Key players, predictions & squads – a Major Guide to BBL|12

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The Big Bash League is back for another season, with plenty of familiar names returning to the league for BBL|12.

Alex Hales (Sydney Thunder) is just one of those, while the competition has taken a hit with Aussie international stars Glenn Maxwell (Melbourne Stars) and Mitch Marsh (Perth Scorchers) to miss the season through injury.

Despite their absences, there are plenty of names looking to step up and shine in their place – let’s take a look at who they could be from each team.

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Adelaide Strikers

Key international player: Rashid Khan

You can lock this one in from a mile away. Rashid has been the star recruit for the Strikers for years on end now, but will be even more key given the minimised window in which he’s available.

Rashid loves the Strikers, and the Adelaide crowd loves him – he’ll be keen to make a big splash before he jets off to play in the new South African T20 league in January.

Other internationals: Colin de Grandhomme (NZ), Adam Hose (ENG)

Key Aussie: Chris Lynn

Lynn was arguably the biggest domestic signing in the BBL off-season, switching to the Strikers after a forgettable end to his time at the Brisbane Heat.

The big-hitting right hander has expressed that he was in need of a fresh start, and has earmarked his move to the Adelaide franchise as just that.

Lynn will depart the Strikers mid-tournament to join a T20 league in the UAE, so like Rashid, his time in the Strikers’ side – particularly as the likes of Travis Head and Alex Carey are unavailable on Test duties – will be all the more important.

Most Runs: Jake Weatherald

Most Wickets: Peter Siddle

Breakout Star: Henry Hunt

Predicted finish: 5th

Find the Strikers’ full squad at the end of the article

Brisbane Heat

Key international player: Sam Billings

Billings was snapped up by the Heat in the BBL Draft, with his former club the Thunder opting not to match Brisbane’s bid.

The ‘keeper-bat looms as a huge factor in the Heat’s season, and will be a key piece of their top order, particularly with Chris Lynn’s departure, and Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne on test duties at the beginning of the season.

Other internationals: Colin Munro (NZ), Ross Whiteley (ENG), Sam Hain (ENG – replacement)

Key Aussie: Matt Renshaw

Renshaw has crafted his T20 game quite well in recent years, and looms as a big attacking threat with the bat alongside the likes of Billings and Max Bryant.

The Heat have been well known in previous BBL seasons for being a fast-starting, big-hitting side, and Renshaw will help to continue that following Chris Lynn’s move to the Strikers.

Most Runs: Sam Billings

Most Wickets: Mark Steketee

Breakout Star: James Bazley

Predicted finish: 6th

Find the Heat’s full squad at the end of the article

Hobart Hurricanes

Key international player: Shadab Khan

The Hurricanes will be without their leg-spinner of recent seasons, Sandeep Lamichhane, but they’ve covered his absence with the brilliant signing of Pakistan’s Shadab Khan

Crossing from the Sydney Sixers, Khan will be the Hurricanes’ first-choice spinner, and his inclusion alongside fellow Pakistani imports Asif Ali and Faheem Ashraf will do wonders for what’s already a tight-knit Hurricanes squad.

Other internationals: Asif Ali (PAK), Faheem Ashraf (PAK), Jimmy Neesham (NZ – replacement), Zak Crawley (ENG – replacement)

Key Aussie: Matthew Wade

Wade will lead the Hurricanes from the front, skippering a strongly talented squad. 

Alongside the likes of Ben McDermott, D’Arcy Short and recent Aussie teammate Tim David, the ‘Canes have all the pieces for a formidable batting lineup. 

Wade’s T20 experience will be a huge benefit to the Hurricanes, and no matter where he bats in the order, he’s set to be a big factor in the Hurricanes’ tilt at an elusive BBL title.

Most Runs: Ben McDermott

Most Wickets: Nathan Ellis

Breakout Star: Wil Parker

Predicted finish: 1st

Find the Hurricanes’ full squad at the end of the article

Melbourne Renegades

Key international player: Mujeeb Ur Rahman

The Renegades unfortunately lost out on their number one draft pick and marquee signing Liam Livingstone, who recently withdrew from the tournament amid scheduling concerns.

But Mujeeb is another long-time BBL international, and another of the off-season’s big signing coups. 

The Afghanistan mystery spinner will prove to be a handful for opposition batting lineups alongside West Indian Akeal Hosein, and at just 21 is one of the exciting young talents the Renegades boast.

Other internationals: Martin Guptill (NZ), Akeal Hosein (WI), Andre Russell (WI), Ruwantha Kellapotha (SL – replacement)

Key Aussie: Aaron Finch

On the other end of the list, the Renegades are stacked with a ton of veteran Aussie talent, with the recently-retired Aussie white-ball skipper in Finch leading the charge.

Joining the likes of Kane Richardson, Shaun Marsh and BBL veteran Jono Wells, Finch shapes as a big factor as he leads an otherwise young Renegades squad.

