Gold Coast’s Carrara Stadium is the venue for Game 11 of the BBL with the hosting Brisbane Heat taking on the travelling Melbourne Renegades. With Gabba recovering after the Ashes Test, the Heat take their home game down the highway which is a ground they have won their last two matches at. Draftstars continue with the big prize pools and tonight we play off for a $25,000 prize pool.

 

 

Despite a Boxing Day classic in 2020 which 380+ runs were scored, Carrara has been a low scoring ground and a ground that is suspectable to inclement weather. Whilst the conditions are not a problem here, full matches going the distance have only produced 150 per team. Whilst it is hard to predict a total here, I am not expecting a total over 170+. The Heat are looking for their first win of the season and they wouldn’t want to go 0-3 at home.

 

The Heat haven’t actually confirmed their squad for tonight’s match due to the fact several players who were involved in the Australia A game haven’t been cleared to play. Michael Neser, Mitch Swepson and Mark Steketee needed to grind out four days of red ball cricket which only wrapped up yesterday. Swepson in particular needed to bowl 40+ overs in the second innings. If all or some do play, then Draftstars have already reacted by posting $16K+ salaries for the trio. It may be a scenario you may want to avoid whether they play or not. UPDATE: The Heat finally realesed their 13-man squad just after 1pm on game day. Michael Neser and Mark Steketee are not included and Jack Wildermuth is still out with a back compliant. Tom Abell and Mitch Swepson have been included. Through two games, the Heat haven’t exactly been a fantasy delight with only Xavier Bartlett averaging more than 50 Draftstars points through two games. However, you cannot discount players such as Chris Lynn, Mujeeb and Sam Heazlett (who has had a great start to the season). Finally English Import Tom Abell should make his debut and looks like a good value play.

 

Expected Heat Xl: Lynn, Bryant, Duckett, Abell, Heazlett, Peirson, Bazley, Bartlett, Swepson, Gannon, Mujeeb (Guthrie, Cooper)

 

For the Renegades, Nic Maddinson will make his debut for the team in Red and will also take the captain duties. Josh Lalor was also added to the 15-man squad. However, Aaron Finch’s knee is still no good and will miss once again. Still no game for Unmukt Chand. I am expecting Maddinson to either bat at 3 or 4, leaving the openers in Harvey and Harper to open the innings. Jonathan Merlo will likely be the one missing here. The Renegades did play twice at Carrara last season for two losses.

 

Likely XI: Harvey, Harper (wk), Maddinson, Fraser-McGurk, Seymour, Nabi, Sutherland, Pattinson, Richardson, Topley, Khan

 

Looking for Draftstars scores from previous editions from the BBL? Our Free Players Logs are now available in Data Tools

 

Love It – Xavier Bartlett $15,400

Big praise coming from the Heat on the start of Bartlett’s Tournament for the run all-rounder. Leads the Heat in fantasy scoring due to his quick run scoring and his two wickets so far. The price is creeping up but for a two-dimensional player that has been entrusted to lead the Heat attack, then Bartlett is a focus in my Draftstars teams.

 

Love It – Tom Abell $11,500

If the Heat allow their Aus A bowlers back into the side, this is going to create a lack of value options for tonight’s contest. Enter Tom Abell who is the Heat’s international signing after a big season for Somerset in their recent T20 tournament. 26 off 20, 50 off 35 and 78 off 45 balls in his last three matches before being picked up by the Heat. A serious batter and hopefully he can get off to a fast start at this salary.

 

Hate It – Sam Harper $16,300 / Mackenzie Harvey $15,800

Great tournament plays if you can get up to their salary but after a promising two opening games for the opening partnership, I am finding their 15k+ salaries too hard to swallow. I certainly raised my eyebrows after their woeful BBL10 campaign seeing two excellent opening starts between the pair. Regression is coming and these two are not for me here.

 

Hate It – Jimmy Peirson $11,200

Likely to be push down one spot with the introduction of Tom Abell and possibly be bumped down even further if quick runs are required from Xavier Bartlett. Not keen on Peirson and his cheap salary tonight as he needs plenty of things to go his way to become fantasy relevant. Likely to make a few teams due to his cheap salary.

 

Who Knows – Mitch Swepson $17,600

With the Heat's squad landing on game day, Swepson is one of two inclusions for the Heat after spending a huge amount of time for Australia A against the Lions. Now spinners are a different sort to fast bowlers in terms of backing up, but the transition between red and white ball cricket in 24 hours will be interesting. No doubting Swepson's ability in this form of the game but I may like to see how he goes first up. Price tag is also a bit pricey too. 

 

Suggested Draftstars Lineup  

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