Australia’s Big Bash, the most attractive and entertaining T20 franchise tournament in the world behind the IPL, begins on Tuesday. It promises to be a terrific betting event with value galore.
So first up we thought we would peruse the top runscorer prices. There are some big hitters available at big prices and it would be a shame to miss out.
At the risk of teaching you to suck eggs, our rationale is simple. We consider only opening batsmen value for money in this market. And, indeed, to labour the point the same goes for any form of limited-overs fare
The reason is that Nos 1 or 2 batsmen get the most time at the crease (obviously) – something that is crucial in such a short game – and they also get the opportunity to score more freely when the fielding restrictions are in place in the first six overs.
So although we recognize the undoubted talent of folks like Kevin Pietersen and Kumar Sangakkara, who will appear for the Melbourne Stars and Hobart Hurricanes respectively, they are not slated to open so we take a big sidestep on their prices. KP is 11 (Skybet, Unibet, 32Red, 888Sport) and Sangakkara 21 (Skybet, Coral, Unibet, 32Red, 888Sport).
Pietersen is the second favourite behind Chris Lynn, of Brisbane Heat. Lynn was the top runscorer last year with 378. He actually batted at No 3 in that season, which rather trumps up theory, but with him likely to retain that slot we’re very happy to swerve him at 10 (Skybet, Betway).
Our initial thoughts were that Aaron Finch and Jason Roy were standout value at 26 (Skybet) and 34 (Skybet, BetVictory, Paddy Power, Coral). Both will open for the Renegades and Sixers and both are fantastic hitters. Unfortunately, both will be needed for their national sides so will miss games.
So openers who will go the distance include Luke Wright of the Stars, Michael Klinger at the Scorchers and Tim Ludeman at the Strikers.
Wright and Klingers were Nos 7 and 6 on the lists the last term. Wright is 15 across the board with green listed bookmakers while Klinger is the same price with Paddy Power and Ladbrokes. They are Nos 34 and 38 on all run lists for T20 in 2016.
Don’t let that put you off. Half of the blokes in front of them will not be appearing and a big chunk of the rest would have played twice as many games. They are both good value.
Ludeman is 31 with Paddy Power. That’s just plain wrong. He should be in the late teens in our book. He was the ninth top runscorer last year and should give you a great run for your money.
For example, he screams value when you consider Brendon McCullum is 17 (Unibet, 32Red, 888Sport). McCullum looks a busted flush and is trading off what he did years ago.
You can back Ludeman at 4.5 (Sportingbet) to finish as the Strikers top runscorer if you fancy something less Everest-like. Klinger is 3.25 (Bet365, Skybet, Paddy Power, Coral) to do the same at Perth and Wright is 3.75 (Ladbrokes) to take honours with the Stars.
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