daily fantasy sports articles

Draftstars are offering a juicy $25,000 guaranteed contest for this one, along with a quality support act of minis, micros and $5k high roller to keep everyone entertained.

The Strikers and the Hurricanes have kept their heads low during this recent Covid chaos, but that doesn’t mean that their squads aren’t under pressure.

The Strikers will be without import George Garton for this one, although some pundits may see that as a positive the way his form was going. Fawad Ahmed has also been left out of the squad of 13, while Harry Conway returns fresh from a dinner and isolation date with Pat Cummins.

With the Renegades landing a win over the Stars, it means the Strikers are now languishing on the bottom of the ladder with just one win from their eight matches. They have been able to pinch the Big Bash bonus point in several of those losses, so their issues aren’t so much at the top of the order. Their middle order has been poor and the help from the lower order has been non-existent. They attempted to boost their batting with the inclusion of Henry Hunt last match, but he seemed to be off the pace, while Harry Nielsen and Rashid Khan haven’t been able to contribute much at all this season with the bat. The only shining light has been Tom Kelly who has shown some talent and the ability to hit a clean ball.

Rashid Khan has been typically dangerous with the ball, however Daniel Worrall and Wes Agar have been chopping in and out of the team, while Peter Siddle struggles between bowling putrid slow balls and irresistable yorkers.

It’s just a story of massive inconsistencies this season for the Strikers. Can they pull it all together at once to challenge the Hurricanes?

The Hurricanes were brought back down to Earth in a failed run chase against the Heat. Without Ben McDermott to carry them home, they struggled to get anything going with the willow. It’s time for Matthew Wade to recapture his form, while the pedestrian strike rate of D’Arcy Short is becoming a massive problem for the momentum of their innings.

Nathan Ellis is out with a side strain which is a massive hole for the Canes, who are missing a number of strike bowlers and don’t really have any replacements ready to go in their squad. They may go for all-rounder Mitch Owen to give them some support with both bat and ball. That may open the door for more overs from D’Arcy Short and Tim David, while there will be pressure on Riley Meredith and Tom Rogers as the only specialist pace bowlers in the side.

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

Love It - Jono Wells ($12,700)

Jono Wells has dropped significantly in price after his duck last game, and in a struggling Strikers batting line-up, he looks a nice play. Batting in the top four, Wells is usually very consistent with a low-risk style that is good for building an innings. With the Hurricanes bowling looking thin, I’m happy to back the Strikers to make a few runs.

Love It - D’Arcy Short ($19,800)

Yes, his batting has been ordinary this season. Well, it’s more his strike rate that has been the issue. He’s just not the free-flowing, power-punching batsman we’re used to, but he has still made a few starts. However, we’re not picking him here purely for his batting. With the lack of Hurricanes bowlers, I fully expect Short to bowl his full complement of four overs here. His bowling has come along quite well recently, and he can easily pick up a few wickets or grab some economy bonus. Throw in any batting points as some cream on the cake, and he’s my preferred option of the premium players.

Don’t Love It - Henry Hunt ($8,800)

A quality red ball cricketer, Henry Hunt looked a little off the pace in his BBL debut last match. He was played out of position from his usual opening role, coming in at number six needing quick runs. I don’t think that’s the right role for him, and he may not even get picked again this match. If he does, then I’ll be looking elsewhere.

Don’t Love It - Jake Weatherald ($14,800)

You have to respect Jake Weatherald for what he’s capable of, but he hasn’t had a great season and doesn’t look the dangerous player he once was. With just one half century for the season, and several poor scores at poor strike rate, there’s really not much to get excited about there. The form just doesn’t justify the price tag for me.

Who Knows - Matthew Wade ($18,900)

Had one massive score of 93 from 46 balls earlier in the season but it’s been pretty poor otherwise. Has failed miserably the last three matches which has been super costly at his premium price tag. If he gets going, he’s a match-winner but is just so hyper aggressive that he’s a high-risk pick.

Suggested Draftstars Lineup

Always remember to gamble responsibly. When the fun stops, stop. If gambling is having a negative impact on your life, seek support at Gambling Help Online.  18+ only.