TEAM PROFILES

Adelaide Strikers

The Adelaide Strikers managed to sneak into the playoff spots in the 2020-21 edition of the Big Bash courtesy of their net run rate but will be without Travis Head, who has been called up to the Ashes squad, this time around and are yet to properly replace Phil Salt.

Brisbane Heat

Having lost in last year’s Challenger final, Brisbane Heat will be determined to go a step further this time. Losing Marnus Labuschagne to the Ashes was not ideal but Ben Duckett, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Tom Abell could all prosper.

Hobart Hurricanes

The Hobart Hurricanes just missed out on the playoffs last season, but the Tasmanian franchise have given themselves a great chance of improving on their 2020-21 performance by recruiting Harry Brook, who impressed with some excellent displays in the T20 Blast and The Hundred this year.

Melbourne Renegades

Looking to avoid a third straight last-placed finish in the Big Bash League, the Melbourne Renegades will not be done any favours by the early absences of Aaron Finch and Shaun Marsh for this year’s competition.

Melbourne Stars

Wicketkeeper Joe Clarke is a great capture for the Melbourne Stars, who can also look forward to a potentially full Big Bash campaign with Glenn Maxwell in their ranks. They can force a challenge for the title.

Perth Scorchers

Runners-up in the previous edition of the Big Bash, the Perth Scorchers will be hoping Colin Munro can remain a threat at the crease. However, losing Jhye Richardson, who was top wickettaker in the 2020-21 competition, could be detrimental to the chances of the Western Australia franchise.

Sydney Sixers

The Sydney Sixers are the red-hot favourites to lift the Big Bash League trophy and it is not difficult to see why with dangerous willow-wielders James Vince and Josh Philippe in the squad along with Tom Curran, one of the market leaders to top the wicket-taking standings in the tournament.

Sydney Thunder

Likely to once again be reliant on big-hitter Alex Hales, Sydney Thunder finished third in the regular standings in 2020-21 but will be without Ashes-bound Usman Khawaja in the coming months.