BBL SuperCoach Team Preview - Sydney Thunder

PREDICTED LINE UP

1-Jos Buttler

2-Shane Watson

3-Callum Ferguson

4-Joe Root

5-Jason Sangha

6-Daniel Sams

7-Arjun Nair

8-Chris Green

9-Gurinder Sandhu

10-Sam Rainbird

11-Fawad Ahmed

TOP PREMIUM PLAYER

SHANE WATSON (BAT/BWL $166,700)

Two words describe Watson at the moment – IN FORM. Watson heads into BBL08 off the back of the recent T10 UAE tournament, where he scored 223 runs in 6 games, averaging 65 SuperCoach points per game. That was preceded by an outstanding IPL campaign for Watto, where he scored 555 runs at an average of 40, including scores of 117, 106 and 78. He is still also very handy with the ball, taking 6 wickets in the IPL. It’s easy to see why he was the number 1 ranked T20I batsman and all-rounder in the world when he retired for Australia two years ago, and since then, he hasn’t lost any of his ability. Whether you start with Watson or look to trade him in, he will be a very popular choice in SuperCoach for his round 4 double game week.

TOP MID PRICED PLAYER

JOS BUTTLER (BAT/WKP $160,200)

After a slow first half of the IPL, Buttler really found form towards the backend of the tournament and finished with scores of 67, 51, 82, 95, 94, 39. He continued that form by scoring 61 and 69 for England in T20Is. He is an explosive opener with a career T20 strike rate of 143 and will likely be amongst the runs again for the Thunder before he likely leaves on international duty midway through the BBL. The best wicket keeper option for the round 4 double game week, it might be better to have him earlier than that to get the full value of his scores before he leaves after about six games. 

TOP CHEAP OPTION

JASON SANGHA (BAT $42,000)

One of the most promising youngsters, the 19 year old batsman is often referred to as “the next Ricky Ponting”. A handy part time leg spinner, Sangha already has two first-class centuries to his name and captained Australia at the 2018 Under 19 World Cup. Sangha will be looking to perform well in his first full BBL season, and will likely bat in the middle order. Coming in at number 5 for the Thunder against the Sixers in their latest trial match, Sangha showcased his ability, blasting 60 runs from 35 deliveries. It is worth noting that with notable big hitters Daniel Sams and Chris Green lower in the order, they may be elevated above Sangha if a wicket falls late in the innings when quick runs are required. Nevertheless, the much hyped youngster should be great value at basement price if he gets enough opportunities with the bat.

POINT OF DIFFERENCE

FAWAD AHMED (BWL $152,700)

Even at age 36, Ahmed is still a constant wicket taking threat given his ability to spin the ball both ways. The recent Caribbean Premier League saw him take 22 wickets at an economy of 6.26, and Ahmed will be looking to carry that form into BBL08. A decent POD that can easily get on a run of wickets at any time, his awkward price will see him over looked by many.

PREDICTED FINISH – 6^TH

The Thunder have possibly the best top order in the competition, and also bat very deep with bowlers Sams, Nair and Green all accomplished batsman. The main problem they will face is their lack of a quality seam bowler, and they will heavily rely on the three spinners to do the job. The addition of all-rounder Daniel Sams will certainly help ease the pressure on Gurinder Sandhu. If their star batsman, Watson, Buttler and Joe Root, can put together big totals then it will go a long way to winning them games. However, losing Buttler and Root midway through the competition will certainly hurt them. The addition of England international Chris Jordan in the back half of the tournament will certainly help the bowling, but the Thunder could find themselves one or two wins short of making the finals.

By Mathew Broom and Sebastian Candido