Big Bash League 2014-15 team preview: Adelaide, Brisbane, Hobart, Melbourne Renegades
Catch the entire tournament with live coverage on Sky Sports this winter
Tuesday 16 December 2014 08:26, UK
The 2014-15 Big Bash League starts on Thursday December 18 and you can watch it all live on Sky Sports. Here we take a look at some of the teams vying to win, starting with the Adelaide Strikers, Brisbane Heat, Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Renegades.
ADELAIDE STRIKERS
They can win it because…
Their offseason signings might not bring with them the buzz that Alex Hales’ arrival did last year, but they’re consistent, proven performers. Also, the lack of buzz could just work in their favour – little is expected which might suit them better than the weight of expectation did last year.
They can’t win it because…
They have one of the worst records in the competition, second only to the hapless Sydney Thunder. And they’re one of only two teams still not to reach a semi-final. No prize for guessing the other.
Six-hitter
Brad Hodge. You can’t do too much worse than recruit the second-highest T20 run-scorer of all time, behind a certain Chris Gayle.
Wicket-taker
Ben Laughlin. The leading wicket-taker in the Big Bash with 35 at an average of 19.74 joins from Hobart, and forms a fearsome closing-bowling trio with Kane Richardson and Shaun Tait.
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Overseas influence
Kieron Pollard. The burly middle-order bully heads back to Adelaide after having had a successful spell with South Australia from 2009-2011, helping them on their way to the domestic T20 title as it was then in the last of those years.
BRISBANE HEAT
They can win it because…
You won’t like them when they’re angry. The team name is another four-letter word beginning with ‘H’ and their colours may be teal, not Hulk green, but with the likes of Shane Watson, James Hopes, Mitchell Johnson and a certain Andrew Flintoff in their squad, they are one of this year’s more intimidating looking outfits.
They can’t win it because…
The four listed above have played a combined 17 games for the Heat, and 16 of those can be chalked up to Hopes. Getting these guys on the field for starters and then getting them to gel will be key.
Six-hitter
Chris Lynn. Was in the top-three six-hitters in last year’s competition – form which led to his T20 international debut against England in January. He’s not added to his two international caps since but could force himself back into the fold with a good tournament here.
Wicket-taker
Mitchell Johnson. Last season was meant to be Johnson’s Brisbane homecoming after years at Hobart and Adelaide, but 37 Ashes wickets at an average of 13.97 meant he was kept busy elsewhere. If he does take to the field this time around, he’ll get one hell of a reception.
Overseas influence
Freddie. He may be too old. He may be injured. He may not even play. But you only need to look back to T20 Finals Day this summer and see he’s still pure box office. Samuel Badree and Daniel Vettori – barring retirement – are added to the mix.
HOBART HURRICANES
They can win it because…
Runners-up from last year with their success built on a nucleus of honest, hard-working, all-round cricketers. Looking to go one further this year by adding a couple of star names in Alex Hales and Darren Sammy to the mix.
They can’t win it because…
Will the addition of such star names upset the balance of the team and move them away from that collective team spirit that was working before? Plus, they’ve lost the leader of their attack, Ben Laughlin, to Adelaide, and the signings they’ve made only add to an already strong-looking batting line-up.
Six-hitter
Ben Dunk. Named ‘Man of the Tournament’ last year, topping the run-scoring charts with 395 runs at an average of 43.88. Sammy will also provide some monstrous hits lower down the order.
Wicket-taker
Xavier Doherty. Remember him? If you do, you may wonder why he’s listed as the Hurricanes biggest threat with the ball. But Doherty is a consistent performer in the shorter format, or certainly more threatening than he ever looked in the Test arena at least.
Overseas influence
Alex Hales. It’s a crucial time in Hales’ career – a World Cup is just around the corner but he is yet to cement himself in England’s ODI team. A good tournament here might make calls for his inclusion too hard to ignore. Plus a somewhat forgotten man for England – Tim Bresnan – has also signed for the season.
MELBOURNE RENEGADES
They can win it because…
The fans demand it. The Renegades boast one of the keenest fan bases in the league. Their home game against city rivals Melbourne Stars last year comfortably had the highest attendance of any game, with 42,000 fans coming to watch, beating the next best by over 10,000.
They can’t win it because…
They live in the shadows of the success of their star-studded and star-named neighbours who play at the MCG.
Six-hitter
Aaron Finch. Averages an incredible 50.17 across the first three years of the competition. Not too surprising though given his success in the same format internationally, where his strike-rate is 152.41.
Wicket-taker
James Pattinson. If and when he is fit to play. Peter Siddle adds some more international class to the mix, but he doesn’t favour this format. The loss of their leading wicket-taker Muttiah Muralitharan – who has opted out of this year’s tournament to focus on coaching – might be keenly felt.
Overseas influence
Dwayne Bravo. Has been a stalwart of the successful Chennai Super Kings sides in the IPL. Looking to replicate that with his first taste of the BBL. Joining him are his West Indian teammate Andre Russell and Jesse Ryder of New Zealand.
Watch the fIrst game of the 2014/15 Big Bash between Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Stars on Sky Sports 2 from 8am on Thursday.
