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
dan ced
Guest
Paris definitely worth a look, a stunning Matador before injury last year, and back in form in the shield. Zampa had a great BBL04 and can also smash some runs, selectors actually watch the Stars so he may be in luck for a callup. Klinger is so hot right now, needs to be in at least the Aussie T20 squad if not ODI and Tests. Mennie is leading wicket taker in the shield. Could be great value for Hobart.
mattyb
Guest
Joel Paris from the Scorchers could be one to keep your eye on.
Dylan Matthews
Roar Guru
Some others to keep your eye on: Chris Lynn (Brisbane Heat) ~ Hard-hitting middle order batsmen who strikes at 137.12 in T20 cricket. When he hits it they stay hit! Peter Handscomb (Melbourne Stars) Gun young keeper who is capable with the bat. Managed 103* against the Scorchers in BBL|04 Dan Christian (Hobart Hurricanes) ~ Gun Allrounder who has had a two quiet seasons in a row, change of scenery could be ideal. Marcus Harris (Perth Scorchers) ~ Highly rated performs on the big stage, averaged 23.12 last season and scored a shield ton in the final last season
AREH
Roar Guru
Finch forming a potentially match-winning dangerous opening pairing with Chris Gayle if they can both fire. The Renegades have also added Cameron White and the continued class of Callum Ferguson and Tom Cooper provides them with a very solid and powerful batting stock, without forgetting Matthew Wade too.
ajay
Guest
for me - travis head last season he was great others,alex ross,joel paris(was stunning in clt20 replacement for starc in t20 world cup?),chris lynn (future australia batsman in all format), adam zampa(aus need spin bowler in india),swepson(wow! queensland leggi''e is one to watch) stoinis,maddinson bancroft etc.
ajay
Guest
well finch is biggest joke let's to be honest ! can't play spin no footwork and u forget "chris lynn" arguably biggest hitter in australia.recently smashed 21 sixes in an inning !
TommyH
Guest
Its not cricket.
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
This BBL will be especially interesting because there are a stack of spots up for grabs for the T20 World Cup in March...only 5 players would be locks for the Australian squad at this stage - Warner, Finch, Smith, Faulkner and Maxwell. In this context, the guys to watch for me are Dunk, Agar, Coulter-Nile, Maddinson, Stoinis and Klinger (a dominant T20 player who maybe, just maybe, will get a late career call up)