The 36-year-old’s form woes plagued the Renegades in BBL|11, but given his retirement, could the monkey finally be off his back? 

Most Runs: Shaun Marsh

Most Wickets: Kane Richardson

Breakout Star: Jake Fraser-McGurk

Predicted finish: 7th

Find the Renegades’ full squad at the end of the article

Melbourne Stars

Key international player: Trent Boult

New to the BBL, Boult was one of the biggest uncapped names in the BBL draft, and the Stars snapped him up with their first pick.

White-ball bowling specialists don’t come much better than Boult, whose recent decision to pursue domestic T20 cricket in favour of internationals comes as a big boon for the Stars.

Boult’s inclusion is even more important for the Stars given their thin fast-bowling stocks, and he’ll duly replace Haris Rauf, while complementing the likes of Nathan Coulter-Nile, Liam Hatcher and English recruit Luke Wood.

Other internationals: Joe Clarke (ENG), Luke Wood (ENG)

Key Aussie: Adam Zampa

Glenn Maxwell’s injury leaves a massive hole in the Stars’ lineup, with the bat, ball, and as captain. 

Zampa has been selected to take Maxwell’s place as skipper, a worthy acknowledgement of the leg-spinner’s hard work and performances for the Stars across the past few BBL seasons.

He’s Australia’s first-choice white-ball spinner, and thus the best Aussie spinner in the BBL. Leading from the front, Zampa will be integral to the Stars’ performance in BBL|12.

Most Runs: Marcus Stoinis

Most Wickets: Adam Zampa

Breakout Star: Campbell Kellaway

Predicted finish: 8th

Find the Stars’ full squad at the end of the article

Perth Scorchers

Key international player: Faf du Plessis

Originally overlooked in the BBL Draft, the Scorchers signed du Plessis after a pair of their international signings – Phil Salt (injury) and Laurie Evans (positive drug test) were ruled out of BBL|12. 

Du Plessis will only be available for the Scorchers’ first seven games of the summer before departing for the new South Africa T20 League, but his inclusion is a big coup for the reigning champions. 

He’ll add some much needed firepower to the Scorchers’ batting lineup after Mitch Marsh was ruled out of the tournament with injury and with Evans and Salt unavailable, and he’ll certainly be exciting to watch.

Other internationals: Tymal Mills (ENG), Stephen Eskinazi (ENG), Adam Lyth (ENG)

Key Aussie: Jhye Richardson

Even with their injuries and absences, the Scorchers boast one of the best all-round squads in the BBL, and it’s certainly aided by their eye-catching bowling attack.

Perhaps the spearhead, Richardson has been an integral part of the Scorchers’ pace cartel throughout his entire BBL career.

He’s joined by returning English quick Tymal Mills, and alongside the underrated Matthew Kelly, young gun Lance Morris and veteran Andrew Tye, Richardson headlines a formidable pace attack. 

Most Runs: Josh Inglis

Most Wickets: Jhye Richardson

Breakout Star: Aaron Hardie

Predicted finish: 4th

Find the Scorchers’ full squad at the end of the article

Sydney Sixers

Key international player: James Vince

Vince has been a mainstay in the Sixers’ side for the past few BBL seasons, and returns again for BBL|12.

The Englishman topped the Sixers’ run-scoring in their title-winning BBL|10 campaign, receiving Player of the Match honours in the final with a knock of 95. 

The Sixers will be hoping Vince can return to that form this season, with the classy right hander a key cog of their top order alongside the likes of Josh Philippe

In a familiar environment at the Sixers, and with a point to prove after finishing as the runners-up in BBL|11, there’s no doubt Vince could be in for another big BBL. 

Other internationals: Chris Jordan (ENG), Izharulhaq Naveed (AFG)

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Key Aussie: Sean Abbott

Abbott is perhaps one of the most consistent bowlers across the history of the BBL, and has earnt himself national call-ups multiple times on the back of his exploits for the Sixers.

Similarly to Richardson at the Scorchers, Abbott headlines an experienced and prolific bowling attack, alongside English import Chris Jordan, and Aussies Ben Dwarshuis, Jackson Bird and last year’s breakout star Hayden Kerr

Abbott will be central to the Sixers’ success in BBL|12, but if past seasons are anything to go by, his ability to succeed certainly won’t be a concern.

Most Runs: Josh Philippe

Most Wickets: Sean Abbott

Breakout Star: Izharulhaq Naveed

Predicted finish: 2nd

Find the Sixers’ full squad at the end of the article

Sydney Thunder

Key international player: Alex Hales

The Thunder were quick to retain Hales in the BBL Draft, as their leading run-scorer in his most recent season back in BBL|10.

The right-hander was imperious at the top of the order, belting 576 runs for the season and leading all comers in the competition. 

