A year to forget for most in the Pirates camp. Not for a lack of trying, but a slate of injuries and unavailabilities really proved to be too tough to come back from for BPL|01.
However, having managed to keep some key personnel through their retentions for this season, the pirates have a very solid spine ready to take on the new Century format for BPL|02.
Fresh off a taste at the elite level in the BBL for the Heat, Paddy Dooley headlines the key retained players, supported by gun top order batter Kendel Fleming, crafty Leg Spinner James Rosewarne, BPL|01 surprise packet and former Brisbane Lions footballer Claye Beams and experienced grade cricketer Brandon Honeybrook all looking to make an impact for the Pirates this year.
The trade period saw two Qld 2nd X1 players added to the already solid list of retained players with Aryan Jain arriving from the Dingoes after an impressive BPL|01 and also classy top order batter Lucky Peterson joining from the Western Power. These two key players will provide some quality batting options to support Fleming and Beams.
One of the more impressive components that the Pirates have brought to BPL|02’s Century format is the international flavor. The pirates have brought in 2 PNG internationals and an India B U19 player Shoan Roger who are sure to excite under the lights of BPL this season.
An impressive country cricketer will have the opportunity to put their name up in lights with Townsville Product Chris Stranger being picked up by the Pirates at the Auction for an impressive $800,000.
Another eye watering piece of business done by the Pirates is the pickup of Wests Keeper Batsmen Isiah Snell for $50,000. Snell, who was selected in the QLD Premier Cricket team of the season will be sure to provide more stability to the Pirates squad and put some performances on the board to show his true class.
All in all, the subsequent quality at disposal for the Pirates, and the ability to have the squad they planned for unlike last season, means that there will be a considerable step up in performance and competitiveness this year for BPL|02’s Century tournament. WIth some of these players at their disposal, some entertaining cricket is sure to be had!
Pirates player of the tournament – Paddy Dooley
BPL Moment – Paddy Dooley 5fa in a game
Under the radar – Shoan Roger
