Big Bash League 2018-19: The 3 strongest teams in the fray

#2 Melbourne Stars

The men in green are once again ready to set the 'G' on fire, with a new bunch of stars. After losing the services of their overseas veterans Kevin Pietersen and Luke Wright, the Stars have recruited Sandeep Lamichhane and Dwayne Bravo as their overseas players.

Liam Plunkett has been named as the replacement player. Glenn Maxwell will lead the side which promises to be full of firepower.

The Stars lost a key player in the form of John Hastings, who was also their captain, last season - to the Sydney Sixers. But they made up for that by roping in Nic Maddinson.

The squad shows a good blend of youth and experience in both batting and bowling, and the Stars would be the favorites to reach the semi-finals.

Full squad: Glenn Maxwell(c), Ben Dunk, Nic Maddinson, Peter Handscomb, Travis Dean, Seb Gotch, Dwayne Bravo, Marcus Stoinis, Evan Gulbis, Liam Plunkett, Adam Zampa, Michael Beer, Jackson Bird, Scott Boland, Jackson Coleman, Sandeep Lamichhane, Daniel Worrall, Liam Bowe, Jonathan Merlo.

#1 Hobart Hurricanes

The 'Cane-Train' is ready to roll in the eighth edition of the Big Bash League. The runners-up of 2017-18 have built a very strong team with extensive international experience.

Australian wicket-keeper Matthew Wade has been named the skipper after his splendid form in domestic cricket.

The Hobart Hurricanes have retained their two international signings from last season viz. Tymal Mills and Jofra Archer. Archer was their strike bowler who made a huge impact in taking the team forward last season.

The Hurricanes lost Cameron Boyce and Dan Christian to the Renegades but in turn, acquired James Faulkner and Johan Botha.

The vast experience in the squad makes them look like an international side. The Hurricanes are likely to be one of the toughest sides to take on in BBL this year, and anything less than a spot in the final would be construed as a failure by the men in purple.

Full squad: Matthew Wade (c), D’Arcy Short, Alex Doolan, Tim Paine, Ben McDermott, George Bailey, Johan Botha, Jake Doran, James Faulkner, Simon Milenko, Jofra Archer, Clive Rose, Tymal Mills, Caleb Jewell, Riley Meredith, David Moody, Tom Rogers, Aaron Summers