JLT One-day Cup Preview
With no Sydney teams remaining in the NRL or AFL competitions, itâs officially time to turn your attention to the cricket. The Ashes and a beefed up Big Bash are set to make this the biggest summer ever, and to cap off all the action on our shores is the 2017 JLT One-day cup.
Now entering the fifth year of the stand-alone round robin tournament, this year will see the tournament kick off in Brisbane and Perth, before the latter stages in Sydney. The ultimate group match and finals will also be held in Tasmania for the first time, giving a more national flavour to the tournament than in previous years.
Last year saw the NSW Blues claim their second consecutive title after victories over Victoria and Queensland in the semi and final. With the CA XI once again included, seven teams will by vying for top spot, so hereâs a preview of what to watch from each side.
Cricket Australia XI
Squad: Max Bryant (QLD), Jake Carder (WA), Jackson Coleman (VIC), Daniel Fallins (NSW), David Grant (SA), Clint Hinchliffe (WA), Jonathan Merlo (VIC), Harry Nielsen (SA), Ben Pengelley (SA), Mark Steketee (QLD), Henry Thornton (NSW), Param Uppal (NSW), Beau Webster (TAS), Mac Wright (TAS)
Last year: After managing one victory in their inaugural season, last year saw the CA XI go winless throughout the tournament, although they did go close against eventual champions, NSW. Seven members of that squad have now graduated to their full-state squads which shows the experiment is working.
Prediction: 7th - while they could snag a victory if lucky, itâs hard to see this very young outfit getting off the bottom of the ladder this year. While they do boast a few Shield reps, this tournament will be all about gaining experience for these stars of tomorrow.
Whoâs missing: Technically no one - they are made up of the best young players who missed state selection, so realistically everyone who should be here is here. Last yearâs squad was quite fluid, meaning we could see additional players joining the unit throughout the tournament.
Star players: The inclusion of fast bowler Mark Steketee (QLD) and batting allrounder Beau Webster (Tas) - the latter of which was arguably the most improved player in last yearâs Big Bash - are both interesting given they both were first choice state players in last yearâs tournament. Theyâll be in the unfamiliar position of veterans in this squad, but could help the side be more competitive this year.
Young gun: Ben Pengelley (SA) is a great story. Hailing from regional South Australia, he travelled 400kms each way, twice-a-week, in order to train in Adelaide. The Redbacks rookie is a genuine all-rounder, with a game tailored made for the short formats. Although not guaranteed a spot in their XI, if given his chance, he could put his name on the radar of several BBL clubs.
Where theyâll win it...: In Max Bryant (QLD) and Jake Carder (WA) they have two of the most dynamic, attacking openers in the competition. Carder scored 93 from only 83 last year against South Australia, while Bryant scored 134 from only 92 balls, with seven sixes in Queensland Premier Cricket two weeks ago.
While seniors is different, both of these young batters are renowned for their big hitting, and if they both get going, it could help the CA XI post a winning total.
Itâs a big tournament forâŚ: In a team picked on potential it is hard to narrow this down, to just one player but here goes⌠Daniel Fallins was called out for his ability to give it a rip like Stuart MacGill by Greg Chappell himself, and the young leg-spinner looks set to shoulder the load of the slow bowling for the CA XI. The last young leg-spinner picked in the CA XI was Mitch Swepson who is now the premier wrist-spinner in the country. Could Fallins follow the trend?
New South Wales Blues
Squad: Sean Abbott, Doug Bollinger, Harry Conway, Ed Cowan, Mickey Edwards, Ryan Gibson, Daniel Hughes, Jay Lenton, Nathan Lyon, Nic Maddinson, Arjun Nair, Peter Nevill, Kurtis Patterson, Gurinder Sandhu
Last year: The Blues steam-rolled Queensland in the final of last yearâs tournament to claim their second straight One-day cup. After a slow start against the CA XI and loss to Tasmania, they re-grouped with strong victories against Victoria and Western Australia on the way to the title with Daniel Hughes, Moises Henriques leading the way with the bat and Doug Bollinger and Pat Cummins getting it done with the ball.
Prediction: 2nd - It is hard to go past the polish in this NSW squad, which could win its third straight title in the format. The majority of last yearâs side returns, and while they lack a genuine all-round option to create balance in their XI, they have studs across the board who can more than make up for that.
Whoâs missing: Steve Smith, David Warner, Pat Cummins (International duty) and Stephen OâKeefe (Suspended) are all unavailable, while Moises Henriques will also be unavailable for the majority of the tournament due to the T20 Internationals in India. While Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc are both on the injured list, they could return for some overs in this tournament which would give the Blues a serious ace up their sleeve.
