SuperCoach BBL starts in a matter of hours and I’m pumped.

I’ve gone on a recruitment mission around Fox Sports and convinced almost the entire commentary team to join my league.

Kerry O’Keeffe, Mark Waugh, Mike Hussey, Michael Vaughan, Brendon Julian, Isa Guha, Mel Jones, Mark Howard and Harsha Bhogle have all joined up.

I’m backing the “Club 23 Legends” to take them all down. And if not, I’ll certainly win the commentary box banter.

I’ve made five changes to my original side picked two months ago, some forced and some based on schedule:

1 Will Pucovki to Josh Philippe: I’m a massive fan of Victorian 20-year-old Pucovki, who scored 243 in the Sheffield Shield opener this year before unfortunately being forced to take a break. He hasn’t signed a contract for BBL, so I’ve therefore gone for another of my favourite youngsters in Philippe. The West Australian batsman and sometime-keeper has signed for the Sixers and I genuinely feel he could play for Australia in the next 12 months — and I’m not just talking about the short-form formats. He’s aggressive, exciting and has plenty of energy.

2 Will Sutherland to James Pattinson: I rate Sutherland as one of the best, if not the best, young all-rounders in the country. However, he will miss the BBL season start due to injury and I’ve therefore opted for former Australian quick Pattinson. As he’s previously shown in Tests, ODIs and T20Is, he’s a world class bowler when fit. He starts cheap due to a succession of injury woes and has a double game in round one.

3 Marcus Stoinis to David Willey: This is a reluctant trade as I’m keen on Stoinis and believe he should play all three formats for Australia. But with an ankle injury set to limit his bowling, plus an unfavourable SuperCoach schedule, I’ve gone for Perth’s David Willey. The English international gets two bites at the cherry in round one as the Scorchers play twice while Stoinis plays just once. Willey is dangerous with the new ball and goes long with the bat.

4 George Bailey to Moises Henriques: This trade is no slight on Bailey, I just needed to find a spot for Henriques. The Sixers all-rounder has been in great form in the Sheffield Shield and can produce with bat, ball and in the field. I’ve got a feeling this could be his year.

5 Cameron Boyce to Ashton Turner: I’m still a fan of Boyce and will target him later in the year, but his early schedule doesn’t suit SuperCoach and I’ve therefore gone for Turner. The Scorchers all-rounder is one of the best hitters going around and a huge chance to play for Australia in the near future. Also set to sneak in a few overs following shoulder surgery.

STARTING XI:
D’Arcy Short, BAT/BWL, Hurricanes, $258,900
I spent time with him at Rajasthan Royals and saw first-hand how far he hits the ball. Underrated bowler and could surprise with important wickets in the middle overs.

Chris Lynn, BAT, Heat, $202,000
The most destructive T20 player in the world alongside Chris Gayle and the next man on this list …

Jos Buttler, BAT/WKP, Thunder, $160,200
I’ve got a bromance with Jos following our time at Rajasthan. He’s got so many shots and is impossible to set a field to.

Moises Henriques, BAT/BWL, Sixers, $88,000
Experienced all-rounder and dominant at this level. This could be his year.

Ashton Turner, BAT/BWL, Scorchers, $106,300
Huge hitter and handy bowler. Should play for Australia in the near future.

David Willey, BAT/BWL, Scorchers, $194,000
Swings the new ball, goes long with the bat and has a double in round one.

Ashton Agar, BAT/BWL, Scorchers, $197,900
He bats, he bowls, he fields — great utility cricketer.

James Pattinson, BWL, Heat, $42,000
One of the best quicks in the country when fit and also a handy hitter.

Andrew Tye, BWL, Scorchers, $246,800
Australia’s cleverest bowler. Death bowling is so important in T20 cricket and he’s the best in the business.

Mitchell Swepson, BWL, Heat, $101,500
All the hard work is about to pay off.

Billy Stanlake, BWL, Strikers, $137,500
If he stays fit, he could play a huge role in Australian cricket in the next 12 months. Possesses explosive pace and height. But I really like that he bowls at the stumps and takes wickets in the first six overs.

BENCH:
Josh Philippe, BAT/WKP, Sixers, $42,000
Young gun who could play for Australia in the next 12 months — he’s that good.

MacKenzie Harvey, BAT, Renegades, $42,000
Youngest player on the Renegades’ list at 18 and could open the batting given Aaron Finch is on Test duty. Value.

Tim Ludeman, BAT/WKP, Renegades, $62,500
Underrated, cheap and also in contention to open at the Renegades. Back-up for Buttler at wicketkeeper.

Jack Edwards, BAT, Sixers, $42,000
NSW 18-year-old scored brilliant tons in the JLT Cup and Sheffield Shield.

Cameron Green, BWL, Scorchers, $42,500
Tall young quick who has started his first class career brilliantly.

JUST MISS OUT ...
Fawad Ahmed, BOWL, Thunder, $152,700
Unlucky not to play more cricket at a higher level. I really rate his leg spin and as long as he doesn’t try too much, he’ll have a huge Big Bash. Spins the ball both ways, which you need in T20 cricket.

Joe Denly, BAT, Sixers, $186,800
Experienced English batsman who also bowls handy leggies.

Brendon McCullum, BAT, Heat, $113,000
Love his attitude to cricket and he enjoys the pace and bounce of his home Gabba pitch.