Without fellow Englishman Sam Billings, who crossed to the Brisbane Heat in the draft, there’s a bit of added weight on Hales’ shoulders, but the addition of Aussie star David Warner towards the end of the season – and South African import Rilee Rossouw in the interim – will make the Thunder’s opening pair arguably the best in the competition.

Other internationals: Rilee Rossouw (SAF), Fazalhaq Farooqi (AFG – replacement), Usman Qadir (PAK – replacement) 

Key Aussie: Daniel Sams

Sams is perhaps the BBL’s leading all-rounder, and has certainly made himself known as a threat with bat and ball in recent seasons.

He’s a genuine match-winner, and has proven so with his all-round performances for the Thunder throughout his BBL career. 

Sams is conceivably the Thunder’s biggest point of difference from any other BBL side, solely due to the quality of both his batting and bowling, particularly at the death.

As the Thunder commence their tilt for a second BBL title this season, expect Sams to be in the thick of the action.

Most Runs: Alex Hales

Most Wickets: Chris Green

Breakout Star: Oliver Davies

Predicted finish: 3rd

Find the Thunder’s full squad at the end of the article

Predicted BBL|12 Ladder:

  1. Hobart Hurricanes
  2. Sydney Sixers
  3. Sydney Thunder
  4. Perth Scorchers
  5. Adelaide Strikers
  6. Brisbane Heat
  7. Melbourne Renegades
  8. Melbourne Stars

BBL|12 Squads:

Adelaide Strikers

Travis Head (c), Wes Agar, Cameron Boyce, Alex Carey, Harry Conway, Colin de Grandhomme (overseas), Ryan Gibson, Adam Hose (OS), Henry Hunt, Thomas Kelly, Rashid Khan (OS), Chris Lynn, Ben Manenti, Harry Nielsen, Matt Short, Peter Siddle, Henry Thornton, Jake Weatherald.

Brisbane Heat

Usman Khawaja (c), Xavier Bartlett, James Bazley, Sam Billings (OS), Josh Brown (replacement), Max Bryant, Sam Hain (OS replacement), Sam Heazlett, Spencer Johnson, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Colin Munro (OS), Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Will Prestwidge, Matt Renshaw, Mark Steketee, Mitchell Swepson, Ross Whiteley (OS), Jack Wildermuth.

Hobart Hurricanes

Matthew Wade (c), Asif Ali (OS), Faheem Ashraf (OS), Iain Carlisle, Zak Crawley (OS replacement), Tim David, Paddy Dooley, Nathan Ellis, Caleb Jewell, Shadab Khan (OS), Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Jimmy Neesham (OS replacement), Mitch Owen, Joel Paris, Wil Parker, D’Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Chris Tremain, Mac Wright.

Melbourne Renegades

Nic Maddinson (c), Zak Evans, Aaron Finch, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Martin Guptill (OS), Peter Handscomb, Sam Harper, Marcus Harris, Mackenzie Harvey, Akeal Hosein (OS), Ruwantha Kellapotha (OS replacement), Shaun Marsh, David Moody, Jack Prestwidge, Mujeeb ur Rahman (OS), Kane Richardson, Corey Rocchiccioli, Tom Rogers, Andre Russell (OS), Will Sutherland, Jon Wells.

Melbourne Stars

Adam Zampa (c), Trent Boult (OS), Joe Burns, Hilton Cartwright, Joe Clarke (OS), Brody Couch, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Sam Elliott, Liam Hatcher, Clint Hinchliffe, Campbell Kellaway, Nick Larkin, Cameron McClure, Tom O’Connell, Marcus Stoinis, Beau Webster, Luke Wood (OS).

Perth Scorchers

Ashton Turner (c), Ashton Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Jason Behrendorff, Cooper Connolly, Faf du Plessis (OS replacement), Stephen Ezkinazi (OS), Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Peter Hatzoglou, Nick Hobson, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kelly, Adam Lyth (OS), Hamish McKenzie, Tymal Mills (OS), Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, Andrew Tye.

Sydney Sixers

Moises Henriques (c), Sean Abbott, Jackson Bird, Dan Christian, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Mickey Edwards, Daniel Hughes, Chris Jordan (OS), Hayden Kerr, Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy, Izharulhaq Naveed (OS), Stephen O’Keefe, Kurtis Patterson, Josh Philippe, Jordan Silk, Steve Smith, James Vince (OS).

Sydney Thunder

Jason Sangha (c), Ben Cutting, Oliver Davies, Brendan Doggett, Fazalhaq Farooqi (OS replacement), Matthew Gilkes, Chris Green, Alex Hales (OS), Baxter Holt, Nathan McAndrew, Blake Nikitaras, Usman Qadir (OS replacement), Alex Ross, Rilee Rossouw (OS), Daniel Sams, Gurinder Sandhu, Tanveer Sangha, David Warner, Sam Whiteman.

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