Analysis - Sydney Thunder
After two very forgettable seasons for the Thunder, the men in charge made some big personnel changes to what has been a rabble of a franchise for too long.
They’ve gone hard internationally, securing Irish-Englishman Eoin Morgan’s and all-rounder Chris Woakes’ services for the first two matches. Their squad really starts to look strong when those lads depart and the Thunder welcome Tillakaratne Dilshan and Ajantha Mendis of Sri Lanka.
Mendis and Dilshan are undoubtedly world-class players, but so was Chris Gayle, and he struggled last season. In my opinion their biggest signing is Australian hero Michael Hussey – who will skipper the side and adds experience, class and skill.
I’m expecting Hussey to open the batting for the Thunder, given he was so successful in that role for the Chennai Super Kings in April (Hussey scored the most runs in the most recent IPL – he’s still got it). With Borgas and Floros very capable of giving it a whack late in the innings, it’s a solid looking batting unit.
Their ‘keeper Ryan Carters is the form gloveman in the country (other than one BJ Haddin), so no complaints there. The Thunder bowlers look a little thin, and clearly Mendis’ arrival will greatly improve that. Dirk Nannes got it right last year, but had absolutely no support. This year the Thunder need their third, fourth and fifth bowlers to stand up and not leak runs – there’s plenty riding on Chris Tremain, Luke Doran and Gurinder Sandhu.
Be aware that David Warner has been released by CA to be eligible to play in the Week 1 match, but after that will likely be replaced by Carters or Usman Khawaja at the top of the order, until Dilshan returns.
They’ve gone hard internationally, securing Irish-Englishman Eoin Morgan’s and all-rounder Chris Woakes’ services for the first two matches. Their squad really starts to look strong when those lads depart and the Thunder welcome Tillakaratne Dilshan and Ajantha Mendis of Sri Lanka.
Mendis and Dilshan are undoubtedly world-class players, but so was Chris Gayle, and he struggled last season. In my opinion their biggest signing is Australian hero Michael Hussey – who will skipper the side and adds experience, class and skill.
I’m expecting Hussey to open the batting for the Thunder, given he was so successful in that role for the Chennai Super Kings in April (Hussey scored the most runs in the most recent IPL – he’s still got it). With Borgas and Floros very capable of giving it a whack late in the innings, it’s a solid looking batting unit.
Their ‘keeper Ryan Carters is the form gloveman in the country (other than one BJ Haddin), so no complaints there. The Thunder bowlers look a little thin, and clearly Mendis’ arrival will greatly improve that. Dirk Nannes got it right last year, but had absolutely no support. This year the Thunder need their third, fourth and fifth bowlers to stand up and not leak runs – there’s plenty riding on Chris Tremain, Luke Doran and Gurinder Sandhu.
Be aware that David Warner has been released by CA to be eligible to play in the Week 1 match, but after that will likely be replaced by Carters or Usman Khawaja at the top of the order, until Dilshan returns.
Expected Week 1 side
1. Mike Hussey
2. David Warner
3. Usman Khawaja
4. Eoin Morgan
5. Ryan Carters
6. Chris Woakes
7. Jason Floros
8. Chris Tremain / Gurinder Sandhu
9. Luke Feldman
10. Luke Doran
11. Dirk Nannes
2. David Warner
3. Usman Khawaja
4. Eoin Morgan
5. Ryan Carters
6. Chris Woakes
7. Jason Floros
8. Chris Tremain / Gurinder Sandhu
9. Luke Feldman
10. Luke Doran
11. Dirk Nannes
Fantasy Relevant
Dirk Nannes – Bowler, $83,300
I think I may have written this last year, but how Dirk didn’t play more often for Australia in the shortest form is still beyond me. Even though he’s reaching his late thirties, he still bowls at good place and still plays all around the world. Lead an inexperienced attack valiantly last year and with the same group, should see plenty of improvement.
Michael Hussey – Batsman, $80,000
Gun. Leading run-scorer at 2013 IPL. Smart. Nicely priced. Should open. Ticks all my boxes.
Ryan Carters – Wicket-Keeper, $56,000
As said earlier, Carters is in form. He’s been opening for NSW in the Shield, so he definitely has it in him to open in the Big Bash – however with Warner, Hussey, Khawaja and ultimately Khawaja around, it’s a gamble. Very good with the gloves (Thunder’s only keeper) and one of the few Aussies who has perfected the ‘ramp’ shot.
Jason Floros – Bowler, $34,000
Floros may sound like a left-field selection, but he’s probably in the Thunder’s best XI as they need him as a fifth or sixth bowling option. He’s had plenty of experience in big matches for Queensland, and can bat as high as number five. At basement price you can’t go wrong.
I think I may have written this last year, but how Dirk didn’t play more often for Australia in the shortest form is still beyond me. Even though he’s reaching his late thirties, he still bowls at good place and still plays all around the world. Lead an inexperienced attack valiantly last year and with the same group, should see plenty of improvement.
Michael Hussey – Batsman, $80,000
Gun. Leading run-scorer at 2013 IPL. Smart. Nicely priced. Should open. Ticks all my boxes.
Ryan Carters – Wicket-Keeper, $56,000
As said earlier, Carters is in form. He’s been opening for NSW in the Shield, so he definitely has it in him to open in the Big Bash – however with Warner, Hussey, Khawaja and ultimately Khawaja around, it’s a gamble. Very good with the gloves (Thunder’s only keeper) and one of the few Aussies who has perfected the ‘ramp’ shot.
Jason Floros – Bowler, $34,000
Floros may sound like a left-field selection, but he’s probably in the Thunder’s best XI as they need him as a fifth or sixth bowling option. He’s had plenty of experience in big matches for Queensland, and can bat as high as number five. At basement price you can’t go wrong.