CricSim Herald: Preseason Power Rankings

POWER RANKINGS​

During Season 12 the CricSim Herald will regularly release power rankings, attempting to rank the Bannerman Shield's 10 best batsmen, 10 best bowlers 5 best wicketkeepers and 5 best allrounders in an attempt to establish a Team of the Season. Players will be judged week to week on their performances in the Bannerman Shield only, and subjectively compared to each other. These rankings are entirely the view of the author, and are not official.

PRE-SEASON RANKINGS​

Batsmen:
1. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=421>J Torres</a> (Vipers)
After a breakout S10 in which he scored over 3000 total FC runs, James Torres has become reknowned as apart of CricSim's elite batsman. An important part of the Vipers set up on and off field, the middle order juggernaut has now had back-to-back seasons averaging 58 or over - including a mark of over 60 last season - and has become a feared man in the eyes of many of CricSim's bowlers for his ability to convert his starts into big scores.
2. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=437>SM Morgan</a> (Stingrays)
Much to the chagrin of many of Bannerman Shield's royalty, Siege Morgan enjoyed arguably the greatest individual season in the competitions history in what was just his 3rd season of substantial first class action. The man known as Skippos hit 2244 runs in his 16 BS appearances, hitting 19 scores above fifty, including 8 glorious hundreds. Who better to open your innings than someone who contributed more than 80 per dismissal last season?
3. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=913>JA Chewie</a> (Pumas)
In just his first season as a regular in the Pumas first class team Jono Chewie rose to the top of the official batting rankings in what could only be described as a Gemmell-like debut at the top. The little Asian master complied a resume that included 1857 BS runs and 9 BS hundreds. Incredible for a batsman so early into his career.
4. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=58>SA Flack</a> (Pumas)
A once in a lifetime player who has become as valuable as no other. Of late Scott Flack has added the ability to lead a bowling attack, but his batting prowess has not suffered as a result. It is a testment to the man to say that he bounced back from a down Season 10 in Season 11 (averaging over 60) after that "down" Season 10 netted him an average of 47 runs per dismissal - just the second time he's been below the 50 mark in the past 8 seasons.
5. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=91>DW Lewis</a> (Allstars)
Always the consummate professional, the Allstars' Duckworth Lewis has been apart of CricSim's elite for over 5 seasons now. S11 was any different from the man who's become one of CricSim's most reliable with willow in hand. Expect no less this season.
6. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=47>RST Downpipes</a> (Allstars)
Allstars head honcho Rusty Downpipes has enjoyed a renaissance during the past two seasons, flourshing into one of CricSim's leading run makers. After a period of limited net training, his preperation has been as good as advertised when he bought his Allstars back from the graveyard.
7. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=423>L Popovic</a> (Gamblers)
After burting onto the CricSim scene in S10, Luka Popovic could have been excused for a S11 that didn't live up to expectations, but he didn't, putting together another fantastic season with the wood.
8. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=317>BG Herd</a> (Gamblers)
After unachieving during the early part of his career, Ben Herd has joined his Gambler teammates as apart of the top echelon of Bannerman Shield batsman during the past two seasons.
9. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=919>ML Martyn</a> (Stingrays)
Mike Martyn's amazing rise to be apart of CricSim's top scorers is one of the most incredible stories CricSim will see, but in S11 he left a lot on the table. In 13 scores above fifty he could only pass 100 just once. A disappointing return for one of CricSim's brightest young stars. Expect plenty of tons this season.
10. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=37>RG Cribb</a> (Ravens)
Always one of CricSim's good openers, his work with the bat was never really great until last season. His S11 however was outstanding, especially in a season where opening batsman struggled.

