Freedom look for title repeat with stability and star power as they set themselves up for back-to-back titles.
With stability and star power, Freedom eye back-to-back titles.
The Washington Freedom seemed to have brought it to life. that none other than the legendary Australian Ricky Ponting would design their championship run. Choosing the three-time World Cup champion as head coach was one of the team’s most important offseason decisions. It was a high-profile off-field hire that gave the management a well-earned pat on the back.
It was a declaration of intent that established the standard for everything that came after, from bravery and genius to culture and friendship. Being the only team outside of the IPL to have had Ponting as their coach, Freedom’s status not only increased their visibility but also set the stage for a vigorous hiring campaign.
For a team without an IPL connection, having Ponting in the dugout was half the battle won in a league without a centralised foreign player draft where international players are decided solely through direct negotiations. Steve Smith, Travis Head, and Glenn Maxwell are three Australian superstars that Freedom was able to bring in thanks to Ponting’s magnetic draw.
Together, Head and Smith formed a formidable opening duo that masterminded Freedom’s supremacy on the pitch. The two finished the season with an incredible 336 runs apiece off of 6 games, matching each other stroke for stroke. Smith’s bat dominated the competition, but he saved his most vicious attack for the biggest stage: an imposing 88 off 46 in the final that deflated the Unicorns. Maxwell was a powerful presence on the pitch, contributing with his clean off spin and dazzling cameos at key moments.
Australia’s red ball obligations will make Freedom less of a star because Smith has only committed for the first few games in California, while Head will skip the MLC completely. In the absence of the Australians, it is anticipated that BBL phenomenon Mitch Owen, countryman Mark Chapman, and rising young player Rachin Ravindra will take the top spot.
After recuperating from their injuries, Glenn Phillips, who missed the whole IPL, and Glenn Maxwell, who was out for over half of the competition, will both play professional cricket again. Freedom’s international pace battery is made up of Lockie Ferguson, Jason Behrendorff, and Ben Sears.