Star players: Nathan Lyon continues to get overlooked for International honours in the short formats, but his record last year was irresistible. His 4/10 (10) in last yearâs final break the heart of the Queensland Bulls, and on early season decks he could be a handful once more.
With the bat, Kurtis Patterson looks set to carry the load for the Blues who will be without Henriques for the majority of the tournament. The classy left-hander has been one of the most consistent bats in the country over the last two years in the Shield, and will be looking to replicate that form with the 50-over game this year.
Young gun: Mickey Edwards has the chance to show the world heâs more than a meme this year after earning selection. After earning a rookie-deal 3 years ago, Edwards has spent almost the whole time in the rehab ward. Now fit, the 2-metre monster looks set to show his worth, and could be one of the real eye catching players of the tournament.
Where theyâll win it...: The Blues strength lies in their depth. Last year the consistently bowled sides out, while over five batsman scored over 200 runs. While there XI can look unbalanced when it doesnât go well, head-to-head theyâre better than any side in the comp.
Itâs a big tournament forâŚ: Sean Abbott has been playing in this tournament since he was 18, and despite the accolades heâs achieved in the Big Bash, the One-Day format looks to suit his game perfectly. Heâs already grabbed a five-for in the warm-up games and the opening round of Grade cricket, and this tournament could be the start of more regular conversations about his value on the our national team.
Victorian Bushrangers
Squad: Cameron White (c), Wes Agar, Scott Boland, Travis Dean, Seb Gotch, Sam Harper, Marcus Harris, John Hastings, Jon Holland, Will Pucovski, Matt Short, Peter Siddle, Blake Thomson, Chris Tremain.
Last year: Some good wins, some bad losses, the Bushrangers underachieved with a 3rd place finish in last yearâs tournament. Cameron White (again) topped the run-scorers list with 457, but only Glenn Maxwell (211) scored over 200 to support White.
Prediction: 4th - The Bushrangers are affected more than any other side with players unavailable to them. In total, seven of their 14-man squad stand to make their List A debut for Victoria. While their bowling attack is world class, theyâll again be reliant on White for the bulk of runs given their lack of experience with the stick.
Whoâs missing: Glenn Maxwell, Peter Handscomb, Dan Christian, Aaron Finch (International Duty) are all unavailable, while last yearâs skipper Matthew Wade and Marcus Stoinis have both returned to their home states of Tasmania and Western Australia respectively.
Star players: Cameron White has scored more runs than anyone in the last three years of the competition, but still cannot find his way back into the Australian One-day side. As the Captain, heâll once again have to shoulder the load.
Between Scott Boland and Chris Tremain, the Bushrangers host two of the best young fast-bowling prospects in the country. Throw in John Hastings and you could be talking about the ODI bowling attack in years to come. These three should at least give the Vics a shot at victory in the early stages of the tournament.
Young gun: Will Pucovski shot to prominence after smashing the u19s National Championships scoring record, and subsequently earned a rookie deal and Shield debut last summer. We could be looking at the next great Aussie batsman.
Where theyâll win it...: A bowling attack of Tremain, Boland, Hastings and Peter Siddle matches it up any state. Throw in Jon Holland and it could even match it with some International attacks. If they get Maxwell and Christian back later in the tournament, theyâll be the most dangerous side in the tournament with the ball.
Itâs a big tournament forâŚ: Former Australian u19 skipper Matt Short has bounced in and out of the Bushrangers squad over the years, but could be set for an extended run with Stoinisâ departure opening the door for another allrounder in the ranks. He hits it a mile and bowls decent off-spin, and still just 21, he could mature into a very handy player for them in the mould of Ashton Turner.
South Australian Redbacks
Squad: Callum Ferguson (c), Tom Andrews, Alex Carey, Tom Cooper, Michael Cormack, Jake Lehmann, Joe Mennie, Alex Ross, Chadd Sayers, Kelvin Smith, Cameron Valente, Jake Weatherald, Nick Winter, Daniel Worrall
Last year: The Redbacks topsy-turvy tournament was finally ended last year after they stuffed up their maths and thought a bonus point win was needed from their final match for a spot in the finals. It wasnât, and they lost a winnable match going too hard and were bundled out. They did unearth young guns Jake Weatherald, Cameron Valente and Alex Carey as bright prospects however.
