Round 1 starting squads are always a hot topic. Plenty of keen SuperCoaches have spent weeks tinkering with their squads in the lead-up to Round 1, so we’ve assembled an expert panel to help make those final calls.

It’s important to note that the Heat and the Sixers have Round 1 doubles and no side has a Round 1 bye. The Heat do, however, follow their double with a bye and the Strikers have a double in Round 2. There’s the added complication of the Australia and English Lions camps which will rule out some players until Round 3, so cater that into the wisdom offered below.

Honeyball has assembled an expert panel between SC BBL|10 winner Chris Baker, SC BBL|09 runner-up Mathew Broom, four-time SC BBL top 10 finisher Damion Maher and cricket commentator, ex-Sixers media manager, SC Playbook writer/pod guest and top 300 SC BBL finisher Max Bryden.

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HB: Firstly all, thanks for being part of this. Now can you tell us two locks?

Chris: Rashid Khan ($198k BWL). The best T20 player in the last decade. Bowls economically. Takes wickets. Often he does both in one game! Improvises with the bat and can score quickly. Consistent scorer and reliable VC/C.

Jack Wildermuth ($155k BAT/BWL) is an unexpected lock, but he’s almost certain to take on a primary bowling role with Michael Neser, Mark Steketee and Mitch Swepson out and bat higher, as he did well initially last year, with Tom Abell absent early.

Mathew: Rashid is an absolute SC gun. The question is do we start with him or trade someone like Mujeeb to him for their Round 2 double due to salary cap restraints? Essential for Round 2 onwards. Likely bench him through his Round 3 bye as opposed to trading him out then back in again. SC BBL averages of 63.6, 67.2 and 70.6 in past three years.

Tom Curran ($201k BAT/BWL) is a proven performer with recent SC BBL averages of 71.5 and 73. Bowls at key times, especially in the death overs where he’s likely to take wickets. Useful with bat too, capable of scoring runs quickly. Looks one of the better Round 1 captaincy options with the double. Expensive, but worth it given his high-scoring potential.

Max: Mitch Marsh ($132k BAT/BWL) with the caveat he’ll miss games early with Australia A. His off-season form has been juicy, and is undervalued at $132k. With the Round 4 double, when he’s back, he will be critical to have in the side. Should be available in Round 3, get him!

When Daniel Sams ($203k BAT/BWL) bowls he takes wickets, when he bats he hits sixes. Sams is a guy that people will debate given price, but has the best SC role of anyone. If you’re comparing him to Glenn Maxwell ($195k BAT/BWL), note Sams is guaranteed his overs, whereas Maxi sometimes won’t bowl at all – thus Sams’ floor is higher. Set and forget. A captaincy shout for single games.

Damo: Curran is my first picked. Should be your VC/C pick with the Round 1 double. Curran has put up monster scores with 187, 145, 113, 104, 133 and 144 during his SC BBL career and that’s just one game. Has two games straight off the bat in Round 1.

Chris Lynn ($172k BAT) is normally a fast starter to the season. With a double in Round 1 it’s hard to overlook someone who could end your season if you’re without him and he fires twice.

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The expert panel have also nominated fades, PODs, breakouts and value plays. Grab the mag now!