Big Bash 14: Predicted teams + Supercoach BBL14 analysis

We’re drawing closer to the beginning of the Big Bash season for 2024/25.

We’ve done our best to predict the starting XI for every club to begin their campaigns.

Note that we’ve excluded Australian international players that we know will be unavailable, however for now we’ve included other internationals who will have mixed availability throughout the tournament.

As we near the opening game, there’s plenty of clarity forming about who will earn what role, but we will continue to update to update the teams as required.

We’ll update this article frequently throughout the pre-season to reflect the latest information. The latest update was on 4 December with information firming about the Australian Test players availability to start the tournament as well as clarity on which internationals will arrive late.

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Adelaide Strikers

Round 1 projected best XI:

1. Matt Short, 2. D’Arcy Short, 3. Chris Lynn, 4. Jake Weatherald, 5. Jamie Overton, 6. Harry Nielsen, 7. Fabian Allen, 8. Henry Thornton, 9. Cameron Boyce, 10. Lloyd Pope, 11. Brendan Doggett.

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Not selected/unavailable:

James Bazely, Jordan Buckingham (injured), Alex Ross, Thomas Kelly, Alex Carey (National Duty), Travis Head (National Duty), Ollie Pope (National Duty, Round 3).

What preseason had taught us:

The Strikers will be ‘spin heavy’, per new coach Tim Paine. Which means with – coupling the expected Round 1 availability of West Indian import Fabian Allen – Matt Short could be the fourth spinner available and one of seven bowling options. 

An injury to Buckingham and great form of Brendan Doggett should decide the final pace bowler’s spot. 

Ollie Pope likely misses the Round 2 double starting 20 December given his Test series in New Zealand ends two days earlier.

Changes since last season:

A new coach and no Rashid Khan means predicting how the Adelaide Strikers will line up could prove difficult.

On face value, the Strikers still look like a side reliant on Matt Short to determine their destiny, albeit there’s a couple of important upgrades and the balance finally looks good. Bringing in Ollie Pope through the draft significantly improves their batting depth and should finally end the reliance on Harry Neilsen who at times batted as low as 8.

Stalwart Wes Agar is gone to the Thunder, meaning Henry Thornton and Englishman Jamie Overton are the undisputed pace spearheads. In all, the pace bowling options look a little thin. 

There’s a vacancy for the third seam option which could go to allrounder James Bazely, or red-ball specialist Jordan Buckingham. Brendan Doggett has in the past shown some ability to bowl the death overs and could usurp both of them if in form.

There’s a bit of a logjam with the reserve batters with Jake Weatherald expected to put pressure on D’Arcy Short for an openers spot. Weatherald could also challenge for the middle order finisher role alongside new recruit Alex Ross and Thomas Kelly. The Strikers could of course go for an extra batter if they are finally ready to rely on Matt Short as the certified fifth bowler.

No Khan brings West Indian Fabian Allen into the fold. The talented left-arm orthodox is a more than handy lower-order batsman and excellent fielder. 

Relevant players:

• Fabian Allen is a genuine three-skill cricketer. Not always known as a huge wicket-taker, he’s got an exciting skillset and if named at 7 should be in most people’s sides.
• Jamie Overton as a death bowler and number 6 bat is one of the best prospects in SuperCoach, albeit he will be expensive after last year’s numbers and hasn’t bowled in months due to injury.
• Henry Thornton has stepped into the limelight after some glimpses in the previous years. If he adds consistent death bowling to his repertoire he could be another SuperCoach stud.
• Matt Short might cost over $300k but should again play a starring role. Go against him at your peril.
• Jordan Buckingham could be a potential cheapie if named in their best XI for game 1. Both him and Doggett are very affordable.

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Brisbane Heat

Round 1 projected best XI:

1. Jimmy Pierson (wk), 2. Max Bryant, 3. Colin Munro, 4. Matt Renshaw, 5. Tom Alsop, 6. Jack Wood, 7. Paul Walter, 8. Xavier Bartlett, 9. Matt Kuhnemann, 10. Mitch Swepson, 11. Spencer Johnson.

Not selected/unavailable:

Nathan McSweeney (National Duty), Usman Khawaja (National Duty), Marnus Labuschagne (National duty), Will Prestwidge, Callum Vidler, Michael Neser (injured), Jack Wildermuth.

