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September 1, 2024
The first two rounds of the Big Bash Drafts are a frantic rush as the eight clubs compete to secure the top-tier T20 talent from around the globe.
But as the draft moves into the third round and the initial frenzy calms, teams focus on the silver and bronze categories, aiming to bolster their squad depth with lesser-known but promising players.
Last year, Paul Walter and Laurie Evans were scooped up in the third round, becoming critical assets for the Brisbane Heat and Perth Scorchers, respectively.
While the spotlight will be on Ben Duckett and Heather Knight in Sunday’s Big Bash Draft, these eight under-the-radar players could surprise and land a Big Bash contract this weekend.
Full List of Nominations: The Complete Breakdown of All 593 Big Bash Draft Contenders
Mock Draft Predictions: Global Superstars Who Could Be Overlooked
BBL Draft Ultimate Guide: Your Essential Rundown of What to Expect
For those unfamiliar with Dan Worrall’s cricket journey, his inclusion in the BBL’s overseas player draft might raise some eyebrows. A former South Australian quick, Worrall spent a decade with the Redbacks and even earned three ODI caps for Australia in 2016.
However, in 2022, Worrall switched to the UK, committing as a local player for Surrey, where he played a pivotal role in back-to-back County Championship victories. While known for his red-ball prowess, the 33-year-old shone in this year’s Hundred, finishing as the most economical bowler, conceding just 5.07 runs per over and bowling three crucial maidens.
With his wealth of experience and a deep understanding of Australian pitches, Worrall is a valuable asset in the Big Bash, potentially outshining other international picks.
After a standout debut in Major League Cricket, Andries Gous caught the attention of Steve Smith, who tipped the Washington Freedom wicketkeeper as a strong candidate for a Big Bash contract.
Born in South Africa, the 30-year-old represented the USA in their recent T20 World Cup Americas campaign, pivotal in helping his side reach the Super Eights. Gous made headlines with a blistering, unbeaten 80 off 47 balls against South Africa, facing Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, and Marco Jansen caliber bowlers.
Despite his potential, Gous will only be available for six to nine BBL matches this summer, as he has already committed to the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders for the ILT20. Nonetheless, his brief stint could make a significant impact.
Kathryn Bryce, Scotland’s premier all-rounder and ICC Associate Women’s Player of the Decade, has been a standout performer for her country over the past five years. At 26, she has demonstrated remarkable consistency and leadership, captaining the Lightning in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy and securing a contract with the Gujarat Giants for this year’s Women’s Premier League.
In the recent Women’s Hundred, Bryce made headlines by being the only player to take a five-wicket haul, capturing 5-13 from just 20 balls against the Northern Superchargers and dismissing Australian star Annabel Sutherland. Her exceptional form continued as she was named Player of the Match in the Charlotte Edwards Cup final, scoring 62 off 45 balls against the South East Stars. Her all-round performance in May also helped Scotland qualify for their first Women’s T20 World Cup.
After recently losing his place in England’s Test side to the emerging spinner Shoaib Bashir, 33-year-old Jack Leach had the chance to return to T20 Blast cricket for the first time in three years. Representing Somerset, Leach showcased his white-ball capabilities by taking 11 wickets at an impressive average of 16.90 across seven matches.
Though his experience in T20 cricket is relatively limited, Leach’s skills and recent performance make him a strong candidate for any Big Bash squad seeking an additional spin option. His ability to adapt and deliver in the shorter format could provide valuable depth to a team’s bowling attack.
.jpg "Ireland’s Josh Little ruled out of remainder of PSL 2023")
Josh Little has emerged as one of T20 cricket’s most exciting prospects, making a mark in high-profile leagues like the Indian Premier League, SA20, The Hundred, and the Lanka Premier League.
The left-arm seamer gained significant attention during the 2022 T20 World Cup, where he dismissed Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis in Ireland’s Super 12 match against Australia. Little concluded the tournament with 11 wickets at an average of 17.18, including a memorable hat-trick against New Zealand.
This season, Little has confirmed his availability for the entire Big Bash League, a change from last summer. This makes him a valuable addition to any team looking to strengthen its bowling attack.
At just 20 years old, Josh Hull is already making waves in English cricket, with selectors viewing him as a promising talent across all formats.
The left-arm seamer was recently added to England’s Test squad and included in the ODI and T20 camps for the upcoming white-ball series against Australia. Standing at 6 feet 7 inches (200 cm) and clocking speeds of up to 89 mph (143 km/h) in The Hundred, Hull has drawn comparisons to Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc.
While his red-ball performances have been modest, Hull has excelled in limited-overs cricket, claiming 17 wickets at 24.23 in nine domestic one-day cup matches for Leicestershire.
Tara Norris, a Pennsylvania native, made a significant impact last year by becoming the first cricketer to achieve a five-wicket haul in the Women’s Premier League. The 26-year-old also played a crucial role in helping the London Spirit secure their first title in The Hundred.
As a left-arm seamer, Norris is a rare commodity in the WBBL, and her addition would enhance the bowling depth of any franchise that signs her.
During the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, Irish wicketkeeper Lorcan Tucker stole the spotlight with an unbeaten 71 at the Gabba, stunning the hosts. Tucker took on formidable bowlers like Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood, smashing ten boundaries in a commanding 48-ball innings.
Hailing from Dublin and with 104 T20 appearances under his belt, Tucker has also played in the Caribbean Premier League and the ILT20, showcasing his ability on the global stage.
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Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Top Cricket News, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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