The Melbourne Stars, on paper, look the strongest of all the BBL teams, with their lineup containing an amazing display of powerful batting. Also, with many of their players not being on international duties this summer, they will have more players to choose from.
Cameron White has been in blistering form and will take that into the Big Bash. He will be looking for an international recall for the shorter forms of the game. Rob Quiney is a bit behind in the international pecking order, but he will be feeling the same, as his amazing hitting could well be used by the Australian team in the future.
Veterans Brad Hodge and David Hussey are back. Hodge now plays only T20 matches around the world and is plenty experienced in the format. Hussey may be going down a similar path, as he has been cut from the Australian side and has even been dropped for several Sheffield Shield classes this season, in favour of youth.
Matthew Wade appears to be out of favour with the national selectors at the moment, so he will be available for much of the Big Bash this year. He will keep, but Peter Handscomb should still get some chances as a specialist batsman.
There are many talented all-rounders in the squad. Englishman Luke Wright should open the batting and possibly the bowling, with his useful right arm medium-fast bowling. James Faulkner should be around for some matches, including the first, but his availability will be interesting. He may get a test call up for Boxing Day. Glenn Maxwell will also miss games later in the season with the ODI team, but the Big Show will be a lot of fun to watch in the matches he does play.
Don't forget the Duke John Hastings either, he should play most matches and Alex Keath could get an opportunity later on when others leave for international duty.
Lasith Malinga won't be available until game 3 for the Melbourne Stars, so don't start with him in your team. Jackson Bird will also be out with injury for the first few matches. Australia's number 1 ODI bowler Clint McKay will play a big role, as should left arm orthodox spinner Clive Rose. He has impressed for Tasmania in the Ryobi Cup with his clever changes of pace and lower order batting.
1. Cameron White
2. Luke Wright
3. Brad Hodge
4. Rob Quiney
5. Matthew Wade (wk)
6. David Hussey / Peter Handscomb
7. Glenn Maxwell
8. James Faulkner
9. John Hastings
10. Clint McKay
11. Clive Rose
WHITE, Cameron - Batsman, $68,500
White has been in stunning form this summer and I expect him to carry that into the Big Bash. Could also bowl a bit of part time leg spin, so a very good option at that price.
HASTINGS, John - All-Rounder, $45,800
Dirt cheap at this price, Hastings should play just about every game and will always bowl his full quota of 4 overs. Has a good slower ball and puts effort into every delivery.
WADE, Matthew - Wicket-keeper, $68,900
The 4th most expensive keeper, Wade is a good option if you are looking for a high scorer, but don't quite have the cash to get the likes of Buttler and Paine. Wade may receive a recall to Australia's limited overs teams though, so make sure you keep an eye on what he does throughout the season.
MALINGA, Lasith - Bowler, $110,300
The most expensive bowler in the game, but he is certainly worth the price tag. The best limited overs bowler in the game, Malinga has a knack of getting the batsman out when he bowls the death overs, and rarely has a bad game. He won't be available for the first two games of the season though, so make sure you don't start with him and get him in for round 3.
What do you think about the Stars' chances to take out the Big Bash this season? Which Stars will make it into your lineup this season?
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