Big Bash League – Week 1: Oye Captain Fantasy Tips

Not picking Andre Russell will be a major gamble

Melbourne Renegades vs Sydney Thunder

By this time, one can get a fair idea of what the defending champions can come up with. Even though Russell will yet again be a certainty irrespective of his performance in the previous game, users can get a fair idea of how the young local Australians fare from Thunder. Those who are willing to gamble by not including Russell, can certainly go with Watson, especially if he opens the batting. The other all-rounder who will grab eyeballs here is Dwayne Bravo. He is going to cost big, but he will almost guarantee you plenty of wickets.

Given Aaron Finch's recent form, Cameron White seems to be a safer option from the Renegades. Brad Hogg can be a smarter, cheaper option as well as he continues to surprise us with his performances at this age. Renegades have plenty of bowlers in their ranks, but Sunil Narine will without a doubt be on everyone's agenda. It won't be easy though as picking Narine would automatically mean you will have to sacrifice on some other front. Matthew Wade seems to be the wiser option for a wicketkeeper.

Sydney Sixers vs Hobart Hurricanes

Two teams that finished at the bottom last season take on each other in what will be the second game for the Sixers. While the home side look strong on paper, Hurricanes haven't done enough to strengthen their squad after last season. Leave your emotions aside and do not pick Kumar Sangakkara. He struggled to put bat on ball last season and he has returned an year older. All-rounder Daniel Christian looks like the only guy who can guarantee points. The likes of Tim Paine and George Bailey can score on their day, but neither of them exudes confidence even though the former appears to be ideal choice for a gloveman.

Jason Roy should yet again be high on your priority list, but also keep an eye on Jordan Silk, who showed glimpses of what he can offer last season. Sean Abbott is a wise option on the bowling front. Even though he proved to be expensive last year, he may still fetch you loads of points as he is a wicket-taker. O'Keefe should still get the nod in the spin department, but if the SCG surface appears to offer turn, then Cameron Boyce will come into the equation as well.

Perth Scorchers vs Adelaide Strikers

Users will have to make some tough calls with the Scorchers squad as there are quite a number of interesting options to choose from. If you are willing to gamble, pick Mitchell Johnson, if not, then David Willey can prove to be handful as he can also use the long handle to good effect.

Shaun Marsh's availability is doubtful, but Mitch Marsh is someone who can be trusted to fetch points. Opener Michael Klinger is another safe option while there is also Ian Bell, who is probably a surprise inclusion in that squad in the first place. The Englishman will, in all likelihood, need time to settle into the squad in such a fast-paced tournament, so picking him can backfire big time.

Strikers meanwhile might have Rashid available just in time for the game. If he indeed does play, then go for the leggie as he can not only be economical, but also fetch wickets. Head will once again be an automatic inclusion and Pollard against the pace battery of the Scorchers can prove to be a bad idea. Tim Ludeman can be the wicketkeeper as he made some runs at the top of the order last season.

So, here are your picks from week 1 of the 2016-17 Big Bash League for your Oye Captain fantasy team. Oye Captain is a skill-based fantasy platform where users can earn money by competing against others in every match.