Big Bash season set for greater heights

SYDNEY: Australia’s high-octane Big Bash League (BBL) launches its seventh season on Tuesday with the whiz-bang Twenty20 cricket league looking to build on attendance and television ratings successes.

Reigning champions Perth Scorchers are hot favourites for their fourth crown, while Melbourne Stars, featuring polariszing batsman Pietersen, are chasing their elusive first title after several years of near misses.

The Scorchers have maintained the bulk of their squad from last year’s triumphant season and are likely to again contend for glory with coach Justin Langer again at the helm.Brisbane Heat, who finished second in the regular competition last season, possesses two explosive hitters with local Chris Lynn, who leads the BBL’s six tally with 94, and retired New Zealand star Brendon McCullum.

The Sydney Sixers, crushed by the Scorchers in last season’s final, again have big-hitting Englishman Jason Roy as their overseas player along with Test bowlers Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon.Skipper Aaron Finch leads the under-performing Melbourne Renegades, who have boom-hitting West Indian Kieran Pollard on their books.

Pollard will miss the first seven games of the tournament due to international commitments and Afghanistan off-spinner Mohammad Nabi fills his place.Sydney Thunder have former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson backing up for another season aged 36, while overseas import Jos Buttler has the three quickest ODI centuries for England, including a 46-ball effort against Pakistan.

The Thunder only have Buttler’s services for the opening six matches when he leaves for international duty.The other two franchises in the eight-team BBL are the Hobart Hurricanes and Adelaide Strikers. The final takes place on February 4.