TODAY is the day – the WBBL09 season begin today.

Tonight it all kicks off in Sydney as the Sixers host the Stars in what has become the semi-regular season opener. As the competition approaches 10 years, it has certainly grown a lot in that time.

This season will see a lot less games where neither of the teams are playing in the home state, which is a huge step away from seasons past. It is not completely gone from the competition yet, but the fixture has taken a huge step in the right direction of that becoming a non-existent part of the fixture.

WBBL09 also sees some interesting dynamic shifts in the competition and has plenty of questions on the eve of the season.

For the first time the Strikers are the ones to beat after so many bridesmaids finishes. Will they go back to back despite some big outs and lacking in the wicket keeping department?

Can the Sixers bounce back from the heartache of losing last year’s final and go one step better this season?

Can the Thunder bounce back from the disaster that was last season and return to the form that saw them win the title in seasons gone by?

How will international players who were not retained by their clubs go at their new clubs, like Marizanne Kapp, Jess Kerr and Shabnim Ismail?

So many questions, so few answers yet. Regardless, with some of Australia and the world’s best playing in the competition, it is sure to be another exciting and action packed season.

Opening WBBL09 Fixtures

Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars – Tonight at 7:40pm – North Sydney Oval

Melbourne Renegades vs Brisbane Heat – Tomorrow at 3pm – Junction Oval

Hobart Hurricanes vs Perth Scorchers – Tomorrow at 7:10pm – UTAS Stadium

Adelaide Strikers vs Melbourne Stars – Saturday at 7:10pm – Karen Rolton Oval

Perth Scorchers vs Brisbane Heat – Sunday at 1:40pm – North Sydney Oval

Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers – Sunday at 5:25pm – North Sydney Oval

Melbourne Renegades vs Adelaide Strikers – Monday at 3pm – Junction Oval

WBBL09 Team by Team Previews

Adelaide Strikers

Brisbane Heat

Hobart Hurricanes

Melbourne Renegades

Melbourne Stars

Perth Scorchers

Sydney Sixers

Sydney Thunder