The 2021-22 edition of the Big Bash League (BBL) is set to start in less than a week's time and excitement amongst the fans is reaching new heights.
Like every year, we are bringing you a list of five players who are likely to become the difference-maker in their team's campaign.
Matthew Wade (Brisbane Heat)
First in the list features wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade. The 33-year-old is coming in the competition after producing heroics with the bat in hand which helped Australia in clinching their maiden International Cricket Council (ICC) T20 World Cup title. Wade will be leading the Brisbane Heat franchise in the campaign and it will be interesting to see how he will cope up in the new side. The left-hander has played 68 matches in the history of BBL where he has managed to score 1,831 runs at an average of 33.29 along with the strike-rate of 143.94, which included one century and 13 fifties.
Rashid Khan (Adelaide Strikers)
Second in the list features Afghanistan's star leg-spinner Rashid Khan. The leggie has been influential for Adelaide Strikers over the years and he will be hoping to do the same this time around as well. Last year, Khan claimed 16 wickets in just 10 matches at an outstanding average of 16.75 but it was not enough for his team to win the ultimate prize. Therefore, the Lahore Qalandars' spinner will be hoping to produce an even better display this time around.
Marcus Stoinis (Melbourne Stars)
Third in the list features all-rounder Marcus Stoinis. The 32-year-old is coming in the competition after playing a huge role in helping the Kangaroos in the ICC T20 World Cup triumph and therefore, Melbourne Stars will be hoping for similar kinds of performances from him in this year's competition. Stoinis is the fourth-highest run-getter in the history of BBL where he has managed to score 2,137 runs at an average of 36.84 along with the strike-rate of 131.58, which included one century and 14 fifties.
Adam Zampa (Melbourne Stars)
Fourth in the list features leg-spinner Adam Zampa. The 29-year-old is in impressive form with the ball in hand as he was one of the best bowlers in the recently concluded ICC T20 World Cup. Zampa will be representing Melbourne Stars in this year's competition and the franchise will be hoping to see similar kinds of performances from him. He is currently the fifth leading wicket-taker in the history of BBL with 88 scalps to his name in 75 matches.
Chris Lynn (Adelaide Strikers)
Last in the list features hard-hitting batter Chris Lynn. The right-hander has changed his franchise for this year's competition where he will be playing for the Adelaide Strikers. Lynn is the highest run-getter in the history of BBL with 2,790 runs in 88 innings at an average of 37.20 along with the strike-rate of 151.05, which included one century and 23 fifties. However, he has not played any international match since 2018. Therefore, Lynn will be hoping to re-establish himself as one of the best limited-overs batters around.
