The BBL is all set to get underway on the 5th of December, with reigning champions Sydney Sixers taking on the mighty Melbourne Stars in the season opener. Despite most of Australia’s first XI players being preoccupied with the Ashes, there are plenty of foreign and local stars on show in season 11 of the Big Bash League.
Here are the five players to watch out for in BBL 11.
1. Unmukt Chand – Melbourne Renegades
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Unmukt Chand makes history in season 11 by becoming the first male Indian player to appear in the BBL, with the 28-year-old batter joining the Melbourne Renegades. Chand first made waves on the international stage at the 2013 U-19 World Cup in Australia, where he led the Indian U-19 team to victory by scoring a stunning century in the final against the hosts. However, the Delhi batter has failed to live up to his promise since then, playing his last IPL match in 2016 and averaging just 22 at a strike rate of 116 in 77 career T20s.
2. Alex Hales – Sydney Thunder
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Although Alex Hales hasn’t been given any opportunities to feature for the English white-ball side, the top order batter continues to dominate the franchise circuit – and in particular – the Big Bash. Hales was the highest run-scorer in the BBL in the 2020/21 season, scoring 543 runs in 14 innings for the Sydney Thunder at an astonishing strike rate of 161. Hales also scored 482 runs at a strike rate of 178 in the T20 Blast in England over the summer and will look to continue his good form for the Thunder in his sixth season in the BBL.
3. James Vince – Sydney Sixers
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Another star English opener to watch out for this season is James Vince, who has played a vital part of the Sydney Sixers outfit that have won back-to-back titles in the BBL. Vince was the second-highest scorer in the competition last season behind Hales with 537 runs at a strike rate of 143 that included two 90’s in the semi-finals and final that helped the Sixers win the trophy. Vince was also drafted into England’s World Cup squad as a replacement for Jason Roy and enjoyed a successful English summer, scoring 229 runs in The Hundred at a strike rate of 130.
4. Marcus Stoinis – Melbourne Stars
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Marcus Stoinis returns to BBL11 with renewed confidence after winning the T20 World Cup with Australia last month, and the opener will play a crucial role for the Melbourne Stars as they chase their maiden BBL title. Ever since the all-rounder shifted to the top of the order, Stoinis has been one of the most consistent batters in the competition. Stoinis scored a record-breaking 705 runs to take the Stars to the final in 2020 before backing it up with another 396 runs at a strike rate of 142 last season.
5. Tymal Mills – Perth Scorchers
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The Perth Scorchers have roped in English pacer Tymal Mills for this season as a replacement for the injured Brydon Carse, who has been ruled out of the tournament. The left-armer had previous unsuccessful spells in the BBL with the Hobart Hurricanes and Brisbane Heat but has made a comeback in the England side for the T20 World Cup – where he picked up seven wickets in 5 matches. Mills has one of the best records at the death in T20 cricket, and his arsenal of variations and raw speed will be a significant addition to one of the strongest teams in the competition.
[Featured Image Credit: Marcus Stoinis]
Shivaan Shah