THE 12th edition of the Big Bash League (BBL) is set to get underway in Canberra tonight, as the Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Stars lock horns at Manuka Oval. In the latest instalment of Australia’s premier T20 competition, 56 home-and-away games will pan out before five finals decide this season’s champion. Last time out, is was the Perth Scorchers who claimed their fourth title.

In our preview of BBL|12’s opening fixture, we run you through all you need to know about the two sides in action, what’s been said by either camp, and which players are set to define the tournaments of these two typically strong outfits.

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WHO: Sydney Thunder vs. Melbourne Stars
WHEN: Tuesday December 13, 7:15pm
WHERE: Manuka Oval, Canberra
HOW TO WATCH: Channel 7, Foxtel, Kayo

>> Season Previews: Sydney Thunder | Melbourne Stars

BBL|11 RECORDS:

Sydney Thunder (4th) – 9 wins, 5 losses (8 bonus points, 0.725 NRR)
Melbourne Stars (6th) – 7 wins, 7 losses (5 bonus points, -0.222 NRR)
Head-to-head – Sydney Thunder 0-2 Melbourne Stars (7-10 overall)

SIGNINGS:

Both clubs went big come the inaugural BBL Draft, signing highly credentialed internationals who are poised to set the tournament alight at different stages.

Though outside that realm, the Thunder’s big coup was Australian opener David Warner, who skippered the side’s maiden campaign and last played in the tournament for local rivals, the Sixers – albeit back in 2013.

His nine-year league absence will come to an end after Australia’s New Year’s Test against South Africa in Sydney, with the left-handed dasher signing a lucrative two-year deal to ply his trade on home turf. Reportedly, rival competitions had been circling for Warner’s signature.

English international Alex Hales and South African Rilee Rossouw were the club’s key draftees, with the former returning for his fourth-consecutive season in Thunder colours. Both are set to be available for the first half of the season before departing for UAE and South African T20 leagues respectively.

Sydney has also been forced to replace top pick David Willey, prizing Afghanistan paceman Fazalhaq Farooqi and Pakistani leg-spinner Usman Qadir.

It was no surprise to see New Zealand left-armer Trent Boult feature in the top three come draft time. While no longer part of his country’s central contract intake, the strike bowler is set to form a dangerous opening partnership with Englishman Luke Wood at the Stars.

The pair will be joined by Joe Clarke, a dangerous keeper-batter who returns after bashing a tournament-high five half-centuries last time out.

KEY PLAYERS:

The Thunder’s batting lineup looks a formidable one in BBL|12, with the likes of Warner, Hales and Rossouw at their disposal. Though, arguably their most important asset looms as new skipper Jason Sangha, who has been promoted to the role at 23-years-old. He was his side’s leading run scorer last season with 445 at an average of just under 50, and will pivot the top order at number three.

Typically star-studded, it is hard to look past Melbourne’s bowling stocks when identifying players who could lift the club into this season’s playoffs. While Boult and Wood will help with breakthroughs during the powerplay, Adam Zampa‘s wicket taking ability during the middle overs will also be key.

Promoted to captain in the absence of Glenn Maxwell, the talented leggie will have the likes of allrounders Marcus Stoinis and Nathan Coulter-Nile to rely upon, while Hilton Cartwright is another who offers both experience and leadership quality.

GAME ONE SQUADS:

Sydney Thunder: Jason Sangha (c), Ben Cutting, Oliver Davies, Brendan Doggett, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Matthew Gilkes, Toby Gray, Chris Green (vc), Alex Hales, Baxter Holt, Nathan McAndrew, Alex Ross, Rilee Rossouw, Daniel Sams, Gurinder Sandhu

Melbourne Stars: Adam Zampa (c), Trent Boult, Joe Burns, Hilton Cartwright, Joe Clarke, Brody Couch, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Clint Hinchliffe, Nick Larkin, Tom Rogers, Marcus Stoinis, Beau Webster, Luke Wood

WHAT THEY SAID:

“(Melbourne Stars) are a tough side, always one of the strongest sides in the comp. They’ve got two very tricky opening bowlers as well with Luke Wood and Trent Boult so it’s going to be a good challenge up front and they’re always a very strong, powerful batting lineup so it’ll be a tough game but we feel like if we play our best then we’ve got a good chance.” – Alex Hales, Sydney Thunder batter

“It’s probably different for everyone I think. Everyone’s coming from all over Australia, all over the world to meet together – some familiar faces, some that know the landscape pretty well, some are probably more relaxed, some are a bit anxious and thinking about what the game’s going to be like. So mixed emotions but it’s pretty relaxed at the moment.” – Melbourne Stars allrounder Marcus Stoinis

WHAT’S NEW:

Having brought in the Bash Boost and X-Factor subs, both additions have been scrapped ahead of BBL|12. The Power Surge remains though, allowing the batting side to call for a two-over period between overs 11-20 where only two fielders are allowed outside the field restriction circle.

A new rule introduced is that of the innings clock. Bowling teams will be required to start the final over inside 79 minutes of play, and will otherwise face being restricted to four fielders (opposed to five) outside the field restriction circle for the remainder of the innings.

Fans and clubs alike will also be buoyed by the introduction of the decision review system (DRS). Each team will be afforded one unsuccessful review per innings, set to be called by the batter or fielding captain. Reviewing teams keep one unsuccessful review should it fail under the umpires call factor.

FIXTURE:

FINALS STRUCTURE:

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