Big Bash League – Week 1: Oye Captain Fantasy Tips
The Big Bash League, widely believed to be the second most popular domestic T20 league in the world, is all set to enthral us from Tuesday. And with a popular tournament, comes opportunities for fans all over the globe to not only enjoy the action, but to prove their credentials as experts on the fantasy circuit.
Oye Captain’s unique fantasy platform offers fans a chance to make an impact in each and every single game, starting from the Sydney derby to be played on the opening night.
Here are some tips for the fantasy users for the first week, in which five matches are to be played:
Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers
A blockbuster opener has some big names in it and that could cause some headaches for the users. Usman Khawaja, who made a huge impact last season will not be available for the opening week as he is a part of the Australian Test squad. It is probably better to include any batsman at this stage from Thunder as Aiden Blizzard and Ben Rohrer had pretty ordinary campaigns last time.
The potential here lies with the all-rounders, though, as you have Shane Watson and Andre Russell to choose from. Russell is hot property in world cricket at the moment so he is a must in your XI, but Watson on the other hand, can wait. It will be better to see what the veteran can offer with the bat before taking a call to include him.
Sixers have the likes of Moises Henriques and Johan Botha themselves, but Russell needs to be given the nod first up. Another must-have is the opener Jason Roy, who could eventually prove to be a massive acquisition for the Sixers. Roy has been in terrific form in limited overs cricket off late and he could light up the opening night, but if you are looking for a cheaper option, then Michael Lumb is your man.
On the bowling front, Stephen O'Keefe, without a doubt, should be leading your spin attack, but it is the pacers who could make or break you. Pat Cummins appears a certainty, but the users will have to take a call between Doug Bollinger and Clint McKay. The latter was the highest wicket-taker last season. It is still unclear as to who will be keeping wickets for Thunder, so Haddin seems to be the only option right now.
Adelaide Strikers vs Brisbane Heat
Strikers certainly start the favourites in this contest as one look at both their squads tells you the story. It is advised to stack your team mostly with players from the Strikers squad as opposed to Heat. But remember, Adil Rashid, who was probably the best spinner last season, won't be available for this contest as he will be flying to Australia from India.
Kieron Pollard can be avoided at the start to see how he fares in the initial games, but two names you cannot afford to miss out are Travis Head and Chris Lynn. Both these batsmen entertained audiences worldwide with their crisp clean hitting, and they can certainly repeat it.
They could prove to be costly though this time which might force you to take some gambles with the bowlers. The experience of Ben Laughlin and Samuel Badree can come in handy here. Among the batters, Brendon McCullum can prove to be a huge gamble. He might look rusty having not played a lot of cricket recently, but if he comes off, he is going to cause a lot of damage and then there is the veteran Brad Hodge. Despite his age, users can place their trust on him especially if Strikers get to bat first.