In the official Fantasy Big Bash game, you get three all-rounders, two who will score for your side each round. So it's vital to get your selections right.
Below are the all-rounders to lock in, the consider, and to avoid.
--> Big guns
David Hussey Melbourne Stars $120,000
We all know how good Hussey is. Last season he was the 8th top scorer in total (243 runs) and the 11th top wicket-taker (8 wickets). Don't forget his smashing 140 not out of 82 balls against NSW in a recent Ryobi Cup fixture, either. Versatile and a fantastic fielder, he is easy points in fantasy Big Bash.
Steven Smith Sydney 6s $102,700
Smith is a little over-priced this year, as he managed only six wickets (economy rate of eight RPO) and 166 runs
Below are the all-rounders to lock in, the consider, and to avoid.
--> Big guns
David Hussey Melbourne Stars $120,000
We all know how good Hussey is. Last season he was the 8th top scorer in total (243 runs) and the 11th top wicket-taker (8 wickets). Don't forget his smashing 140 not out of 82 balls against NSW in a recent Ryobi Cup fixture, either. Versatile and a fantastic fielder, he is easy points in fantasy Big Bash.
Steven Smith Sydney 6s $102,700
Smith is a little over-priced this year, as he managed only six wickets (economy rate of eight RPO) and 166 runs
(SR or 130) in nine matches last year. He's a fantastic up-and-comer but there is better value around.
Dan Christian Brisbane Heat $100,300
Christian's figures are very similar to Smith’s, expect he played few matches. 163 runs at a Strike Rate of 140 is fantastic, along with six wickets and several catches.
Kieron Pollard Adelaide Strikers $100,300
Pollard didn't play in the Big Bash last year but he has played in Australia before. He is one of the better T20 players in the world, so I would feel safe picking him up.
James Hopes Brisbane Heat $59,800
The reason the reliable Hopes is so cheap is that he played only one match last year because of injury. But realistically he could open the batting and bowling for the Heat, and his versatility could deliver a lot of points.
--> Consider
Luke Wright Melbourne Stars $86,100
His hundred last season against Hobart was phenomenal. Contributed nothing with the ball last season so it renders him very one-dimensional.
Johan Botha Adelaide Strikers $112,900
Had the highest average (in terms of fantasy points) of all all-rounders last season, and the South African is the current captain of South Australia. His batting has greatly improved.
Marlon Samuels Melbourne Renegades $85,000
Single-handedly won the T20 World Cup for the West Indies. If he can deliver more of the same, then a no-brainer.
Sean Abbott Sydney Thunder $76,100
Has been in very good form for NSW and took seven wickets last year.
Moises Henriques Sydney 6s $72,400
232 runs last BBL was an awesome return but was used sparingly with the ball. More action at the bowling crease could make him a bargain.
Glenn Maxwell Melbourne Stars $69,500
Australia's last one-day spin project has improved out of sight and has a reputation as a big hitter and an excellent fielder. Only took one wicket in 13 overs last BBL but his economy was just over seven.
John Hastings Melbourne Stars $55,200
Another player whose price has been greatly reduced due to injury last year, the former Australian paceman will get wickets but probably won't bat above seven. Ideally your all-rounder bats higher than that. Viable bench option though.
Aaron O'Brien Melbourne Renegades $52,700
O'Brien made the move from Adelaide and should benefit greatly. A handy lower-order batsman and economical bowler (28 overs at only 6.5 RPO), O'Brien is my bench all-rounder at this stage.
Albie Morkel Perth Scorchers $91,500
The South African limited overs specialist who has had lots of success in the IPL. He can hit the ball a mile and could easily open the Scorchers' bowling. Worth the money.
Steve O'Keefe Sydney 6s $84,700
O'Keefe only played four matches last season, making 78 runs and taking three wickets. What was impressive though was his economy rate - conceding less than six runs per over from 13 overs. A roughie but definitely consider.
--> No
Andrew McDonald Adelaide Strikers $65,000
A superstar but injured.
Dom Thornley Sydney 6s $46,100
Handy cricketer but past his use-by date.
Shane Watson Brisbane Heat $102,500
Unlikely to be given permission to play do to being preserved for the Test series.
Mitch Marsh Perth Scorchers $105,300
Ruled out for the entire BBL with a hamstring injury. Such a shame for an extremely talented youngster.
Dan Christian Brisbane Heat $100,300
Christian's figures are very similar to Smith’s, expect he played few matches. 163 runs at a Strike Rate of 140 is fantastic, along with six wickets and several catches.
Kieron Pollard Adelaide Strikers $100,300
Pollard didn't play in the Big Bash last year but he has played in Australia before. He is one of the better T20 players in the world, so I would feel safe picking him up.
James Hopes Brisbane Heat $59,800
The reason the reliable Hopes is so cheap is that he played only one match last year because of injury. But realistically he could open the batting and bowling for the Heat, and his versatility could deliver a lot of points.
--> Consider
Luke Wright Melbourne Stars $86,100
His hundred last season against Hobart was phenomenal. Contributed nothing with the ball last season so it renders him very one-dimensional.
Johan Botha Adelaide Strikers $112,900
Had the highest average (in terms of fantasy points) of all all-rounders last season, and the South African is the current captain of South Australia. His batting has greatly improved.
Marlon Samuels Melbourne Renegades $85,000
Single-handedly won the T20 World Cup for the West Indies. If he can deliver more of the same, then a no-brainer.
Sean Abbott Sydney Thunder $76,100
Has been in very good form for NSW and took seven wickets last year.
Moises Henriques Sydney 6s $72,400
232 runs last BBL was an awesome return but was used sparingly with the ball. More action at the bowling crease could make him a bargain.
Glenn Maxwell Melbourne Stars $69,500
Australia's last one-day spin project has improved out of sight and has a reputation as a big hitter and an excellent fielder. Only took one wicket in 13 overs last BBL but his economy was just over seven.
John Hastings Melbourne Stars $55,200
Another player whose price has been greatly reduced due to injury last year, the former Australian paceman will get wickets but probably won't bat above seven. Ideally your all-rounder bats higher than that. Viable bench option though.
Aaron O'Brien Melbourne Renegades $52,700
O'Brien made the move from Adelaide and should benefit greatly. A handy lower-order batsman and economical bowler (28 overs at only 6.5 RPO), O'Brien is my bench all-rounder at this stage.
Albie Morkel Perth Scorchers $91,500
The South African limited overs specialist who has had lots of success in the IPL. He can hit the ball a mile and could easily open the Scorchers' bowling. Worth the money.
Steve O'Keefe Sydney 6s $84,700
O'Keefe only played four matches last season, making 78 runs and taking three wickets. What was impressive though was his economy rate - conceding less than six runs per over from 13 overs. A roughie but definitely consider.
--> No
Andrew McDonald Adelaide Strikers $65,000
A superstar but injured.
Dom Thornley Sydney 6s $46,100
Handy cricketer but past his use-by date.
Shane Watson Brisbane Heat $102,500
Unlikely to be given permission to play do to being preserved for the Test series.
Mitch Marsh Perth Scorchers $105,300
Ruled out for the entire BBL with a hamstring injury. Such a shame for an extremely talented youngster.