BBL SuperCoach Team Preview - Hobart Hurricanes

PREDICTED LINE UP

1-Darcy Short

2-Matthew Wade

3-Ben McDermott

4-George Bailey

5-Caleb Jewell

6-James Faulkner

7-Simon Milenko

8-Jofra Archer

9-Johan Botha

10-Clive Rose

11-Tymal Mills

TOP PREMIUM PLAYER

DARCY SHORT (BAT/BWL $258,900)

The highest priced player in SuperCoach following a dominant BBL07, where he averaged 56 with a strike rate of 142, as well as picking up 3 wickets. He has somewhat struggled since then however, especially in the IPL and in his last seven T20s for Australia (only scoring over 14 once). This has seen Short suddenly leave many SuperCoach teams. However he has found some runs lately, including a quick fire 74 against India in the visitor’s only tour match. A record breaking 257 off 148 balls in the JLT One Day Cup can’t be ignored either. An explosive opener who bowls handy overs is a rarity in SuperCoach. His is extremely valuable, and an important player to have for his round 3 double game week. With possibly the highest SuperCoach points ceiling of any player, overlook him at your own risk.

TOP MID PRICED PLAYER

MATTHEW WADE (BAT/WKP $106,900)

Wade has been outstanding in the Sheffield Shield, where he has consistently been in the runs.  Hopefully, the former Australian keeper should be able to convert his Shield form into BBL runs. Moving up and down the order in BBL07, Wade had a frustrating campaign. However, this season Wade will probably have a more consistent spot in the order, most likely opening up alongside Short. In the three games he opened the batting last BBL he had scores of 31, 17 and 71. Wade is a good option if you are looking at starting with a cheaper wicket keeper combination as his price could steadily rise.

TOP CHEAP PLAYER

CALEB JEWELL (BAT $42,000)

A promising youngster who might get his chance to make a name for himself this BBL in the Hurricanes middle order. A breakout year at club level which saw him score 935 runs at an average of 49 and earn the Emerson Rodwell Medal has seen the youngster score a contract with the Hurricanes. He showed positive signs recently in the Abu Dhabi T20 tournament, with scores of 38 and 12. He might struggle to get much of a bat at times batting at number 5, but he will look to take his opportunities with both hands. A basement price player getting a regular game is always nice and it will only take a good score or two to see his price start to rise very quickly.

POINT OF DIFFERENCE

JAMES FAULKNER (BAT/BWL $136,700)

A new signing from the Stars, the often forgotten man of Australian cricket can still offer plenty of SuperCoach value due to his ability with both bat and ball. He picked up 20 wickets in the UK Vitality Blast and is a useful lower order hitter. The potential to be elevated up the batting order in BBL08 will also increase his SuperCoach value. With multiple ways of scoring SuperCoach points, the all-rounder is an interesting option, especially if he starts the season well.

PREDICTED FINISH – 4^TH

As it stands, they have a good mix of players that are able to adapt to a variety of game situations, which could see them return to the finals. Their success might come down to how affected they are by international selection, especially if Jofra Archer skips the BBL in the hope of playing for England, and players like Darcy Short and Ben McDermott get called up again for Australia in the ODIs and T20s. Their veteran players will then need to step up even more and guide them through the competition, but I still think there is enough talent within the Hurricanes to sneak into the finals.

By Mathew Broom