With the Fantasy Ashes competition firmly in mind, I take a look ahead at the first round of the Shield. I will keep you updated as to when the comp opens online @BBLFantasy.
NSW v Tasmania @ Blacktown, Sydney
NSW: Michael Clarke ( Captain ), Doug Bollinger, Ryan Carters, Trent Copeland, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Henry, Nathan Lyon, Nic Maddinson, Steve O’Keefe, Steve Smith, Gurinder Sandhu, David Warner
TAS: Tim Paine (c) , Alex Doolan (vc) , Luke Butterworth , Ed Cowan , Ben Dunk , Andrew Fekete , Evan Gulbis , Ben Hilfenhaus , Sam Rainbird , Clive Rose , Jordan Silk , Jon Wells
Ashes certainty: Michael Clarke, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith
In the mix: David Warner, Ed Cowan, Alex Doolan
Great news for Aussie fans with Michael Clarke given the all-clear to play in the Sheffield Shield opener. If fit for Brisbane, you’d have to say he’s a lock for your Fantasy Ashes side. Steve Smith is also one to watch: his form in the Ryobi Cup has been solid, and his confidence after The Oval test match (138*) back in August. We also know that Michael Clarke is willing to throw him the ball, great news if he’s a ‘batsman’ in the fantasy game.
Don’t forget to monitor the form of two genuine first test candidates: David Warner and Ed Cowan. Warner of course blasted three centuries including a record 197, and Cowan was determined at best, scoring 189 runs over six innings. One thing the selectors won’t forget is his impressive hundred (136) against the rampant South African attack in the corresponding test match last season.
NSW: Michael Clarke ( Captain ), Doug Bollinger, Ryan Carters, Trent Copeland, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Henry, Nathan Lyon, Nic Maddinson, Steve O’Keefe, Steve Smith, Gurinder Sandhu, David Warner
TAS: Tim Paine (c) , Alex Doolan (vc) , Luke Butterworth , Ed Cowan , Ben Dunk , Andrew Fekete , Evan Gulbis , Ben Hilfenhaus , Sam Rainbird , Clive Rose , Jordan Silk , Jon Wells
Ashes certainty: Michael Clarke, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith
In the mix: David Warner, Ed Cowan, Alex Doolan
Great news for Aussie fans with Michael Clarke given the all-clear to play in the Sheffield Shield opener. If fit for Brisbane, you’d have to say he’s a lock for your Fantasy Ashes side. Steve Smith is also one to watch: his form in the Ryobi Cup has been solid, and his confidence after The Oval test match (138*) back in August. We also know that Michael Clarke is willing to throw him the ball, great news if he’s a ‘batsman’ in the fantasy game.
Don’t forget to monitor the form of two genuine first test candidates: David Warner and Ed Cowan. Warner of course blasted three centuries including a record 197, and Cowan was determined at best, scoring 189 runs over six innings. One thing the selectors won’t forget is his impressive hundred (136) against the rampant South African attack in the corresponding test match last season.