Perth Scorchers futures betting & squad news for BBL 2016-17

INJURY is perhaps the only thing standing between Perth Scorchers and a sixth consecutive top-three finish.

Justin Langer’s squad is the most settled and experienced in the T20 Big Bash League, boasting high-class options in every position.

However, that depth will be sorely tested if a few big names don’t pass fit for the start of the season.

Both Jason Behrendorff (leg) and Nathan Coulter-Nile (back) will miss the opening weeks, while star left-arm quick Mitchell Johnson is short on preparation after battling tonsillitis.

Joel Paris (quad), Jhye Richardson (groin) and Andrew Tye (shoulder) are also doubts for Perth’s round one clash with Adelaide Strikers.

That’s as many as six fast bowling options out of action, so it’s little wonder Langer and company have called up the uncontracted David Moody, Simon Mackin and Josh Nicholas as cover.

James Muirhead is also likely to miss the season opener with a hand problem, which leaves the Scorchers without a wrist spin option now that Brad Hogg has moved on.

Even with those problems, it’s a very decent team that will line up for the start of BBL06.

Hilton Cartwright, Mitchell Marsh and England allrounder David Willey are all capable wicket-takers alongside the twin spin of Ashtons Agar and Turner.

They are flush for batting, especially with Ian Bell joining Cameron Bancroft, Michael Klinger, Shaun Marsh and captain Adam Voges in the top order.

Maybe the only long-term issue will be the availability of the Marsh brothers, both of whom seem to have their trousers caught in the revolving door of Australian national selection.

Nevertheless, the punting community has backed Perth into $5 favouritism ahead of both the Melbourne teams ($5.50 each) in the 2016-17 Big Bash outright market at Sportsbet.com.au.

Perth Scorchers BBL futures betting

All odds provided by Sportsbet.com.au

Perth Scorchers outright betting:

To win the title – $5

To reach the final – $2.80

Top four finish – $1.40

Bottom of the table – $10

Top Scorchers batsman in BBL06:

Michael Klinger – $3

Ian Bell – $4.50

Shaun Marsh, Adam Voges – $5

Ashton Agar, Mitchell Marsh – $13

Cameron Bancroft, David Willey – $15

Hilton Cartwright – $21

Sam Whiteman – $26

Ashton Turner – $41

(Others quoted)

Top Scorchers bowler in BBL06:

Andrew Tye – $3.75

Mitchell Johnson – $4.50

David Willey – $6

Joel Paris – $6.50

James Muirhead – $9

Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff – $10

Mitchell Marsh – $13

Jhye Richardson – $21

Hilton Cartwright, Nathan Coulter-Nile – $26

Ashton Turner – $41

Players to watch

Ian Bell – A veteran of more than 270 international appearances, Bell was devastated to get the axe from England’s Test team late last year. While the 34-year-old’s domestic form since has not quite hit the sparkling heights of which he is undoubtedly capable, he is eager to impress in Perth and put his name back in contention for next summer’s Ashes tour. He brings style, versatility and a wealth of experience to the already star-studded Scorchers lineup.

Hilton Cartwright – With so many high-class fast bowlers in doubt for the opening week or so, the likes of Cartwright will have big roles to play in keeping Perth competitive early doors. The young WA allrounder stepped into the national consciousness recently when he was named in Australia’s ODI squad for the three-match series against New Zealand. Is his bowling potent enough to warrant any future call-ups? We may soon find out.

Shaun Marsh – A hand injury ruled the lefty out of the running for a Test recall last week, but he should be in the mix to face Adelaide in round one. We all know how dangerous this guy can be at the top of the order in any format, and he will be eager to keep his name in the selectors’ thoughts for the remainder of Pakistan’s tour. He might not play every game, but he will always be a shout for the top scorer and man of the match markets when he does feature.

Michael Klinger – When you look back at his career figures, it seems incredible that Klinger hasn’t featured for Australia at any level. The likes of Bell, Voges and the Marshes all have star quality, but this guy is probably the best of the lot in the shortest form. His record in Twenty20 cricket is superb and he won’t be called away for any Test or ODI action, so you could do much worse than take a chance on ‘Maxy’ at $15 for top Big Bash League runscorer at Sportsbet.

2016-17 Big Bash League fixture list

Adelaide Strikers at the WACA – Friday, December 23, 2016

Sydney Sixers at the SCG – Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Melbourne Renegades at Etihad Stadium – Thursday, December 29, 2016

Sydney Thunder at the WACA – Sunday, January 1, 2017

Brisbane Heat at the WACA – Thursday, January 5, 2017

Brisbane Heat at the Gabba – Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Melbourne Stars at the WACA – Saturday, January 14, 2017

Hobart Hurricanes at Blundstone Arena – Saturday, January 21, 2017

BBL06 Perth Scorchers squad

* denotes international player on Visa contract

Batsmen:

Adam Voges (captain)

Ian Bell*

Michael Klinger

Shaun Marsh

Wicketkeepers:

Cameron Bancroft

Sam Whiteman

Allrounders:

Ashton Agar

Hilton Cartwright

Mitchell Marsh

Ashton Turner

David Willey*

Seam bowlers:

Jason Behrendorff

Nathan Coulter-Nile

Mitchell Johnson

Joel Paris

Jhye Richardson

Andrew Tye

Spin bowlers:

James Muirhead