Each team has that x-factor player for BBL05 and it’s not just the international superstars.
Michael Neser
The classy all-rounder was ruled all of last year’s competition due to injuries, but let’s take you back to BBL03 where he was the Strikers’ MVP.
He was the second leading wicket taker that year and bowled at crucial times for his team. With Kieron Pollard now out for the year expect Neser to take the lead all-rounder role at Adelaide once again.
Others to watch: Alex Ross and Jono Dean
Jason Floros
Recent Sheffield Shield form suggests the off-spinning all-rounder will provide an impact for the Heat.
Recently taking eight wickets in two innings in the game against NSW and a recent 82 with the bat in the game prior. If the Heat are to move up the ladder this season players like Floros must show their strength on the big stage.
Others to watch: James Hopes and Mark Steketee
Shaun Tait
At his best Tait is the most intimidating bowler in the BBL, at his worst he is a captain’s headache. Capable of getting the ball to a whopping 160 km/h, but also capable of bowling it to first slip. If Tait fires though the Hurricanes finally have the strike bowler they have been calling for since the loss of Ben Laughlin.
Others to watch: Dom Michael and Joe Mennie
Aaron Finch
Expect Finch to be fired up after some bad form in Shield cricket. We all know what Finch is capable of. A T20 average of 33 may seem low, but let’s remember Finch as a top order batsman has to set the pace which can cost his wicket at times.
Others to watch: Tom Beaton and Callum Ferguson
Marcus Stoinis
Melbourne missed Stoinis badly last year. The tall all-rounder can do it all; hit massive sixes and strike with critical wickets. He must keep fit this year. If he does, a team with his class with John Hastings and James Faulkner makes a dangerous middle order and bowling attack.
Others to watch: Ben Hilfenhaus and Adam Zampa
Michael Klinger
Missing out on playing for Australia yet again must have stung, but the Aussies’ loss is the Scorchers gain. A century last season, over 3000 runs in T20 cricket and an average of 37 he will once again be a key in the Scorchers batting line-up as tries to gain a spot in that Aussie XI.
Others to watch: Ashton Agar and Cameron Bancroft
Brad Haddin
We have heard very little from Brad since his retirement, but we all know how good he is in the short form of the game. He is able to boost the run rate when required and dig in when the batting order has collapsed with his test experience. Now it’s all up to his glove work. Welcome back Hads.
Others to watch: Moises Henriques and Jackson Bird
Sydney Thunder
Aidan Blizzard
Last year Blizzard became a key part of the Thunder batting lineup, hitting massive sixes and keeping the run rate going when called upon.
With IPL experience on his side as well as while having the luxury of Hussey and Kallis as your team-mates expect even bigger things from the man who has scored over 1800 runs in T20 cricket.
Others to watch: Gurinder Sandhu and Andrew McDonald
Build your own fantasy cricket team and put it to the test with Draftstars daily fantasy competitions. Pick your match, pick your team and watch the points roll in to take out cash prizes on each match. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit.
With Rajasthan needing 25 off 17, both batsmen ended up at the same end but the bowler dropped the throw from his teammate -…
A six-laden, 27-ball 84 from Jake Fraser-McGurk to continue his outrageous debut IPL!
Johnny Bairstow has hit his way back into form with a 45-ball century as he steered his side to a record-breaking win, easily chasing…
It seems franchise cricket has forgotten about the great battle between bat and ball. In fact, this season in the IPL there is no battle at all.
The mammoth rise of Jake Fraser-McGurk - his enormous potential and the destructive shot-making that he possesses makes him a very tempting option.
Xavier Bartlett has been permission to extend his cricketing education with a spell of T20s in England, playing in the Blast competition for Kent…
