BBL Fantasy 2013/14: Sydney Thunder Preview

After two dismal years finishing on the bottom of the table, the Thunder seem to have put together are far more solid line up. In previous years, the Thunder have been overly reliant on the likes of Chris Gayle and Dirk Nannes but they have renovated their list much like the Renegades did last season. Their depth will be tested early on in BBL03 with players missing due to international duties.

BATTING

The Thunder have put together a rather terrifying batting line up at full strength with David Warner, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey, Eoin Morgan and Usman Khawaja. At full power it’s hard to see a side getting through them all, however, Warner, Dilshan and Clarke will be unavailable for the first two matches due to international duties which will test the Thunder’s depth. Former Sixers batsmen Daniel Hughes and Kurtis Patterson will have to step up as well as the likes of Cameron Borgas and Ryan Carters.

BOWLING

They have put together a good group of quicks to rotate through throughout the series. Dirk Nannes will once again spearhead the attack with Chris Tremain, Scott Coyte, Luke Feldman and rising star Gurinder Sandhu. They also have Jason Floros and Luke Doran as spin options. The real issue for the Thunder is the lack of a quality all-rounder with Sean Abbott defecting to cross-town rivals, the Sydney Sixers.

FANTASY LOCKS

• Michael Hussey at $80,000 is a lock, no further explanation required.
• One of the best T20 batsmen in the world Dilshan, when he returns from international duties will be worth the price tag of $92,000.

FANTASY BLOCKS

• Daniel Hughes is priced at $65,000 which might be a bit much to spend on a player not in the Thunder’s best XIII.
• Luke Feldman is also a little over-priced for my liking; I’d wait for him to come down in price before considering.

BEST XII

1. David Warner*
2. TillakaratneDilshan*
3. Michael Clarke*
4. Eoin Morgan
5. Michael Hussey
6. Usman Khawaja
7. Ryan Carters
8. Jason Floros
9. Luke Feldman
10. Gurinder Sandhu
11. Dirk Nannes
12. Chris Tremain

The Thunder’s best top order will be unavailable due to international duties which will probably see Mike Hussey and Usman Khawaja elevated up the order and expect Cameron Borgas, Daniel Hughes and Kurtis Patterson to fill the vacancies down the order.

SEE THE OTHER PREVIEWS: Perth Scorchers | Sydney Sixers | Melbourne Stars | Sydney Thunder | Melbourne Renegades | Brisbane Heat | Hobart Hurricanes | Adelaide Strikers