The upcoming fourth installment of the Big Bash League is set to be bigger and better than ever.
Last season’s tournament saw the emergence of the big-hitting Craig Simmons, who helped lead the Perth Scorchers to their first final victory, at the third attempt.
This season we can look forward to the emergence of more local talent, but also the emergence of the sleeping giant in green, the Sydney Thunder.
For three seasons the Thunder have been the whipping boys of the competition, picking up three wooden spoons from as many attempts. But following a serious make-over within the organisation, fans may finally see the light.
The signing of arguably the best all-rounder to ever play the game, South African legend Jacques Kallis, signalled the Thunder’s intention.
The addition of Aussie quick Pat Cummins, former Test spinner Nathan Hauritz, and the re-signing of England dasher Eoin Morgan mean the Thunder have class across the entire squad.
Although not met with the same fanfare as the marquee signings of Kallis and Cummins, the early arrival of Mumbai Indians big-hitter Aiden Blizzard is just as vital a piece of the puzzle.
For two seasons the Thunder were known as a one-man team, after spending a large amount of their allotted salary cap on West Indian superstar Chris Gayle, who seriously under-performed.
In season three, Mike Hussey was brought to the club, and again played a lone hand at times, although he had a slightly more impressive supporting cast than Gayle.
For the last two seasons the Thunder also wasted a roster spot on Aussie captain Michael Clarke, who did not play a single game.
Dave Warner was also signed to the club for seasons one and three of the competition, and although when he did play he scored plenty of runs, his Test and one-day commitments limited his availability.
In season four, no roster spaces have been wasted on big-name absentees.
Fans of other franchises, who once saw the Thunder as nothing more than a chance to lift their net run rate, will now face genuine competition when they visit ANZ and Spotless Stadiums.
Likely Thunder line-up
Phil Hughes
Usman Kjawaja
Mike Hussey
Jacques Kallis
Eoin Morgan
Aiden Blizzard
[Wicketkeeper – yet to be signed]
Nathan Hauritz
Pat Cummins
Gurinder Sandhu
Dirk Nannes
Dean Robinson
Roar Pro
Phil Hughes? As in the same Phil Hughes who plays for the Adelaide Strikers? Perhaps Daniel Hughes. By my count the Thunder still have four roster spots to fill. Ryan Carters seems like an obvious one, but it's curious that it hasn't been finalised. Jason Floros will also probably be back. That leaves two, one of those will supposedly be picked after the Kingsgrove Cup T20 (Sydney grade cricket) wraps up at the beginning of November, the other might be someone like Blake Dean from the ACT (who played one game for the Thunder last year).
Chris Kettlewell
Roar Guru
In the 3 seasons of the BBL Warner has done really well in the handful of games he's played, but he's never been available for more than one or two matches for the whole thing, and it's just wastes a roster spot. So it's good that guys like Clarke and Warner aren't going to pretend to be part of the team this year. If the BBL was played while no internationals were on giving them a chance to play, you'd definitely want Warner, but he'd again maybe play one game, two tops, so they are better getting someone who'll be around for the whole comp.
Chris Kettlewell
Roar Guru
That and the Clarke / Warner thing. Last year they centred much of their promotion around David Warner who was never going to play many games for them. I think he's played 3-4 games over 2 seasons for the team and as pointed out, did pretty well in the few games he played, but they need top players who are actually going to be available to play the whole campaign.
Khan
Roar Rookie
Khawaja has been the top performer for the Thunder in the last 2 seasons but we need other batsman to stand up with him. I think with Hussey, Kallis and Morgan there i think Thunder will have its batting stand up
Daniel Nichols
Roar Guru
He's not listed in the team section :-/
Paul D
Roar Guru
Now batting for Sydney Thunder...the corpse of Jack Blackham.
Pope Paul VII
Guest
Bob Taylor, he could hold up an end as well
Don Freo
Guest
In which case they should offer a contract to Brian Taber for the keeping spot....or Alan Knott ...or Farook Engineer!
Paul D
Roar Guru
He's made himself unavailable for this instalment.
Pope Paul VII
Guest
Ussie and Phil will give it a crack. Where's Davey Warner gone?
Joel
Roar Rookie
Last couple of years the Thunder used probably too many up and comers instead of experienced heads and let a lot of games slip that they really should have won. Having the trio of Hussey, Kallis and Morgan in the team is a big deal. The experience between the three of them will be enough to see the Thunder into the finals series this year.
Paul D
Roar Guru
As you said, the biggest problem for the Thunder was that they put all their eggs in a couple of underperforming baskets, which left too many team slots filled by fringe state players. Can't fault their commitment but the skill levels just weren't there in some of the crucial moments. While it is a bit of a Dad's army list, at least they'll all be available for selection. Still think they'll finish about 6th though.
graheamylebrooy
Guest
Ryan Carters would be the keeper
Dexter The Hamster
Guest
Class is permanent Don!!!
Pope Paul VII
Guest
Love the Thunder, especially their dancers, best in the comp. Pity they actually won one last year, destroyed the team's aura of vincibility. Looking forward to getting out Homebush, it's a fun night. I think they might be playing at the Showground, best sporting venue on the planet. I think they will snag a couple of wins too which is a bonus.l
Don Freo
Guest
"Was" is the operative word in all of these references. "Has been" could be another.
Dan
Guest
I like the roster! Young Jake Doran could be a smokey for the keeper spot, hes on their books and can seriosly bat, i think he would be worth a chance given he'll have experienced heads all around him.
Daniel Nichols
Roar Guru
Blizzard did play the Champs League tho recently and played well. Morgan destroyed the Aussie bowling line up under 12 months ago in Australia. Kallis is perhaps the best all rounded of all time, and Hussey was the Thunder leading run scorer 12 months ago.
Don Freo
Guest
They should play Malceski...although his stroke play would be too loose.
Pope Paul VII
Guest
A few free agents there eh Don?