BBL Fantasy 2013/14: Melbourne Renegades Preview

After a horrid BBL01, finishing second last, the Renegades turned things around in BBL02 with a revamped list of players who aren’t necessarily the biggest names but get the job done. They’ve brought back the world’s most successful spinner in Muralidaran and will have the services of Jos Buttler for the first two matches and all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez after that.

BATTING

Headlining their batting line up is star opening batsman and captainAaron Finch who will be the focal point of the Renegades batting hopes for most of the competition. Around him are the likes of Alex Doolan, Ben Rohrer and Tom Cooper who aren’t the biggest name players but got the job done last season. Jos Buttler and Mohammad Hafeez will be the other big names at the top of the order. The Renegades weakness until Hafeez comes in will be their lack of a genuine batting all-rounder; this means that they will have to play five bowlers. Despite the fact that Aaron O’Brien and James Pattinson are capable batsmen it still means a rather large tail

BOWLING

You know what you’re going to get from Murali, he’s a class bowler that will keep it tight and take wickets. The Etihad stadium pitch is known to turn so the Renegades will likely play the two spinners at home. The Renegades have good depth and will have to choose a second spinner out of O’Brien or Ahmed. O’Brien seems likely to get the first crack due to his ability to bat at eight and his excellent performance last season. James Pattinson should be available for the first match which is a massive boost however, Peter Siddle will most likely be watching from the stands.

Fantasy Locks

• Skipper Aaron Finch is hard to go passed despite his hefty price tag of $117,400. Finch was the best batsman in the previous season and the only thing that could possibly stop him is the roof of Etihad Stadium.
• Ignore Murali at your own risk, Etihad is a pitch that turns sharply and the most successful spin bowler ever will be at his best again this season hopefully.
• Wicketkeeper Peter Nevill will play every game of the season as the Renegades only keeper, given his pricing of $36,000 he is certainly one to lock into your bench slot despite the likely batting position of seven.

Fantasy Blocks

• Jade Herrick is a good bowler but isn’t in the Renegades immediate 12 or 13.
• Similarly, Michael Hill is another who probably isn’t in the Renegades plans early in the competition.
• Gun bowler Peter Siddle is also best to avoid as he’ll be on test duties. So don’t get suckered in by the big name player.

BEST XII

1. Aaron Finch
2. Mohammad Hafeez*
3. Alex Doolan
4. Daniel Harris
5. Ben Rohrer
6. Tom Cooper
7. Peter Nevill
8. James Pattinson*
9. Peter Siddle*
10. Nathan Rimmington
11. MutiahMuralidaran
12. Aaron O’Brien

Mohammad Hafeez will enter the Renegades line up in match three. English slogger Jos Buttlerhas been signed for the first two matches to most likely open the batting with Finch. James Pattinson will be playing for the Renegades in December but whether that is their first match or second is still up in the air, if he is unavailable expect Will Sheridan to take his spot. Siddle’s unavailability due to test requirements means the Renegades will probably turn to one of their spinners in Aaron O’Brien or Fawad Ahmed.

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