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What preseason has taught us:

Two pivotal pieces will miss the start of the tournament in skipper McSweeny and Neser. Neser adds crucial balance to the side but he looks set to miss the early stages with a hamstring injury. I project they’ll replace him with a batter in Jack Wood, shifting Walter one spot lower in the order – it could easily go the way of a quick in Wildermuth, Prestwidge or Vidler.

The batting looks thin, but the bowlers are what won it for them last year. Predicting the batter order may need to occur off the back of practice games. Count this side out at your peril.

Changes since last season:

Last year’s champions have a relatively settled lineup, albeit new coach Johan Botha could have some new ideas on how they want to go about it.

The Heat’s title was won off the back of their impeccable six-string bowling attack. And the whole cast should be available again this summer to carry on business per usual. It’s really only the batters where we expect some changes, albeit minimal.

In the search for an opener, the Heat could turn back the clock and have tyro Max Bryant return to the top. He’s transformed himself into a dependable finisher, but that’s a role they’ve strangely got in abundance and have drafted for with English-keeper Tom Alsop likely to take the number 5 role.

Relevant players:

• Spencer Johnson is the best bowler in the Big Bash, yet doesn’t always take big bags of wickets. Could this be his year?
• Max Bryant if opening becomes an interesting prospect to monitor, albeit high risk.
• Tall Paul Walter could again have a starring role as a death bowler and number 6 batsman.
• If Neser is replaced by a bowler, does an elevation to Xavier Bartlett make him a genuine all-round option?
• Pending how long Neser is out, whoever replaces him could be a good cheapie. Jack Wildermuth is a fine cricketer.
• Matt Renshaw is cheap after an awful season last year. With great job security, he could make a good bench stash for Round 1.

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Hobart Hurricanes

Round 1 projected best XI:

1. Caleb Jewell, 2. Mitch Owen, 3. Ben McDermott, 4. Matt Wade, 5. Tim David, 6. Nikhil Chaudary, 7. Chris Jordan, 8. Nathan Ellis, 9. Paddy Dooley, 10. Riley Meredith, 11. Waqar Salamkheil

Not selected/unavailable:

Shai Hope (National Duty, Round 3), Billy Stanlake, Charlie Wakim, Iain Carlisle, Peter Hatzoglou, Jake Doran, Mac Wright (injured)

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What preseason has taught us:

The ‘Canes have already lost one of their draft picks and the signing of Waqar Salamkheil shows they see spin as a weakness. Does Dooley keep his spot? Will they go an extra quick? It’s hard to judge.

The early absence of Shai Hope creates a short-term opportunity in the top order and this could fall to Mitch Owen who has played the role for Tasmania in One Day Cricket this season, albeit with modest results.

Meredith is fit which significantly improves the look of the bowling unit.

Changes since last season:

With minimal changes to the bowling list, this could be another middling year for the ‘Canes.

Shai Hope from the West Indies joins a top 4 that is largely flexible and could be picked in any order. No doubt it’ll shift around pending form and fortunes.

Last year’s breakout local Nikhil Chaudary should ideally start as their number 6 and 6th bowling option. Chris Jordan as a number 7 is a great role for SuperCoach, and cheapie Mitch Owen will be popular if he does open for a few games to start the season.

Dooley could be rotated with Billy Stanlake or Hatzoglou pending conditions.

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Relevant players:

• A fit Riley Meredith is always an interesting prospect, but it’s a big ask to rely on him given his track record.
• Chris Jordan is extremely hot and cold for a player of his stature but there’s no denying it’s a plumb role.
• Shai Hope has WKP dual which could make him an interesting target, albeit he won’t come cheap.
• Mitch Owen could be a good cheapie, but keep in mind he’s around for a good time not a long time.

