Cheapie rankings: Bargain priced batters for BBL14

We all know the value of a good cheapie reaches far beyond their price tag.

And in many ways, the key to building a great SuperCoach squad is finding value and money makers to get your Team Value up as quickly as possible.

To help you in navigating the cheapie landscape, we’ll pull together a few different articles going in-depth with our ratings of the best cheapies for SuperCoach BBL this season for batters, bowlers and allrounders.

Here’s our take on the best undervalued batsman only eligible players which could help make a difference in your side this season.

For context we look at cheapies as those players under $80k. There’s always a bunch of players on the bubble so scroll down the very bottom to see our thoughts on those players.

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12. Sam Konstas, $39.5k

Role: Good.

Job Security: Poor

Analysis: The young man in a hurry, Konstas has shown his generational skill in the longest format and looks set for a battle to the vacant number 3 slot at the Thunder. 

He’s in competition for the spot with two other guys on this list – and might not play all summer – but if he does, he should go well.

11. Matt Gilkes, $58.5k

Role: Poor.

Job Security: Poor

Analysis: A long time BBL player whose never cemented his spot or role. Gilkes is one of those battling Konstas for a spot in the Thunder XI, but at the least should start the season deputising for West Indian Sherfane Rutherford at number 6 for the opening couple of rounds. 

He is likely to become a non-playing player unless he performs strongly, but with a poor SC draw he’s high risk to start the season.

10. Mackenzie Harvey, $58.5k

Role: Poor.

Job Security: Good

Analysis: Harvey looks to have started the season in good form after shifting to South Australia from his native Victoria. A ton opening the batting showcased his class, albeit he’s likely to be batting in the middle order for the Renegades, making him quite irrelevant for SuperCoach, despite his opening round double. If named in the top four, he could be a punt for Round 1.

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9. Jack Wood, $58.5k

Role: Unclear.

Job Security: Poor.

Analysis: Last year’s preseason fascination is back. And while there’s a likely chance he misses selection, the McSweeney vacancy means the Heat need batters throughout their lineup. 

Wood could bat anywhere 1-7 if selected. And if he made a fist of it at the top of the order, has the potential to be a cheapie of the year candidate. But I think it’s unlikely to eventuate so he’s on here just as a watch.

8. Sam Harper, $58.5k

Role: Mixed.

Job Security: Poor

Analysis: Here we go again. Harper was poor last year to the point where if he wasn’t the only known ‘keeper in the squad, he would’ve probably been dropped. He now finds himself in a battle just to make the starting side. 

If he does open the batting he immediately rises to number 1 on this list, but personally I think he only plays sporadically. Thankfully he plays in Game 1 so we should know his role before lockout.

7. Nic Maddinson, $58.5k

Role: Great.

Job Security: Decent.

Analysis: A former short form star, Maddinson now finds himself at his fourth Big Bash Club and a very different player from the firebrand who once played IPL in his early 20s. 

The Thunder have signed him for a reason however and he should get first crack at the vacant top 3 spot. In the makeup of their best XI, thats a good role to have. And when you throw in his standing as arguably the sixth best bowler in that side, there’s a fair bit to like. 

We know his form is streaky, and the Thunder’s poor draw means you don’t need to go early on him. But it wouldn’t shock anyone if Maddinson came out of the blocks and made good money.

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6. Caleb Jewell, $70k

Role: Great.

Job Security: Decent.

Analysis: Jewell went from fringe player to one of the form cricketers in the country in the blink of an eye. But a poor BBL sees him very underpriced for what he’s capable of delivering. 

He should open the batting, but with a logjam of options up top the ‘Canes are a bit of an unknown. As above, with no double until Round 8 you can afford to sit back and watch Jewell.

5. Tim David, $72.4k

Role: Poor.

Job Security: Great.

Analysis: A fantastic player with rare skills who doesn’t impact SuperCoach consistently. Batting at five and six simply doesn’t give David the consistent balls to face to be relevant. But as a cheaper guy to take a punt on, you could do worse.

Two seasons ago he rose to over $150k off the back of batting collapses which forced him to do more batting. He’s also no stranger to rolling the arm over. But counting against him on this list is the draw and no double game week until Round 8.

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4. Kurtis Patterson, $62.4k

Role: Good.

Job Security: Poor

Analysis: This could be one of the stories of the summer. Last year Kurtis Patterson suffered a huge fall from grace and took time away from the game which – the wake of his Test debut not long ago – seemed like we were seeing the beginning of the end for him. Now, after an opening in the Blues top order, he is one of the form batters in the country.

An injury to Dan Hughes means the Sixers need a top 3 bat for the first couple rounds and KP looks set to have grabbed the spot. With his form and a round 3 double game week, it wouldn’t shock if two good performances early saw him keep the spot. Those questions about job security will keep most away. It’s buyer beware but the kind of risk which could pay off.

3. Matt Renshaw, $68.8k

Role: Good.

Job Security: Great

Analysis: Cheap for a reason is the answer to why Renshaw is on this list. He had a shocking season last year. But with so many of his Heat teammates in the Test squad, the veteran now has to stand up as their number 3 bat and assume a leadership position too. 

The Heat have a Round 3 double and Renshaw has to play every game. So at the very least you’re getting a warm body with an early double. Good coaches have him earmarked as a round 2 target if he shows an early form.

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 2. Ashton Turner, $70k

Role: Ok to great.

Job Security: Great

Analysis: One of those guys who is super impactful without being hugely SuperCoach relevant. The cards seem to be falling Turner’s way this preseason with injuries and Test selection meaning he could bat as high as 4 and even be called on as the sides primary spin bowler. If there’s no Agar, Connolly or Inglis in Round 1, he’s a fantastic bench bat to bring in. The Round 2 double also makes him appealing. If all those players are on deck, he drops back on this list considerably – so be flexible.

1.Ollie Davies, $78.1k

Role: Good.

Job Security: Great.

Analysis: Tops the list on talent alone. We bloody love Ollie here at SC Playbook. At some point this season the number 4 bat will go on a run of games and peak at $150k. When is the only thing holding him back. The Thunder don’t have a double until Round 6 which does make them largely irrelevant. But Ollie’s money making ability and high ceiling could make him an astute stash.

Bubble boys (mid-range guys to consider):

Tom Rogers (STARS), $87.7k

• Role: Good.
• Job Security: Mixed
• Analysis: Could open the batting or miss selection. If the former, get a piece as a bench loop. If the latter, ignore and get Harper who he’s battling with.

Max Bryant, $102.3k

• Role: Great.
• Job Security: Great
• Analysis: Arguably too expensive to mention, but a person favourite player of mine and someone who likely graduates from the middle to the top order this season. Still just 24, Bryant has grown up in the BBL and might finally have worked out his game. A round 3 double means he’s a huge watch to start the year.