For fans of T20 cricket, it’s already been an Australian summer to savor. The T20 World Cup Down Under was a huge hit with cricket lovers the world over, and yesterday’s Final between Pakistan and England was a fitting finale.
Elsewhere, the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) is in full swing and has provided another opportunity for the stars of the women’s game to entertain the nation. The tournament has also given cricket fans around Australia the chance to enjoy great value, world-class action – growing the women’s form of the game in the process.
With the T20 success stories racking up, attention will soon turn to BBL 12 – the twelfth edition of the men’s Big Bash League. Launched in 2011 as Australia’s answer to the Indian Premier League, the T20 tournament continues to attract some of the game’s best players, and deliver some of cricket’s most exciting matches. But what is domestic cricket without its teams? Whether you’re a die-hard from day one, or on the lookout for your first franchise, here’s a quick rundown of the 8 sides set to take part in BBL 12:
Adelaide Strikers
Captained by Aussie international Travis Head, Adelaide Strikers have won the BBL once, in 2018, defeating Hobart Hurricanes by 25 runs. Since last season, the Strikers have brought in a number of new players, but most notably, Chris Lynn – BBL’s all-time leader for runs scored and sixes hit. Lynn’s presence, alongside returning stars like Rashid Khan, suggests that Adelaide could be in for another deep playoff run in 2022–23, after losing in the Challenger game last season.
Brisbane Heat
With a history of acquiring top overseas talents like Brendon McCullum and AB De Villiers, Brisbane Heat are one-time winners of the BBL, defeating Perth Scorchers by 34 runs in 2013. After finishing outside the playoffs for the fourth time in 5 years in 2021–22, the Heat will be hoping to turn their fortunes around with the help of classy batsmen Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne.
Hobart Hurricanes
Hobart Hurricanes are one of only 2 BBL teams never to have won the tournament, making them a great choice for new BBL fans looking for a team to follow. Led by Head of Strategy Ricky Ponting, the team has brought in Pakistani trio Asif Ali, Faheem Ashraf, and Shadab Khan for 2022–23. The move could help make the Hurricanes one of BBL’s most exciting sides as they push for their first championship following a 5th place finish last season.
Melbourne Renegades
One of 2 Melbourne teams in the tournament, the Renegades play at Marvel Stadium, in the city’s Docklands district, and have fielded stars such as Ben Stokes and Muttiah Muralitharan in the past. The Renegades are one-time winners of the BBL, defeating their local rivals the Stars in the Final in 2019. Since then, the Renegades have finished in last place in the BBL group stage 3 times in a row. Top internationals like Liam Livingstone and Aaron Finch will be hoping to reverse this poor run of results and return the Renegades to the playoffs in BBL 12.
Melbourne Stars
Despite their popularity and star power, Melbourne Stars are the second BBL franchise never to have won the competition. The Stars, who play their home games at the famous MCG, acquired fast bowler Trent Boult in the offseason, and the New Zealander will lead the side’s dangerous bowling attack in 2022–23. At the other end of the pitch, “The Big Show” Glenn Maxwell will hope that he can smash the sixes needed for his side to stake their claim at an elusive BBL title.
Perth Scorchers
Perth Scorchers are BBL’s most successful franchise, and have won the competition on 4 occasions. Most recently, the Scorchers claimed their fourth title in last year’s tournament, defeating Sydney Sixers by a massive 79 runs. After adding more batting firepower in the shape of England international Phil Salt, Mitch Marsh’s side enter BBL 12 as one of the favourites to claim the trophy.
Sydney Sixers
The more successful of the 2 Harbor City franchises, the Sydney Sixers’ 3 BBL wins is second only to their Western Australia rivals the Scorchers. Kitted out in famous magenta pink, the likes of Sean Abbott, Chris Jordan, and Nathan Lyon will take to the field for the Sixers in 2022–23. After losing in the Final last season, the team will be hoping to go one better and take home their fourth BBL championship.
Sydney Thunder
Australian veteran David Warner joins Sydney Thunder in 2022–23, as the green side of the Harbor City looks to build on last season’s playoff appearance. The Thunder, who have one BBL championship to their name, will also benefit from the talents of big-hitting all-rounder Ben Cutting and England left-armer David Willey. BBL 12’s first game, on 13 December, will be cricket fans’ first opportunity to see the Sydney side in action when they take on Melbourne Stars to open the tournament.