NICK HOWSON takes a look at the Originals' player recruitment and suggests what more needs to be done before the start of the new season
Who has been retained?
Simon Katich's intentions ahead of the draft are clear after allowing the Originals' big-earners to depart, giving him the opportunity to remodel his squad using the big price brackets.
There is just one space in the bottom nine earners, with Wayne Madsen and Jamie Overton kept on despite not featuring last season.
Phil Salt is a logical player to remain even if Jos Buttler takes the gloves, following his move to Lancashire. At £100,000, his is the biggest contract to be renewed.
Fred Klaassen wasn't at his best last term, but five wickets on Finals Day was a timely reminder of his talent as Kent won the T20 Blast title.
No overseas players being retained means no place for Carlos Brathwaite (George Wood/Getty Images)
Who has been released?
Joe Clarke's departure points towards a belief he can attract a top-tier deal elsewhere, though there is every chance that could be back at Emirates Old Trafford.
Kagiso Rabada may well be part of the draft so could return after missing last season and the same could go for Shadab Khan. And though Nicholas Pooran is showing signs of his early promise it feels unlikely he will be Manchester bound, particularly given two glovemen are already in the house.
Sam Hain and Dan Douthwaite played one game each and are logical exits, as is Steven Finn - the only bowler to go at move than two runs an over - and injury victim Richard Gleeson.
Fred Klaassen is Old Trafford bound again (Ashley Allen/Getty Images)
What will be the main focus of the draft?
There are four overseas spots available to the Originals and gaps in the £125,000 and £100,000 brackets, which could lead to some exciting moves early on in the draft.
Some decent domestic options need some stardust sprinkled on top. An opening partner for Buttler and some new-ball and death bowling options are probably the priorities. A fully-fit Overton at full gas might negate the need for a lethal pacer in the mould of Lockie Ferguson.
Squad: Jos Buttler, Ollie Robinson, Phil Salt, Matt Parkinson, Jamie Overton, Tom Hartley, Tom Lammonby, Colin Ackermann, Wayne Madsen, Fred Klaassen, Calvin Harrison (11)
Overseas players: 0
Spaces to fill: 6
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