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          Platinum rundown: Livingstone, Boult and du Plessis could be early picks in BBL

          • Andrew McGlashan, Deputy editor, ESPNcricinfoAug 22, 2022, 04:22 AM
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              Deputy Editor Andrew arrived at ESPNcricinfo via Manchester and Cape Town, after finding the assistant editor at a weak moment as he watched England's batting collapse in the Newlands Test. Andrew began his cricket writing as a freelance covering Lancashire during 2004 when they were relegated in the County Championship. In fact, they were top of the table when he began reporting on them but things went dramatically downhill. He likes to let people know that he is a supporter of county cricket, a fact his colleagues will testify to and bemoan in equal quantities.

          Twelve players have been given platinum status in the BBL draft, taking place on August 28, which means a price tag of AU$340,000. Most will only be available for part of the tournament before heading to South Africa or the UAE in early January. Here's what each could bring to the BBL

          Faf du Plessis

          League clashes South Africa
          T20 record Matches: 299; Runs: 7703; Average: 30.81; S/R: 129.59
          Previous BBL clubs Melbourne Renegades
          Retention available? No

          Du Plessis has become one of the most consistent T20 performers in the world, with the conversation often turning back to whether there should still be a spot for him in the South Africa side. Two of his three T20 hundreds have come in the last two years. In 2021 he had his best return for a calendar year with 986 runs at 37.92 and a strike rate of 138.28. Has been tipped as a Brisbane Heat target.

          Jason Roy

          League clashes South Africa
          T20 record Matches: 294; Runs 7673; Average: 28.00; S/R: 142.46
          Previous BBL clubs Sydney Thunder, Sydney Sixers, Perth Scorchers
          Retention available? No

          A hugely destructive white-ball batter, Roy had a solid season for Scorchers in 2020-21. He is enduring a lean international and domestic season in England but could well be an attractive option for those sides looking to fill an opening spot.

          Liam Livingstone

          League clashes South Africa
          T20 record Matches: 199; Runs: 4922; Average: 28.78; S/R: 146.44 | Wickets: 83; Average: 24.10; Econ: 8.11
          Previous BBL clubs Perth Scorchers
          Retention available? No

          He has become one of the most in-demand T20 players in the world. Few players hit the ball harder or further than Livingstone. He can take on a top-order role or be used slightly lower down to add the finishing touches. Also a more-than-useful option with the ball with his mixture of legspin and offspin. He is likely to go early in the draft.

          Sam Billings

          League clashes ILT20
          T20 record Matches: 239; Runs: 4597; Average: 23.94; S/R: 130.07
          Previous BBL clubs Sydney Sixers, Sydney Thunder
          Retention available? Yes, Sydney Thunder

          Will Thunder use their retention option for Billings? He has certainly been popular with the club and would fill a key middle-order position, plus be able to take the gloves, but it would mean potentially not being able to keep hold of Alex Hales later in the draft. He is currently in the midst of a slightly leaner season where his strike rate has dropped to 117.

          Kieron Pollard

          League clashes ILT20
          T20 record Matches: 603; Runs 11,758; Average: 31.35; S/R: 151.15 | Wickets: 309; Average 25.01; Econ: 8.21
          Previous BBL clubs Adelaide Strikers, Melbourne Renegades
          Retention available? No

          One of the greats of the T20 game, Pollard remains a match-winner on his day. He is both the second-highest run-scorer and six-hitter in T20s behind Chris Gayle. The bowling now takes a bit more of a back seat but it would be a surprise if a team did not select him during the first round.

          Andre Russell

          League clashes ILT20
          T20 record Matches: 418; Runs: 7057; Average: 26.73; S/R: 169.47 | Wickets: 375; Average: 25.49; Econ: 8.53
          Previous BBL clubs Melbourne Renegades, Sydney Thunder, Melbourne Stars
          Retention available? Yes, Melbourne Stars

          Another of the Caribbean T20 greats, Russell continues to have the ability to put wonderous finishing touches to an innings. His strike rate is extraordinary over such a long career. Still capable of sharp spells with the ball when the body allows. Melbourne Stars are likely to be tempted with their retention option.

          David Willey

          League clashes None
          T20 record Matches: 231; Runs: 3331; Average: 24.31; S/R: 138.56 | Wickets: 232; Average: 22.62; Econ: 7.92
          Previous BBL clubs Perth Scorchers
          Retention available? No

          A hugely versatile allrounder, Willey has had a lengthy association with Scorchers having played for them from 2015-2019. If there is a new-ball swing to find he will usually find it - with the left-arm angle added value - and can play a floating role with the bat. If he remains without another league, he could become one of the smart acquisitions in the draft.

          Shadab Khan

          League clashes None
          T20 record Matches: 200, Runs: 1829; Average: 18.66; S/R: 136.39 | Wickets: 226; Average: 22.83; Econ: 7.26
          Previous BBL clubs Brisbane Heat, Sydney Sixers
          Retention available? Yes, Sydney Sixers

          If a team is looking for a legspinner, Shadab would be a decent place to start. He will likely have some international commitments in January, but he isn't part of Pakistan's Test plans so could be available for a significant part of the tournament. Might Sydney Sixers see him as a worthwhile retention to cover the period before Nathan Lyon is available?

          Dwayne Bravo

          League clashes ILT20
          T20 record Matches: 548; Runs: 6858; Average: 23.09; S/R: 126.50 | Wickets: 604; Average: 24.11; Econ: 8.22
          Previous BBL clubs Sydney Sixers, Melbourne Renegades, Melbourne Stars
          Retention available? No

          The leading wicket-taker in T20 history, Bravo sits alongside Pollard and Russell as West Indies greats of the format in this list. He has used the round-the-wicket line with great effect at the death. Could be a fit for a team looking to strengthen their death-over bowling. In the last two years, he has 92 wickets.

          Rashid Khan

          League clashes South Africa
          T20 record Matches: 343; Runs: 1606; Average: 12.35; S/R: 147.06 | Wickets: 472; Average: 17.83; Econ: 6.39
          Previous BBL clubs Adelaide Strikers
          Retention available? Yes, Adelaide Strikers

          An incredible T20 bowler, and almost two-in-one given the pressure he can build for the other end. Rashid is the leading overseas wicket-taker in BBL history with 92 scalps. It has sometimes felt like his batting ability has been underused. Will be a huge surprise if Strikers don't go for him, or retain him should another team pick first.

          Chris Jordan

          League clashes ILT20
          T20 record Matches: 292; Wickets: 305; Average: 27.28; Econ: 8.56
          Previous BBL clubs Adelaide Strikers, Sydney Thunder, Perth Scorchers, Sydney Sixers
          Retention available? Yes, Sydney Sixers

          Generally a go-to death bowler for whichever team he plays for, he is also one of the finest fielders the game has ever seen - anywhere on the park - and a more-than-handy lower-order batter. A skillset that will likely mean significant interest.

          Trent Boult

          League clashes ILT20
          T20 record Matches: 167; Wickets 193; Average: 25.93; Econ: 8.13
          Previous BBL clubs None
          Retention available? No

          Having dropped his New Zealand central contract, Boult is now able to pick up T20 deals around the world. New-ball left-arm pace is in high demand and he will surely go somewhere as a first pick, and potentially, very early. He could spearhead an attack during the first part of the tournament.