BBL Fantasy preview: Perth Scorchers

Squad: Ashton Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Jason Behrendorff, Hilton Cartwright, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Johnson, Michael Klinger, Mitch Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Joel Paris, Jhye Richardson, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Adam Voges (c), Sam Whiteman, David Willey (OS).

Ins: Cameron Green, Josh Inglis

Outs: Ian Bell (OS), James Muirhead

Master blaster: Michael Klinger ($70,900) is the leading run-scorer in BBL history, and remains Mr Consistent for the Scorchers. A veteran at the top of the order, Klinger is a master at constructing a T20 innings and will generally be his side's anchor throughout as much of the 20 overs as possible. With the role of the Marsh brothers uncertain due to potential international commitments, the experience and class of Klinger again looms as pivotal for the defending champions. 

Strike weapon: In a squad stacked with wicket-taking quicks, it's the recent form of Nathan Coulter-Nile ($65,000) that sets him apart from the rest. The speedster is out with a back problem for now but looks a chance to be recovered for the tournament, so keep an eye on Scorchers news in the lead-up to their opener against the Sixers on December 23. He was outstanding for Australia in India in September-October and is a real impact bowler who makes breakthroughs consistently, while he's also an all-round package who fields like a demon and is capable of big hitting lower in the order.

Young gun: Perhaps check the Scorchers' first squad to see if he is in the selection frame, but if he is, Joel Paris ($30,000) rates as a steal. The left-arm swinger played an ODI a couple of years back and while injuries have blighted his career since, he remains highly rated and at 24, his best is doubtless ahead of him.

Overseas impact: The Scorchers have long been trailblazers in the BBL and their decision to sign just one international player for BBL|07 is certainly a departure from conventional wisdom. England's David Willey ($85,300) is that man, an allrounder who has previously had a good time of things in Perth with his fast-medium cutters and power hitting. He's an explosive player and a consistent wicket-taker, and while his price might seem on the high side, we'll argue he's value given how much he tends to find himself in the game.

Surprise packet: Hilton Cartwright ($30,000) has played Test and ODI cricket but the powerful allrounder is yet to really make a dent in the Big Bash, which is surprising given his game seems ideally suited for it. If he's given an opportunity by coach Justin Langer, expect him to flourish as he has done up the order in the JLT Sheffield Shield. As well as hitting the ball miles, he bowls some handy seam-ups, and his price is just about irresistible.

Fantasy bargain: Adam Voges ($30,000) might have called time on his career in other formats, but the Scorchers legend is back and at a basement price of $30,000, he's worth serious consideration. Like Klinger, he's likely to occupy the crease consistently throughout the tournament, and can switch through the gears with both classic and unorthodox stroke-play.