Zampa flags Stoinis batting role change, hypes up Larkin & Burns and Strikers sign spinner
Adam Zampa hinted at a potential batting role change for Marcus Stoinis and discussed the side’s potential top-order replacements for Glenn Maxwell, while the Adelaide Strikers signed a new off-spinner.
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SIGNINGS
The Adelaide Strikers confirmed the addition of right-arm off-spinner Ben Manenti (BWL), previously of the Sydney Sixers.
He relocated to SA this year and has taken eight wickets in five games with an economy rate of 4.7 for the Redbacks in the Marsh Cup this season. He joins Rashid Khan ($193k BWL) and Cameron Boyce ($171k BWL) as their spin options.
The Sixers confirmed the re-signings of top-order batsman Jack Edwards (BAT) and fast bowler Mickey Edwards (BWL).
UPDATES
Adam Zampa was unveiled as the Melbourne Stars captain in Glenn Maxwell’s injury enforced absence.
Zampa discussed who may take up Maxwell’s batting role, nominating cheapies Nick Larkin ($62k BAT) and Joe Burns ($62k BAT), and hinted at a role change of Marcus Stoinis ($83k BAT/BWL).
“We’ve got some guys who missed out on some opportunities last year, Larkin, Burns, who were both in and out,” Zampa said. “It’s going to be an opportunity for them, both experienced, to take over his run scoring role.”
On Stoinis, Zampa added: “It’ll be interesting to se what kind o role someone like Stoin plays this year. He’s opened the batting a lot for us. Not too sure what we’re looking to do with someone like him but we’ve got his firepower. We’ve got Hilts (Cartwright) as well, who’s been playing really well for us.”
New Melbourne Renegades signing Peter Handscomb (BAT) discussed potentially wicketkeeping which could impact Sam Harper ($100k WKP/BAT).
“The last couple of white-ball games, Harps came in and took the gloves off me,” Handscomb said. “The way he’s been batting we like what we’ve seen. Him and I are fine with whatever with the gloves, it’s based on team balance.”
Aaron Hardie ($99k BAT/BWL) talked up his ambition to take up Mitch Marsh’s role in the Perth Scorchers side.
He said: “I’m going to get a lot of opportunities this season given some of the names that are missing out. Mitch plays a role that I’d love to be able to play in the future. He bats high up the order & can bowl a few overs as well.”
The Sydney Thunder confirmed Jason Sangha ($177k BAT) as their BBL|12 captain. It’s hard to know if that has SuperCoach implications but it does shore up his spot in the side, if that was in any doubt after poor form with the bat.
FORM NEWS
There was a full round of Victorian T20 Super Slam games on Tuesday night, with the key performers being:
Matt Short 51(24), 0-36(4)
Will Sutherland 42(29), DNB
Nic Maddinson 66(54), 2-22(4)
Mackenzie Harvey 15(10)
Corey Rocchiccioli 2-31(4), 6*(2)
Tom O’Connell 0-13(2)
Brody Couch 0-27(4)
Campbell Kellaway 8(6)
Jack Prestwidge 22(22), 0-15(3)
Jake Fraser-McGurk 38(24)
Mitch Perry 19*(11), 1-10(2.3)
Daniel Worrall 2-33(4)
Liam O’Connor 1-26(4)
Ian Cockbain 0(3)