The Big Bash League, widely believed to be the second most popular domestic T20 league in the world, is all set to enthral us from Tuesday. And with a popular tournament, comes opportunities for fans all over the globe to not only enjoy the action, but to prove their credentials as experts on the fantasy circuit.
Oye Captain’s unique fantasy platform offers fans a chance to make an impact in each and every single game, starting from the Sydney derby to be played on the opening night.
Here are some tips for the fantasy users for the first week, in which five matches are to be played:
Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers
A blockbuster opener has some big names in it and that could cause some headaches for the users. Usman Khawaja, who made a huge impact last season will not be available for the opening week as he is a part of the Australian Test squad. It is probably better to include any batsman at this stage from Thunder as Aiden Blizzard and Ben Rohrer had pretty ordinary campaigns last time.
The potential here lies with the all-rounders, though, as you have Shane Watson and Andre Russell to choose from. Russell is hot property in world cricket at the moment so he is a must in your XI, but Watson on the other hand, can wait. It will be better to see what the veteran can offer with the bat before taking a call to include him.
Sixers have the likes of Moises Henriques and Johan Botha themselves, but Russell needs to be given the nod first up. Another must-have is the opener Jason Roy, who could eventually prove to be a massive acquisition for the Sixers. Roy has been in terrific form in limited overs cricket off late and he could light up the opening night, but if you are looking for a cheaper option, then Michael Lumb is your man.
On the bowling front, Stephen O'Keefe, without a doubt, should be leading your spin attack, but it is the pacers who could make or break you. Pat Cummins appears a certainty, but the users will have to take a call between Doug Bollinger and Clint McKay. The latter was the highest wicket-taker last season. It is still unclear as to who will be keeping wickets for Thunder, so Haddin seems to be the only option right now.
Adelaide Strikers vs Brisbane Heat
Strikers certainly start the favourites in this contest as one look at both their squads tells you the story. It is advised to stack your team mostly with players from the Strikers squad as opposed to Heat. But remember, Adil Rashid, who was probably the best spinner last season, won't be available for this contest as he will be flying to Australia from India.
Kieron Pollard can be avoided at the start to see how he fares in the initial games, but two names you cannot afford to miss out are Travis Head and Chris Lynn. Both these batsmen entertained audiences worldwide with their crisp clean hitting, and they can certainly repeat it.
They could prove to be costly though this time which might force you to take some gambles with the bowlers. The experience of Ben Laughlin and Samuel Badree can come in handy here. Among the batters, Brendon McCullum can prove to be a huge gamble. He might look rusty having not played a lot of cricket recently, but if he comes off, he is going to cause a lot of damage and then there is the veteran Brad Hodge. Despite his age, users can place their trust on him especially if Strikers get to bat first.
Melbourne Renegades vs Sydney Thunder
By this time, one can get a fair idea of what the defending champions can come up with. Even though Russell will yet again be a certainty irrespective of his performance in the previous game, users can get a fair idea of how the young local Australians fare from Thunder. Those who are willing to gamble by not including Russell, can certainly go with Watson, especially if he opens the batting. The other all-rounder who will grab eyeballs here is Dwayne Bravo. He is going to cost big, but he will almost guarantee you plenty of wickets.
Given Aaron Finch's recent form, Cameron White seems to be a safer option from the Renegades. Brad Hogg can be a smarter, cheaper option as well as he continues to surprise us with his performances at this age. Renegades have plenty of bowlers in their ranks, but Sunil Narine will without a doubt be on everyone's agenda. It won't be easy though as picking Narine would automatically mean you will have to sacrifice on some other front. Matthew Wade seems to be the wiser option for a wicketkeeper.
Sydney Sixers vs Hobart Hurricanes
Two teams that finished at the bottom last season take on each other in what will be the second game for the Sixers. While the home side look strong on paper, Hurricanes haven't done enough to strengthen their squad after last season. Leave your emotions aside and do not pick Kumar Sangakkara. He struggled to put bat on ball last season and he has returned an year older. All-rounder Daniel Christian looks like the only guy who can guarantee points. The likes of Tim Paine and George Bailey can score on their day, but neither of them exudes confidence even though the former appears to be ideal choice for a gloveman.
Jason Roy should yet again be high on your priority list, but also keep an eye on Jordan Silk, who showed glimpses of what he can offer last season. Sean Abbott is a wise option on the bowling front. Even though he proved to be expensive last year, he may still fetch you loads of points as he is a wicket-taker. O'Keefe should still get the nod in the spin department, but if the SCG surface appears to offer turn, then Cameron Boyce will come into the equation as well.
Perth Scorchers vs Adelaide Strikers
Users will have to make some tough calls with the Scorchers squad as there are quite a number of interesting options to choose from. If you are willing to gamble, pick Mitchell Johnson, if not, then David Willey can prove to be handful as he can also use the long handle to good effect.
Shaun Marsh's availability is doubtful, but Mitch Marsh is someone who can be trusted to fetch points. Opener Michael Klinger is another safe option while there is also Ian Bell, who is probably a surprise inclusion in that squad in the first place. The Englishman will, in all likelihood, need time to settle into the squad in such a fast-paced tournament, so picking him can backfire big time.
Strikers meanwhile might have Rashid available just in time for the game. If he indeed does play, then go for the leggie as he can not only be economical, but also fetch wickets. Head will once again be an automatic inclusion and Pollard against the pace battery of the Scorchers can prove to be a bad idea. Tim Ludeman can be the wicketkeeper as he made some runs at the top of the order last season.
