Australia’s much loved and extremely popular T20 competition – KFC Big Bash League is back again. The tournament, which is scheduled to start on the 20th of December, promises a lot of entertainment, glamour, and nail-biting encounters.
T20 superstars from all over the world will fight it out to win the glorious trophy for their respective teams. The defending champions – Sydney Thunder, led by Shane Watson will be looking to lift the trophy for the second consecutive time.
The league permits players to represent franchises they prefer by signing contracts which are much more flexible and efficient.
Players can shift to a different franchise at the end of the season by negotiating the time period and incentives offered. There have been several new signings in the 2016-17 season of the Big Bash League.
We take a look at 5 such interesting signings:
#1 Brad Hogg – Melbourne Renegades
Cricketers like Brad Hogg and Pravin Tambe are nothing short of an inspiration to the current generation, and they send a message that age is no barrier if you are determined to achieve something. Both the cricketers have been performing exceptionally well in T20 leagues like the IPL and the Big Bash even at the age of 45.
Brad Hogg, who is the second highest wicket-taker overall in the Big Bash with 46 wickets decided to represent the Melbourne Renegades in the 2016-17 season. This decision saddened Scorchers coach Justin Langer immensely which was evident from his comments: "Very disappointing, I know [where he's going], but I can't tell you where he's going. But he's leaving the Scorchers. I'm really disappointed about that. What can I say? I'm personally disappointed, professionally disappointed, but it's his decision and life goes on.
"In my opinion, he's made a wrong decision, that's okay, that's not my business. But I can go to bed at night knowing we offered him more money than we offered him last year, we think we've had as good deal with him for the last few years and it could have been a real win-win situation for him and us.
"But we wish him the best, we've been friends since we went to school together. I think he's been brilliant for the Scorchers. I think on and off the field he is fantastic, he's a good friend of mine but it's disappointing."
Brad Hogg is the leading wicket taker of the Perth Scorchers and it will be tough for any player to replicate his impact. Hogg is a great addition to the Melbourne Renegades side and brings vast experience and wicket taking abilities. His economy rate is just above 6, which indicates how efficient his bowling performances have been in the past.
The squad already boasts of quality spinners like Sunil Narine and Xavier Doherty, Hogg’s presence further strengthens the bowling department.
#2 Stuart Broad – Hobert Hurricanes
30-year-old English bowler Stuart Broad has signed up with the Hobert Hurricanes for the 2016-17 season of the Big Bash. The Englishman is one of England’s best ever bowlers in the longer format of the game. His deadly bowling performances have won many Test matches for England in the past which has earned him the No. 4 spot on the list of the world’s best Test bowlers.
Though he may be recognised primarily for his contributions with the ball he is no mug with the bat either. If needed, the Englishman is more than capable of swinging the bat around and scoring runs at a brisk pace. He is truly a match winner for any T20 franchise.
Broad has picked up 92 wickets in 77 T20 matches at an economy rate just over 7 and a strike rate of 17.5 which indicates how deadly he is even in the shorter format of the game.
Hurricanes coach Damien Wright was extremely excited after acquiring a top player like Broad which was evident from his comments, “Stuart Broad has an incredible record in all three formats and his knowledge of the game overall will be a huge asset for our bowling group going forward.
“He will give us great firepower with the ball and will be a fantastic inclusion into our pace attack joining Tait, Reed, and Rainbird.
“It was key to find someone who could contribute in a big way with the ball & we believe we’ve signed one of the very best to do this. He is terrific fella who is determined to do well throughout the Big Bash as well as seeing this as a great opportunity to put himself back in contention for England in the shorter formats of the game,” said the Hurricanes coach.
#3 Sam Billings – Sydney Sixers
The 25-year-old Englishman who debuted for England in June 2015 is considered to be one of the most exciting youngsters in the T20 format currently.
In the 2016-17 IPL player auction most of the franchises had Jos Butler on their list after his quick-fire batting performances for England in international T20 and ODI matches respectively. Only the Delhi Daredevils had the presence of mind to purchase Billings, the talented cricketer whose innovative shots and excellent batting performances had caught the attention of experts all around the world.
His sublime performances for Delhi in the 2016/17 season of the Indian Premier League did his reputation no harm.
The talented youngster has scored 1420 runs in just 86 matches at an amazing strike rate of 121.67 which makes his addition a no-brainer. He is also very efficient with the gloves which makes his overall profile extremely attractive.
Several high profile Australian stars like Steve Smith will be busy on international duty during the tournament which will ensure regular opportunities for Billings to exhibit his talent. Head coach Greg Shipperd hailed Billings’ flexibility and lavished praise when asked to comment on the new signing: “Sam Billings becomes our second international signing and is a crucial addition to our ranks given the selection of Nic Maddinson and the possibility of other Australian selections.”
“Recent international performances have whet our appetite that his explosive and creative style of batting will nicely suit our line-up.
“Sam can bat anywhere in the order and we like that flexibility in our players. Also his fielding is highly rated both as a keeper or outfielder. “Good judges from England, Pakistan and the IPL have seen the potential in Sam and we welcome him to our squad.”
#4 Mitchell Johnson – Perth Scorchers
Australia’s legendary left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Johnson earned cult status after his splendid bowling performances for Australia in the Ashes and against South Africa in the year 2013-14, when he picked up 59 wickets in just 8 Tests. Batsmen were frightened at the prospect of facing against him which earned him immense respect and admiration from cricket fans and experts.
His decision to participate in the Big Bash for the first time ever this season after his retirement captured the attention of several BBL franchises searching for an experienced fast bowler. Brad Hogg’s decision to join Melbourne Renegades caught the Perth Scorchers by surprise which forced the management to seek out a replacement who was experienced and capable of mentoring the next generation.
Mitchell Johnson’s presence guarantees an experienced figure in the bowling line up capable of handling any scenario. The Perth Scorchers squad consists of many young talented fast bowlers like David Willey, Andrew Tye, Joel Paris and Johnson’s addition certainly makes this bowling attack much more destructive.
The 35-year-old has picked up 94 wickets in just 82 matches at an economy rate just below 8 and a strike rate of 19.1 which is fair enough for a fast bowler.
Johnson has also been a reliable tail-ender down the order for Australia in the past and is more than capable of smashing a few lusty blows with the willow.
#5 Ian Bell – Perth Scorchers
The Perth Scorchers have pulled off another coup by signing up English right-handed batsman Ian Bell as their second overseas player. The 34-year-old is a tremendous addition to the side having garnered 489 runs in just 14 matches at an astounding strike rate of 130.74 as an opener for the Birmingham Bears in this season’s Natwest T20 Blast.
Acquiring a player with over 11 years of experience and 13,000 runs in international cricket is nothing short of a bargain. The Englishman is expected to open the innings with captain Michael Klinger which will be an extremely wise decision considering his recent success.
Bell has scored 1633 runs in 67 T20 matches at a strike rate of 120.67 and an average of 28.15.
Scorchers coach Justin Langer’s comments clearly indicated his delight, "It's exciting to be able to add a player of Ian's top-level experience and quality to our squad.
"With 22 Test centuries and a one-day international average close to 40, he'll bolster our batting options.
"He's played at the international level for more than decade so brings experience and leadership having captained his county side Warwickshire and the Birmingham Bears. We're delighted to have him on board."
Considering his superb ODI record and desire to win back a spot in the English team, Ian Bell could very well turn out to be the signing of the season.
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