Prediction: 3rd - despite their youth, thereâs something plucky about this Redbacks squad which inspires confidence. While not all household names, each of their squad members are capable of being match winners, and theyâre likely to shock a few teams throughout the tournament just two years after they made the final.
Whoâs missing: Regular skipper Travis Head, Kane Richardson and Adam Zampa (international duty) are all first-teamers missing from action, while Chadd Sayers picked up a finger injury in grade cricket which looks set to sideline him. Should they make it to the finals, they Head, Richo and Zampa could all provide a big boost for the #Rarebacks
Star players: The Redbacks strength lies with their batting, and from pre-season form it looks like Alex Ross could be set to take his game to the next level. The Sweepologist has already delivered match-winning knocks for his state, and will be looking to better his career best List A score of 97*.
Stepping in for Head as skipper, Callum Ferguson will also be expected to score plenty for the Redbacks this tournament. With the way the national tour in India is going, another strong tournament from the 32-year-old could propel him back into international reckoning.
Young gun: If you had predicted that Cameron Valente wouldâve topped the wicket-takers last year then youâre probably related. Still just 23, he showed plenty of experience with a mix of slower-balls and cutters to bamboozle batsmen the country over, and he also scored a ton. Alongside a pace attack more suited to Shield cricket, he could be a shining light again for his state.
Where theyâll win it...: The Redbacks boast fire-power in their line-up which is almost unrivalled. In Weatherald, Carey, Ferguson and Tom Cooper theyâve got an incredibly powerful top four. Alex Ross and Jake Lehmann round out a side which could out any attack to the sword.
Itâs a big tournament forâŚ: Alex Carey is the name on everyone's lips at the moment, and with good reason. The young wicketkeeper has had a strong 12 months, and in some circles is viewed as next-in-line behind Matthew Wade for the Australian Test team. A good tournament could only strengthen his credentials.
Western Australian Warriors
Squad: Mitch Marsh (c), Ashton Turner (vc), Cameron Bancroft, Will Bosisto, Josh Inglis, Matt Kelly, Michael Klinger, Simon Mackin, Shaun Marsh, David Moody, Jhye Richardson, D'Arcy Short, Andrew Tye, Jonathan Wells
Last year: 4th - with a side loaded with potential, the Warriors underperformed and could not capitalise on their matches played at the WACA. Adam Voges (301) and Michael Klinger (236) led the way with the bat, but aside from AJ Tyeâs 12 wickets, the Warriors lacked strike-bowling.
Prediction: 5th - on paper, the Warriors are well balanced, but their bowling attack will be one of the least experienced in the competition. The Marsh brothers and Klinger provide class up the order, but their final standing is likely to depend on their ability to exploit local conditions during their opening three matches at the WACA.
Whoâs missing: Marcus Stoinis, Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Coulter-Nile and Hilton Cartwright will all miss the start of the tournament, while Agar looks set to be out altogether after breaking his finger during the ODI series. Young quick Joel Paris appears to still be out with injury, but the production line of fast bowlers should cover well at the start of the tournament.
Star players: Michael Klinger continues to get it done despite his age. He averages almost 50 in the format and will be relied on once again to get his adopted state off to a flyer. While heâll open the batting with Shaun, itâs the other Marsh who could also provide a reminder to the national selectors with some strong form.
Despite his struggle at Test level, Mitch Marshâs last year in ODI cricket has been solid, as heâs lifted his batting average to 35 on the international stage. Offseason shoulder surgery will restrict him to playing as a bat only, and heâll likely come in at four.
Young gun: Jhye Richardson made a name for himself with a Man of the Match effort in last summerâs Big Bash final. At just 21, he bowls with good pace and accuracy and will play a huge role for the Warriors at the start of the tournament.
Where theyâll win it...: While they lack experience in the pace bowling stocks, local conditions at the WACA could play a huge factor in their push for a spot in the finals. Last year, four wins was enough for the Vics to make the semi, so if the Warriors can exploit home conditions theyâll have one foot in the door for the knockout stages.
Itâs a big tournament forâŚ: Wicketkeeper Josh Inglis has found himself in a tough spot to start his career as understudy to one of the countryâs brightest prospects in Sam Whiteman. Despite this, he has hardly put a foot wrong when given his opportunities, and after a solid tournament for the CA XI last year, the aggressive right-hander will get his chance with the Warriors with a chance to show his employers what heâs capable of.
