Planning for BBL|10 SuperCoach has been practically impossible with the looming threat of a mass fixture change but finally the top brass at Big Bash League HQ have released the revised schedule.

The crew at SuperCoach BBL HQ are working feverishly on the revised SuperCoach fixtures/rounds too, which we anticipate will be confirmed in the next 24 hours.

But in the meantime it seems quite clear that the pre-Christmas period will be split into three rounds (although we cannot 100% confirm it but we’re pretty confident), which is ultimately all you need to start drafting your team.

Also the season start has been pushed back from December 3 to December 10 which is very relevant with international tours in mind. We tuned into BBL boss Alastair Dobson’s press conference today and he was bullish that Australia players would be released to play BBL once the India white-ball series is complete.

Anyway with regards to the schedule, the key aspects are double game rounds and byes, so here’s the lowdown so you can start building your line-up:

Round 1
Double game rounds: Melbourne Stars
Byes: Adelaide Strikers

Melbourne Stars opening with a double game round is seductive, although the availability of their Aussie white-ball reps and prime options Glenn Maxwell ($185k BAT/BWL), Adam Zampa ($184k BWL) and Marcus Stoinis ($186k BAT/BWL) will be important to monitor. If they’re unavailable, that makes Will Pucovski ($42k BAT) more enticing given his price.

Adelaide’s Rashid Khan ($192k BWL) appeared the must-have option of the season, given he’ll likely be available all campaign with Afghanistan games in recess but a Round 1 bye throws that out.

Date	Team	Team	Venue
Thurs 10 Dec	Hobart Hurricanes	Sydney Sixers	Blundstone
Fri 11 Dec	Melbourne Stars	Brisbane Heat	Manuka
Sat 12 Dec	Melbourne Stars	Sydney Thunder	Manuka
Sat 12 Dec	Melbourne Renegades	Perth Scorchers	Blundstone

Round 2
Double game rounds: Adelaide Strikers, Hobart Hurricanes
Byes: None

Returning to Khan, he’s practically a must-have after Round 1’s bye with two double game rounds in a row. Plan to get him. Travis Head ($173k BAT/BWL) may be tempting too, having been overlooked for the ODI and T20 squads, but expect him to miss these games due to Test duty.

Hobart’s run of games at home plus this double game round makes D’Arcy Short ($245k BAT/BWL) very attractive from the get-go despite his hefty price, having missed out on the ODI and T20 squads. Depending on where he bats while Matthew Wade ($181k BAT/WKP) is absent on national duties, Peter Handscomb ($98k BAT/WKP) appears good value, especially if he takes the gloves for the Canes.

Date	Team	Team	Venue
Sun 13 Dec	Adelaide Strikers	Hobart Hurricanes	Blundstone
Sun 13 Dec	Sydney Sixers	Melbourne Renegades	Blundstone
Mon 14 Dec	Sydney Thunder	Brisbane Heat	Manuka
Tues 15 Dec	Hobart Hurricanes	Adelaide Strikers	UTAS Stadium
Wed 16 Dec	Perth Scorchers	Melbourne Stars	UTAS Stadium

Round 3
Double game rounds: Adelaide Strikers
Byes: Melbourne Stars

Another Strikers double game round provides all the more reason to load up on Adelaide players, while the Stars bye means it’s time to push the eject button on them. Among all three rounds, the Heat, Renegades, Scorchers, Sixers and Thunder play one game each round, so don’t be afraid of picking up their best.

As a result all-rounders Ashton Agar ($103k BAT/BWL) and Dan Christian ($105k BAT/BWL) appear good value, while Jason Behrendorff‘s ($120k BWL) injury return must be watched closely as he’s cheap for his potential if fit. Thunder import Adam Milne ($125k BWL) is worth a look too.

Date	Team	Team	Venue
Sat 19 Dec	Hobart Hurricanes	Melbourne Renegades	Blundstone
Sun 20 Dec	Sydney Sixers	Adelaide Strikers	Blundstone
Tues 22 Dec	Sydney Thunder	Perth Scorchers	Manuka
Wed 23 Dec	Brisbane Heat	Adelaide Strikers	Gabba

Photo supplied by Sydney Thunder