Bowlers:
1. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=410>GJ Weaver</a> (Vipers)
Gareth Weaver did what many thought was impossible last season, outbowling his teammate Dave Eggman to offically CricSim's best bowler. He did so spearheading a Vipers attack that contains 3 of the top 5 bowlers, taking 81 scalps at incredible 19.19 per pop. Nuts.
2. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=365>DA Eggman</a> (Vipers)
Reknowned as a one man wrecking ball, Dave Eggman was unusually subdued last season as the pieces fitted around the former number 1 did more of the work. Not that Eggman had a poor season, it just was not what we've come to expect from a bowler of his calibre.
3. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=332>WC Welker</a> (Vipers)
Wes Welker has quietly become the Bannerman Shield's best spinner, to round out an all-Viper top 3. As the likes of Aaron Hunt, Ben Taylor and Scott Wilson maintained their production and traded verbal blows for the battle for the number 1 slow bowler, Welker snuck up and stole the title they all covet. Look at this guy's stats, yeah, he takes wickets that often. Sneaky production.
4. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=96>BJ Taylor</a> (Gamblers)
The leading wicket-taker of last season's campaign. Ben Taylor was essentially a one man attack for the Gamblers, and he made it work. Even with those around him failing to regularly contribute, he still bowled with aggression and was rewarded.
5. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=314>AD Hunt</a> (Pumas)
The finger spinner was just 1 wicket behind Taylor for the season. Ever reliable, he was the workhorse for the Pumas during their run to the BS Final, bowling almost 50 overs a game across the 16 match round robin regular season and two finals. A little more support has been bought in this season.
6. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=115>SB Wilson</a> (Crusaders)
Historically CricSim's best spinner, Scott Wilson has averaged under 30 for seven straight seasons. Unheard of, especially for a spinner, even in the spin friendly CricSim competitions. Mr. Consistent season to season.
7. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=418>HT Davis</a> (Allstars)
After seasons of promise, and enormous pressure on himself to perform, Heath Davis finally got his stars align when he moved to the Allstars for Season 11. It all came together under the tutelage of Alec Funkotron generating in a superb season from the late bloomer.
8. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=58>SA Flack</a> (Pumas)
Already seen in the batting top 10, it's incredible to see the same person on both lists. Scott Flack lead the Pumas bowling attack in S11 in the absence of a genuine lead seamer and became that himself. Now without a doubt CricSim's best player.
9. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=39>AD Funkotron</a> (Allstars)
Alec Funkotron may not have had his greatest season, but he has remained one of CricSim's most dangerous. His history of class and constant training has kept him ahead of his contemporaries and with the young quicks who have entered the fray.
10. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=37>RG Cribb</a> (Ravens)
Again, not his best season with the ball in S11, but oozes class. We've seen this man consistantly removing batsman for seasons now, so you can never count this aggressive finger spinner out, especially at the Ravens Unkindness.

Wicketkeepers:
1. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=50>JB Dempsey</a> (Sticky Wickets)
CricSim's best wicketkeeper-batsman Jack Dempsey still heads our list, even after a great season from his main competitor, Lucas Schaw. Requires a very good season to remain ahead of the rising star.
2. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=855>LE Schaw</a> (Pumas)
A breakout season in S11 saw the New Zealander average 52 in the BS, leading the way for wicketkeepers. He has been training the house down during the off-season so expect continued excellence.
3. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=324>K Fung</a> (Stingrays)
The Stingrays gloveman is a close third. His past couple of seasons have been excellent, and he and Dempsey continue to dual it out for representative honours for New South Wales.
4. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=456>EI Morris</a> (Cyclones)
The kid with all the promise clawed his way back up this list despite being dropped and returning to SC for a period during S11.
5. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=881>AJ O'Neill</a> (Gamblers)
Controversial wicketkeeper Aaron O'Neill rounds out the list after his surprising S11 as an opening batsman.

Allrounders:
1. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=58>SA Flack</a> (Pumas)
Undoubtedly the head of this list, a top 5 BS batsman and top 10 BS bowler. CricSim's most valuable player.
2. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=37>RG Cribb</a> (Ravens)
Without contest the second man on this list, another top 10 in both.
3. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=410>GJ Weaver</a> (Vipers)
Not only CricSim's best bowler, but a genuine allrounder. Gareth Weaver averages 30+ with that bat too. Wow.
4. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=350>MD Dorn</a> (Pumas)
After glimpses of his talent in both aspects of the game through his SC and early FC, Dorn got both aspects of his game right in S11. He averaged around 30 in both categories in BS. Great returns.
5. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=376>MJ Deane</a> (Ravens)
A lackluster BS season in S11 leaves him 5th on this list. If he could replicate his representative exploits at this level he'd be higher on this list.



Preseason - Team of the Season:
1. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=437>SM Morgan</a> (Stingrays)
2. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=37>RG Cribb</a> (Ravens)
3. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=91>DW Lewis</a> (Allstars)
4. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=421>J Torres</a> (Vipers)
5. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=913>JA Chewie</a> (Pumas)
6. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=58>SA Flack</a> (Pumas)
7. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=50>JB Dempsey</a> (Sticky Wickets)
8. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=410>GJ Weaver</a> (Vipers)
9. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=365>DA Eggman</a> (Vipers)
10. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=96>BJ Taylor</a> (Gamblers)
11. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=332>WC Welker</a> (Vipers)