Queensland Bulls
Squad: Usman Khawaja (c), Joe Burns, Ben Cutting, Brendan Doggett, Jason Floros, Cameron Gannon, Sam Heazlett, Marnus Labuschagne, Michael Neser, James Peirson, Matthew Renshaw, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Swepson, Jack Wildermuth
Last year: The pace-setters during the group stages, the Bulls were blown away in the final and finished as runners-up in the tournament. Marnus Labuschagne was voted the player of the tournament, with plenty of contributors across the board including Michael Neser, Ben Cutting and Jason Floros.
Prediction: 1st - 2017 is the year the Queensland Bulls return to the top of the castle. Theyâll have Usman Khawaja for the whole tournament - arguably the finest batsman not on International duties - while their glutton of allrounders makes them a daunting prospect for any opposition side.
Whoâs missing: The Bulls are the only side not missing players to the tour of India, and have arguably gotten better than last season by welcoming Matt Renshaw, Sam Heazlett and allrounder Jack Wildermuth to the fold - all of which were injured during last yearâs tournament.
Star players: He averages 44 in List A cricket, possess probably the nicest cover drive in the country and Khawaja will be keen to prove a point during the JLT One-day. People forget how good he is at white-ball cricket, but when he is on he is simply too good for Domestic cricket.
Joe Burns is another player with Test experience who will be hoping to push for higher honours with strong results. He scored over 200 runs last year, and showed in the Big Bash that he can perform any role in the XI.
Young gun: Jack Wildermuth rose to prominence in the tournament two years ago when playing for the CA XI, and the young allrounder finally gets his crack with his home state this year. He will bat seven and bowl 10 overs without any fuss. And heâll probably be doing it for Queensland for the next decade.
Where theyâll win itâŚ: The Bulls have weapons across the board with bat and ball. Quite simply if one of them doesnât get you, another one will. Remarkably, Iâve got them as favourites despite the fact that Chris Lynn doesnât even have a Queensland contract at the moment. If they can take wickets, theyâll win the tournament.
Itâs a big tournament forâŚ: Billy Stanlake will miss the first couple of games due to a foot injury, but looks set for a huge tournament. Heâs just 22, and at 6â8 bowls absolutely rapid pace that has already earned him two ODI caps. A strong tournament could see him earn more action in gold this summer.
Tasmanian Tigers
Squad: George Bailey (c), Jackson Bird, Cameron Boyce, Alex Doolan, Jake Doran, Ben Dunk, Andrew Fekete, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Simon Milenko, Sam Rainbird, Tom Rogers, Jordan Silk, Charlie Wakim
Last year: 5th - A strong win against NSW had them in contention for the finals, but three wins and three losses had them in the middle of the pack. Alex Doolan and Tim Paine lad the way with the bat, but bowlers - aside from Cameron Boyce - struggled.
Prediction: 6th - While they could spring a win or two, outside of George Bailey they lack a bit of polish in the white ball department. In Ben Dunk, Alex Doolan, Ben McDermott and Cameron Boyce they boast game breakers, overall there lack of experience could mean they wonât cause too many ripples this summer.
Whoâs missing: Wicketkeeper Tim Paine and James Faulkner will miss the start of the tournament while on International duty, and should slot straight back into the fold when available.
Star players: George Bailey was in the Australian first choice ODI lineup consistently until last summer, and remains an elite player at domestic level. Importantly, heâs a calm head who should help provide valuable experience to young middle order and pace attack.
Aside from Bailey, Alex Doolan will be expected to score heavily, backing up his fantastic tournament from last summer. Doolan belted 362 runs from 6 innings, averaging 120 and passing fifty on four occasions.
Young gun: Charlie Wakim is a new recruit from Sydney whoâs an exciting middle-order prospect. Heâs compact, busy at the crease, and has all the shots. Although not a lock in their best XI, if selected he could provide some stability at five or six for the Tigers.
Where theyâll win it: In Dunk and McDermott they possess big hitting ability that few sides own. Dunk scored a double-century (remarkably Tasmania still lost that match) a couple of years ago while McDermott broke the internet in January with his devastating Big Bash ton for the Hobart Hurricanes. If these too get going, they could score 400.
Itâs a big tournament forâŚ: Cameron Boyce was a leg-spinning golden child just two years ago, but on the verge of his ODI debut he was surprisingly overlooked for Adam Zampa. Zampa succeeded, and the move confined Boyce to the sidelines of the International arena.
With Mitch Swepson also forcing him out of his native Queensland, this is Boyceâs second season in the Tigers, and with Zampa having been dropped for for (a now injured) Ashton Agar in the current Indian series, now could be Boyceâs chance to challenge for higher honours once more.











