The Big Bash is back for another season as the Hobart Hurricanes look to defend their BBL title in an always hotly contested tournament. Let’s check out some outright bets ahead of Sunday’s first game.
BBL 15 Winner
Best Bet
There’s no need to overthink this one. The Hurricanes were a force last season and have only grown stronger, bringing in Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster and veteran Jackson Bird. Weatherald and Webster won’t be available until after the Ashes, but with a soft early draw the ‘Canes should bank some early wins ahead of their return. Back them now, as this price won’t last.
Value Bet
It’s tough to back either of the Melbourne teams with much confidence, but there’s a bit going for the Renegades. Their bowling is really strong, with last year’s top two wicket-takers in Tom Rogers joined by former Scorcher Jason Behrendorff, along with Australia’s primary T20 spinner Adam Zampa and Test spinner Nathan Lyon, who will join after the Ashes. The batting is all duck or no dinner with players like Jake Fraser-McGurk, Josh Brown and Tim Seifert, but if they get rolling the ‘Gades could surprise.
Top Runscorer
Best Bet
The Strikers captain is coming off a down season in the Big Bash, averaging only 33.71, but he topped the run tally in both BBL 12 and 13. Short’s form for Australia in the recent ODI and T20 series was very solid, and he has three 50s in his last four Shield innings. This looks a good price.
Value Bet
Sangha is a bit of a forgotten BBL player, having only played five games across the last two seasons, but he did average 43 from his three knocks in BBL 14. A move to the Strikers and the batter-friendly Adelaide Oval could see him near the top of the tally if he can stay on the park.
Top Wicket Taker
This is a very wide-open market, especially with last year’s winner Behrendorff switching teams and perennial contender Sean Abbott facing a delayed start to the season. The Thunder prepare spin-friendly, low-scoring pitches, which could set up a breakout season for the in-form Sangha, who has been taking wickets for fun in domestic cricket and for Australia A lately.
