It can be hard to know where to start on the blank canvas of a SuperCoach BBL squad with $2m at your disposal and 17 players to select, including the new ‘Flex’ option.
So we’re here to make it easy for you, with 5 first-picked selections to get the ball rolling.
Glenn Maxwell $247k BAT/BWL
Despite a lofty price, it’s hard to look past Maxy given the Stars have doubles in both Rounds 1 and 3. There’s even a school of thought you could use his cash to get to the uber-expensive Matt Short for the Strikers’ doubles in Rounds 2 and 4.
Maxy averaged 83.8 last season, second only to Short. That was a career-best average, so he’s probably over-priced, but he’s previously never dipped below a 60 season average, which is big points given his doubles. ‘The Big Show’ scores with bat, ball and in the field, so he’s a very safe bet. With the Stars playing first in the first 3 rounds, he’s also an easy VC option.
Jhye Richardson $130K BWL
Richo has torn apart the BBL before, finishing with the most points in BBL|10 (with a season-high 29 wickets) and an unrivalled average of 79.7 in BBL|12, before experiencing the yips and battling with injury in BBL|13. As a result, his price is generously discounted but his recent one-day form for WA suggests he’s back to his best. With the Scorchers having a Round 3 double, he looks essential at $130k.
Beau Webster $164k BAT/BWL
The Stars’ early doubles mean all-rounders Maxwell, Webster and Tom Curran need to be front of mind. Curran is the cheapest of all 3, but he’s struggled for continuity in recent BBLs and other T20 leagues. Webster is $12k more expensive, but is enjoying the form of his cricketing career right now, averaging 55.9 and 55.8 in the past two BBLs, along with winning last year’s Sheffield Shield Player of the Season. Likely to bat in the top 4, plus bowl some overs (he did only bowl 12 overs in 9 games last season) and take catches, he’s a good package.
Will Sutherland $132k BAT/BWL
Like Richardson, Sutherland didn’t have an amazing BBL|13 (averaging 44.9) and has had some injury concerns in the off-season, but is back to full fitness now. He produced a career-peak 51.1 average in BBL|12 and he’s only 25-years-old, so there’s huge upside in him. Plus the all-rounder role, batting 6-7 and bowling 4 overs appears locked in for him this season at the Gades, with Jacob Bethell the only member of their top 6 capable with the ball. You’d like to see an uptick in form at state level prior to BBL, but the role is great for ‘The Chief’.
Sean Abbott $131k BWL
Another one who had a down BBL|13, meaning he’s under-priced this season. His price actually could’ve been lower based on his BBL|13 average of 34.1 but his pedigree warranted a manufactured $30k rise. Sabba has averaged 60+ 5 times previously, so getting him for $131k with a Round 3 double brewing is easy business. In the UK summer this year, he averaged almost 50 in The Hundred and 72.8 in the Vitality Blast, so his form is good, despite a recent niggle. Likely to bat 7-9 and bowl 4 overs, but maybe not at the death anymore.
View Honeyball’s predicted line-ups of every club in BBL|14
View Honeyball’s SC BBL fixture analysis with doubles, byes & loopholes
View Honeyball’s comprehensive SC BBL availability calendar
Also make sure you check out HB’s unique Members-only features (free this week!)…
View HB’s exclusive and comprehensive BBL|14 Injury List
View HB’s 2024 form guide, featuring comprehensive player-by-player SC scores in T20 leagues/comps
