The must haves, bargain buys and ones to watch out for in the Brisbane Heat squad in BBL|05
BBL fantasy guide: Brisbane Heat
SQUAD
Samuel Badree ($92,200), Nicholas Buchanan ($20,000), Joe Burns ($30,000), Ben Cutting ($68,600), Alex Doolan ($30,000), Andrew Fekete ($30,000), Luke Feldman ($30,000), Jason Floros ($30,000), Peter Forrest ($73,000), James Hopes ($55,200), Josh Lalor ($73,500), Chris Lynn ($70,100), James Peirson ($48,800), Nathan Reardon ($71,100), Lendl Simmons, Mark Steketee ($31,770), Mitchell Swepson ($20,000), Jack Wildermuth ($20,000)
The BBL|02 champions won just twice last season, but should not be underestimated under the tutelage of shrewd Kiwi Daniel Vettori.
The Heat never saw the best of Vettori as a player, so maybe he can provide the spark the Brisbane franchise requires in his role as coach.
Their batting looks strong with Australia opener Joe Burns and the hard hitting Chris Lynn sure to feature at the top of the order and the ever reliable Peter Forrest and James Hopes are other batting options Vettori is sure to call upon.
News that Brendon McCullum won't feature in BBL|05 is a big blow for the Heat, although West Indian Lendl Simmons looks like an ideal replacement.
Simmons was the second leading run scorer in the IPL this year and has made his name as something of a Twenty20 specialist throughout his career.
West Indian spinner Samuel Badree is one to keep an eye on with the ball, while the likes of Andrew Fekete, Mark Steketee and Ben Cutting are sure to cause opposition batsmen plenty of headaches.
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MUST HAVE
Chris Lynn ($70,100) - The Heat skipper hit 243 runs during BBL|04, but it was his impressive strike rate (148.17) that caught the eye most. Lynn has battled a shoulder problem over recent months, but we think that could mean he is nice and fresh and ready to explode. Just last month Lynn scored 259 in a Premier Cricket game in Brisbane, so we expect him to be cherry ripe for BBL|05.
BARGAIN BUY
Jason Floros ($30,000) - At his best Floros is an extremely talented allrounder, although he isn't always the most reliable of commodities. However he won't break the bank should you include him in your squad and if things go his way he might just be a viable second spin option and lower order batsman. Don't be scared to throw him in if you are looking for a player that could post good numbers.
CONSIDER CAREFULLY
Alex Doolan ($30,000) - The former Australia Test batsmen hasn't exactly been setting the world on fire of late and only recently lost his place in the Tasmanian Sheffield Shield team. He is more than capable of scoring well, but we think there might be more valuable batsmen to include in your squad.