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Melbourne Renegades

Round 1 projected best XI:

1. Josh Brown, 2. Tim Seifert (wk), 3. Jake Fraser-McGurk, 4. Mack Harvey, 5. Laurie Evans, 6. Hassan Khan, 7. Will Sutherland, 8. Fergus O’Neil, 9. Tom Rogers, 10. Adam Zampa, 11. Kane Richardson

Not selected/unavailable:

Jacob Bethell (National Duty, Round 2 or 4), Harry Dixon, Gurinder Sandhu, Nathan Lyon (National Duty), Marcus Harris, Xavier Crone, Jono Wells

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What preseason has taught us so far:

English recruit Jacob Bethell is a star. He should hold down the number 4 spot and even bowl, however after his unexpected call up to the English Test side in New Zealand, the question will be asked how much rest he needs after the series which concludes on 18 December. With a round 3 bye, a late arrival could buy him a Christmas back home.

Hassan Khan’s late signing is intriguing. The Pakistani doesn’t have a huge body of work to judge, but is a handy allrounder who should bat between 4-7 and will bowl some left-arm orthodox spin. If you wanted a Round 1 risk, he could be it.

Mack Harvey looks set to win the vacant middle order finisher role. And Fergus O’Neill is a handy young cricketer who is a good Round 1 POD.

The balance of the side rests on the fitness and availability of Will Sutherland. The new skipper will need to pass a fitness test before taking his place in Round 1.

Changes since last season:

A new coach joins the ‘Gades who lost significant experience in Aaron Finch and Shaun Marsh last year. They’ll be an exciting side, albeit one who might not have the mettle to challenge for the Title this year.

Brisbane hero Josh Brown has earned himself a big contract for the red team and should like the short square boundaries at Marvel. Kiwi keeper Tim Seifert has also signed on and should open the batting with him. JFM makes it a powerful top 3.

English duo Laurie Evans and Jacob Bethell have also joined and should form part of the middle order. Both are talented and have batted across the middle order.

Bethell, recent International debutant, is an energetic allrounder who should play a prominent role with the ball and in the field. His presence in the Top 5 helps the balance of this side significantly.

Relevant players:

• Fergus O’Neill could be a point of difference prospect who will swing the ball in the opening Power Play.
• Josh Brown’s heroics all came in the BBL Finals last year, meaning his 38 average is below what he’s capable of.
• Adam Zampa averaged just 27 last year and looked exhausted. At his pomp he can more than double that and should be a good money maker.
• Kane Richardson is cheap for a former SuperCoach gun.
• Hassan Khan took wickets and scored runs in the major league cricket tournament. He’s a bit of a boom or bust prospect given his unknown pedigree but these players can score really well in SuperCoach when given the chance.

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Melbourne Stars

Round 1 projected best XI:

1. Tom Rogers, 2. Joe Clarke, 3. Sam Harper (wk), 4. Marcus Stoinis, 5. Hilton Cartwright, 6. Campbell Kellaway, 7. Tom Curran, 8. Hamish McKenzie, 9. Joel Paris, 10. Mark Steketee, 11. Adam Milne

Not selected/unavailable:

Glenn Maxwell (injured), Beau Webster (National Duty), Usama Mir (National Duty, Round 3), Campbell Kellaway, Doug Warren, Sam Harper, Ben Duckett (National Duty), Brody Couch, Jono Merlo, Scott Boland (National Duty), Peter Siddle

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What preseason has taught us:

No side has had bigger impacts in preseason. Thankfully they play the first game of the year so we should have enough opportunity to plan our sides accordingly. 

Former skipper Glenn Maxwell will miss Round 1 with a hamstring injury. If that unfolds, I see Sam Harper making his way into the Top 3. Thankfully Marcus Stoinis looks to have found his mojo.

Beau Webster rightly earned a spot in the Test squad. He and Boland seem unlikely to be released and will give cover to the Test side over the course of the series vs India.

The signing of Peter Siddle creates uncertainty around every other pace bowler not named Tom Curran – pick them at your peril. Kiwi Adam Milne is the only other lock, but he leaves after Round 2 which would force a trade.

Cheapie prospect Hamish McKenzie is their leading spinner until Mir arrives but with so many allrounders isn’t guaranteed his overs. Crucially he might also bat at 8 which, in a weak lineup could mean some chances to score some runs.

Changes since last season:

New Internationals should bring new hope for the Stars. Glenn Maxwell’s demotion from captain as well could change their playing style.

Ben Duckett was the number 1 draft pick and should take the gloves for the Stars to complement his opening batting. That’s a pretty juicy role but he will miss the first couple of rounds.

The risk with the Stars has always been the multitude of bowling options. With so much choice, it’s hard to rely on players getting their full allotment.

