Last season's KFC T20 Max runners-up South Brisbane will again be a contender for the title as our Premier Cricket expert CAM VELLACOTT outlines in our latest preview.
T20 Max Preview - Souths
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Last year’s runners-up Souths will be in search of silverware this year after falling just short last KFC T20 Max against the Gold Coast.
The Magpies will look to balance a mixture of old and new faces in search of replicating some of last year’s magic.
Big Billy Stanlake will have batters jumping around the crease as he makes a long awaited return from injury.
A recent signing with Tasmania, Stanlake will be out to impress his new selectors before the State season begins. Pairing Stanlake with the new ball will be fellow former Australian player Gurinder Sandhu; a tall order for opposition opening batters.
Interstate recruits Stirling McAvoy and Dylan Hunter return for a second year of KFC T20 Max.
Scoring 81 (48) in the semi final and leading Souths to victory, North Queensland product McAvoy will be out in search of more middle order runs.
While he didn’t feature with the ball last year, he is a genuine left arm orthodox bowler and could prove a handy wicket taker.
Dylan Hunter, a former NSW Premier cricketer who has gone across the ditch for further opportunity, will again open the batting for Souths.
In a further boost, the proven wicket-taker Chathura Kaluthanthri has changed Sandgate colours for Souths, adding to the depth of fast bowling options at Norman Gray Oval and off-setting the absence of Ben Cutting who will be overseas for this tournament..
Coach: Ken Healy
Captain: Gurinder Sandhu
Home Ground: Norman Gray Oval
T20 Premierships: 0
2022 Placing: 2nd
Players In:
- Dylan Hunter (NZ)
- Chathura Kaluthanthri (Sandgate)
- Stirling McAvoy (NSW Premier)
- Billy Stanlake (TAS)
- Param Uppal (TAS)
Players Out:
- Brandon Honeybrook (Toombul)
Players to Watch:
Aryan Jain – As classy as they come, his recent promotion to the Queensland Bulls contract list could spell trouble for the opposition. Knowing how good he was when he worked fulltime, it’ll be riveting to see what level he can reach with the addition of elite coaching and an exponential increase in volume to his cricketing diet. A notable red ball player, his elegant stroke making will look to guide Souths’ innings before their pinch hitters do their work.
Billy Stanlake – I’ve already spoken about Big Billy, but when he is in full flight he is simply unbelievable. One of the fastest bowlers in world cricket, he has the ability to rip through sides like not many others. Just his presence in the side could change games as batters look to attack other bowlers. Some brave batters might take the thought process of ‘in fast out faster’. Either way, tune in!