The inclusions of former Ashes rivals and the return of the Marsh brothers boost Perth's squad for BBL|06
BBL Fantasy Preview: Perth Scorchers
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Squad: Ashton Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Jason Behrendorff, Ian Bell (OS), Hilton Cartwright, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Mitchell Johnson, Michael Klinger, Mitch Marsh, Shaun Marsh, James Muirhead, Joel Paris, Jhye Richardson, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Adam Voges (c), Sam Whiteman, David Willey (OS)
Ins: Ian Bell, Hilton Cartwright, Mitchell Johnson, Jyhe Richardson
Outs: Michael Carberry, Marcus Harris, Brad Hogg, Simon Mackin
Master blaster: Mitchell Marsh ($53,000)
He may have been short of runs in Test cricket, but Mitchell Marsh is one of the biggest hitters of a cricket ball in Australia, as he showed against New Zealand in Canberra this week. His Test axing means he should be available for at least the first five matches of the season before his likely selection in Australia's ODI squad against Pakistan, so Fantasy players should get in quick.
Player to watch: Shaun Marsh ($83,100)
He represents a very big risk for Fantasy players, but arguably no one has a bigger point to prove than Shaun Marsh at the start of BBL|06. The opener is desperate to win back his spot in Australia's Test side and coach Darren Lehmann has confirmed the left-hander is set to use Perth's opener against the Strikers on December 23 as a fitness test for his injured finger. Marsh will be desperate for a big score in that match and, if his quest to regain his Test spot isn’t successful, he's sure to rack up plenty of Fantasy points over the Christmas period.
All-round star: Ashton Agar ($49,800)
Agar was used predominantly as a batsman in BBL|06, sending down just nine overs for the tournament, but is set to step up with the ball this season after the departure of veteran spinner Brad Hogg. He has plenty of ability with the ball - he took 10 wickets in a Shield match in Sydney a month ago - and his 34-ball innings of 68 against the Thunder last season underlines what he can do with the bat.
Overseas impact: David Willey ($91,600)
He's not cheap, but David Willey is a guaranteed Fantasy banker with both bat and ball. While he'll miss the back end of the season due to international duty, the Englishman is set to be a key player for the Scorchers once again this summer. A clever left-arm bowler and powerful batsman down the order, Willey averaged 61 Fantasy points per match last season and is expected to deliver similar numbers in BBL|06.
Fantasy bargain: Hilton Cartwright ($20,000)
The powerful allrounder is a must-have for Fantasy players at this price. A recent Australia ODI selection, Cartwright has had a breakout 12 months for Western Australia and is a chance to bat at the top of the order for the Scorchers. If you need any reminder of how powerful a batsman he can be, watch this video below.
Unknown quantity: Mitchell Johnson ($65,000)
Mitchell Johnson is one of Australia's greatest ever fast bowlers, but the fact that he hasn't played senior cricket since April makes him a 'wait-and-see' prospect in Fantasy land. The 35-year-old is still very fit and should ruffle some feathers during the summer with his pace, but the speed with which he bowls also means he can go the distance if his radar is off. One thing is for certain - he'll be must-watch television as always.