An exciting week of cricket awaits the faithful as the Ashes returns coupled with Sri Lanka’s second T20I against New Zealand. Apart from these, Bangladesh’s one-off Test against Afghanistan also takes centre-stage.
For all those Moneyball9 Fantasy Managers out there, it will definitely be a moment of extreme dilemma given the quality we will be surrounded by throughout the week.
If you are one from the flock, make sure you consider these five players for selection.
LOCKIE FERGUSON
Country: New Zealand
Match: Sri Lanka vs New Zealand | Second T20I
Still a newbie in the world of T20Is, having played just five games thus far, Lockie Ferguson’s ability to threaten even the best batsmen in the world was made evident during the World Cup. As for the T20Is, a bowling average of 13.50 and a strike rate of 11.4 speak volumes. Hence, if you are to pick a seamer from the game, we’d suggest you go with the World Cup finalist.
KUSAL PERERA
Country: Sri Lanka
Match: Sri Lanka vs New Zealand | Second T20I
In an ocean full of hard-hitting batsmen, a certain Kusal Perera does his task like a silent vigilante. Backing the fact is his strike rate of 138.54 and an average of 29.05 in T20Is. Indeed, the likes Martin Guptill and Ross Taylor are set to mystify all your research, but if you’re thinking for a safer bet, there’s no one better than this man.
JOFRA ARCHER
Country: England
Match: England vs Australia | Fourth Ashes Test
There should absolutely be no doubt about this man, to say the least. Having made his Test debut at the home of cricket, Lord’s, during the ongoing Ashes series, Archer has troubled some of the finest batsmen during the course. And while the likes of Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins could prove to be troublesome for fantasy gamers, just make sure Archer tops your list.
STEVE SMITH
Country: Australia
Match: England vs Australia | Fourth Ashes Test
If there’s Archer, there should definitely be a certain Steve Smith in the list. After all those mind games and exchange of words, it is finally the time for Smith to let his bat do all the talking. Two centuries and a 161-ball 92 in three innings certainly represents the champion-stuff Smith is made of. So, don’t think twice before going ahead with the Aussie.
Shakib Al Hasan
Country: Bangladesh
Match: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan | One-off Test
Following an exhilarated performance at the World Cup, Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan returns to the field to take on Rashid Khan’s Afghanistan in a one-off Test, beginning from September 5. There might be some suggestions about the likes of Rashid Khan and even Mohammad Nabi, but the dimension Shakib provides as an all-rounder is next to unmatchable. If he disappoints with the bat, he can spin a web and vice-versa.
It's time to start creating your Fantasy team. Head to Moneyball9 for more details.
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Paul Ellis