Relevant players:

• Glenn Maxwell has the highest ceiling in Australian cricket. If he bowls consistently he’s too scary not to own. But is he fit?
• Beau Webster, if released from the Test Squad, should be highly owned. Not only does he bat at three and accumulate runs well, his bowling has gone to another level this season. A perfect allrounder to build your side around for the first three rounds.
• Tom Curran adds some panache to a bowling attack which has sadly lacked it in seasons gone. Genuine straight captain option in Round 1.
• Marcus Stoinis’ price tag and formline make him almost a set and forget team member to hold for the first three rounds at least.
• Mark Steketee is a SuperCoach stud of seasons gone, but averaged just 9 last year. If priced cheaply, could be an important piece to help add depth and build value. But can you trust his overs?
• Hamish McKenzie will benefit as the primary spin option for the first two rounds, although with so many bowling options that doesn’t mean he will be guaranteed his four overs. A solid cheapie prospect, albeit not a slam dunk.

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Perth Scorchers

Round 1 projected best XI:

1. Finn Allen, 2. Sam Fanning, 3. Keaton Jennings, 4. Josh Inglis/Ashton Turner 5. Ashton Turner/Matthew Hurst, 6. Nicholas Hobson, 7. Matthew Spoors, 8. Andrew Tye, 9. Jhye Richardson, 10. Lance Morris, 11. Jason Behrendorff

Not selected/unavailable:

Ashton Agar (injured), Cooper Connolly (injured), Aaron Hardie (injured) Mitch Marsh (National Duty), Matt Kelly, Mahli Beardman, Sam Fanning, Matt Hurst (will deputise for Josh Inglis when needed)

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What preseason has taught us:

The injury bug has hit the Scorchers hard. We expect Agar and Connolly to miss the first few rounds of the tournament at a minimum. Ashton Turner has a side strain but that should only impact his bowling stocks. Hardie is also out with injury now – for how long is yet to be determined.

Leg-spinning allrounder Matt Spoors has emerged as a cheapie option. A rookie spinner in the XI is also great signs for Aaron Hardie who is more chance to bowl when a second-string player is in the side. Hardie looks an astute Round 1 play if you can afford him.

Jhye Richardson is tempting to include in Round 1 sides at his price, but buyers beware – his shoulder can pop in and out from a simple high five.

If Josh Inglis makes his Test debut this summer, Englishman Matt Hurst should take the gloves.

Changes since last season:

Another largely settled side, the Scorchers should once again contend in BBL14.

Kiwi Finn Allen is a season-long signing and should open the batting. Few have his ability, albeit he will need to get used to a shorter four-over Power Play. He’s a high-risk player who puts bums on seats and I cannot wait to see him out here.

English opener Keaton Jennings was a surprise Draft pick, but fills a need in the side and should open the batting. His compatriot and club mate in County Cricket Matt Hurst is another option at the top of the order, but most likely provides squad depth and keeper coverage.

It’s ‘pick your poison’ with the bowling attack. When all fit, there’s simpler no better side.

Relevant players:

• Aaron Hardie is no secret anymore, but probably needs an injury from one of the bowlers to see consistent overs with the ball.
• Josh Inglis is consistent and now has two centuries in International T20s. Don’t be put off by his position at 4 – he can score brilliantly well from here. In the off chance he opens, he will be one of the most owned at the position.
• Andrew Tye’s season average of 47 is slightly down from what you’d expect from him so could offer some value.
• Jhye Richard’s season average of just 30 is downright awful compared to what he is capable of. Could be amazing value.
• Matt Spoors offers a decent cheapie prospect as the primary spinner in a side which should take a lot of wickets. He should start until Agar is back.

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Sydney Sixers

Round 1 projected best XI:

1. Josh Philippe, 2. Kurtis Patterson, 3. James Vince, 4. Moises Henriques, 5. Jordan Silk, 6. Jack Edwards, 7. Hayden Kerr, 8. Jafer Chohan, 9. Ben Dwarshuis, 10. Sean Abbott, 11. Todd Murphy

Not selected/unavailable:

Daniel Hughes (injured), Akeal Hossein (National Duty), Steve Smith (National Duty), Ben Manenti, Joel Davies, Mitch Perry, Jackson Bird

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What preseason has taught us:

One of the quieter sides in terms of player movement in preseason. The injury to Dan Hughes created a momentary murmur that Jack Edwards could bat in the top 3, however the stunning form of Kurtis Patterson has surely put that one to bed now.

