Kings by name, Kings by nature!
Some call them the bling franchise of the BPL. Hard hitters, strong names and some high scoring affairs in BPL|01. Can the Kings make it out of the round robins and put on a show come finals time in BPL|02?
Headlined by the strong list of retained players Josh Brown, Andrew Gode,Tom Healy, Scott Palombo and Jack Cooper quite possibly could be named as one of the strongest top 6 batting line ups on paper! However, BPL|02 provides many sides with elite top orders due to the influx of quality interstate players and local nominated players.
Adding to this depth of strength was John Rogers, former WA, TAS first class cricketer with a 98 against a touring Indian side who will provide even more strength and leadership to their batting line up.
The real question is will they be able to provide the bowling quality to support a very strong top order batting line up?
The Kings were lucky enough to nab some more players from BPL|01 through bidding in the auction with crafty pace bowlers Rob Fitzgerald and Joseph Pratt welcomed back to the Kings. They are supported with some key firepower inclusions being, former Victorian Premier Cricket fast bowler Dylan Hodge (brother of AFL legend and Southern Rockets co owner Luke Hodge) for a bargain $50,000. Additionally, young quick Lachlan Honan and country gun quick Luke Corlis will also provide some more additional bowling depth. Cameron Boyce headlines the list of auctioned players for the Kings at a bargain of $500,000. Time will tell if Boyce will be eligible to play given the embargo period being lifted at BBL level and any contract offer may cause Boyce out of the event. The final piece to the puzzle was some more batting support and they definitely have got this with Valleys top order bat Josh Neill being purchased for $100,000.
As you can see looking at this side on paper, there is definite quality there and many will be watching with interest to see if and when these fireworks go off and who will be launching them. There is a chance of some very high scoring affairs when the Kings are playing and it’s sure to excite those watching live at the venue or live through the BPL broadcasts.
Kings Player of the tournament – Josh Brown
BPL Prediction – Kings to go through undefeated in round robins
Under the radar – Dylan Hodge