Hayden Kerr has missed almost 10 months of cricket since last year’s BBL Final but is returning at Grade level in Sydney. There’s plenty of options for how they can cover the bowling stocks however they love spin and english recruit Jafer Chohan could start in Round 1 pending how he performs in the Intraclub trials.

Sean Abbott received a worthy callup to the Aussie Test squad but should be available to play Big Bash.

Changes since last season:

Last year’s runners up will be stinging after the loss in front of a sell-out home crowd. The retirement of Stephen O’Keefe is the only major change to this side in what feels like 10 years.

In place of SOK, the club has gone heavily into the market for spin bowlers. West Indian Akeal Hosein is the big prize – he’s an absolute weapon who should love conditions in Sydney. He also adds further depth to a lower order who can all swing the bat.

Ben Manenti has also returned to the squad, but probably sits behind Todd Murphy who should earn consistent game time. Forgotten man Hayden Kerr has missed a lot of cricket in the last 12 months through injury, but should be in their best XI if fit.

No Tom Curran or noted International pace bowler means the high-scoring death overs are up for grabs in the side. Expect Abbott and Dwarshuis to take the lead with support from Edwards.

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Relevant players:

• Jack Edwards has truly arrived, and if he takes the mantle as death bowler, offers up an incredible role for SuperCoaches.
• Akeal Hosein is likely to be extremely high-priced but has earnt it through strong performances in the tournament previously. 
• Sean Abbott’s down season saw him average just 34 last year. This is a guy whose consistently one of the best players in SuperCoach.

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Sydney Thunder

Round 1 projected best XI:

1. David Warner, 2. Sam Konstas, 3. Cameron Bancroft, 4. Ollie Davies, 5. Sam Billings, 6. Matt Gilkes, 7. Daniel Sams, 8. Chris Green, 9. Wes Agar, 10. Lockie Ferguson, 11. Tanveer Sangha

Not selected/unavailable:

Nic Maddinson (injured), Nathan McAndrew (injured), Will Salzmann (injured), Liam Hatcher (injured), Jason Sangha (injured), Sherfane Rutherford (National duties, Round 3), Ryan Hadley (expected signing).

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What preseason has taught us:

The side looked settled until the untimely finger injury to new recruit Nic Maddinson. The cheapie option looked to be firming for the vacated number 3 spot but it’s not all doom and gloom from a SuperCoach perspective – the likely replacements are all cheapies.

Fellow newby Wes Agar will contend with state teammate Nathan McAndrew for a Round 1 berth. Both could play if Kiwi recruit Lockie Ferguson doesn’t overcome a current calf niggle.

All eyes will be on their practice matches to see who has landed the number 3 spot. No early double game week hurts their relevance, but they should serve up some cheapies.

Changes since last season:

Fresh blood behind the scenes at the Thunder has seen some strong recruitment and the best looking Thunder side in years.

A full season of David Warner means one of the opener’s slots is also sewn up. Cam Bancroft’s omission from the Test side creates an intriguing opening pair.

Englishman Sam Billings also returns to the club and should slot into the crucial number 5 slot which has proven tricky for the club to fill. Dan Sams also gets a reprieve with West Indian Sherfane Rutherford likely to push him down one spot to number 7.

Kiwi Lockie Ferguson is an awesome pickup in the draft and will take the death bowling overs for his new club straight away. Sams has always needed more help and it could arrive in the shape of Wes Agar, albeit he will need to beat out Nathan McAndrew for the spot.

Relevant players:

• Cameron Bancroft averaged 35 but with the openers slot sewn up could be an interesting option if he gets the WKT dual.
• David Warner’s poor returns last year are well below his capability. One to monitor the price on.
• Lachie Ferguson probably comes at a premium price but with his role, home conditions could make him unplayable.
• Sam Konstas, Matt Gilkes, Jason Sangha – whoever wins the number 3 spot in the side could be a great cheapie. Sangha looks the least likely of the 3 but his handy leg spin could push him into contention.