Cricket: Round 1 Big Bash League action wrap-up

Aaron FInch bats against the Melbourne Stars (sourced from The Australian)

Some massive sixes and exciting chases brought round one of the 2012/13 KFC Twenty20 Big Bash League to a close.

Stars v Renegades:

It started with the Melbourne Derby-Stars v Renegades at Etihad Stadium.  I was at the game, and the 23,584 fans there weren’t disappointed.  After a well-made 53 to English import Luke Wright, as well as 42 and 28 respectively to veterans David Hussey and Brad Hodge, the Stars set the Renegades a total of 168 to win.

After a poor BBL|01, the Renegades have assembled a workhorse team, with only the one real big name; Muttiah Muralitharan.  Nathan Rimmington and Darren Pattinson, despite some low-wicket figures, displayed great composure and bowled a consistent line and length.  The Stars batted without any real trouble, but the score didn’t seem to be enough.

Cricket: Under The Microscope: Adelaide Strikers and Perth Scorchers

Perth Scorchers (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In this final Big Bash League series of previews, the Adelaide Strikers and Perth Scorchers go under the hammer as we near the start of BBL|02.

The Strikers had a strong team but were somewhat underwhelming in terms of results.  The Scorchers, meanwhile, made the BBL|01 and took it right up to eventual champions the Sydney Sixers.

The Strikers will be facing some tough competition, after losing key all-rounder Andrew McDonald to injury.  The Justin Langer (coach) lead Scorchers have got firepower once again.

Key players include:

Cricket: Under The Microscope: Sydney Sixers

Sydney Sixers logo (sourced from Google Images)

Inaugural Big Bash League and Champions League Twenty20 winners, the Sydney Sixers are on top of the Twenty20 world right now.

Demonstrating a balance of excellent batting, bowling and fielding, the Sixershave displayed the mantra that is needed to succeed in the shortest form of the game.

The Sixers have signed a squad for BBL|02 that is full of young talent and experienced players.  After their two tournament wins, can they raise the Big Bash League silverware again?  We will find out, starting December 8.

In the meantime, let’s take a look at some of the players that will be donning Sixers pink this summer:

Cricket: Under The Microscope: Melbourne Renegades

Melbourne Renegades Banner
(Courtesy Renegades website)

‘A law unto our own’ says  a promotional poster for the Melbourne Renegades.  They’ve certainly developed that.

Finishing seventh in the first instalment of the Big Bash League, the red army had the team but didn’t post the results.  That, however, seems set to change this summer.

With a fresh new look, some solid team signings, and their home ground of Etihad Stadium, the Renegades will be competing in a much stronger and even pool.  Let’s take a look at some of the key players:

Cricket: Under The Microscope: Melbourne Stars

Melbourne Stars (sourced from Google Images)

Dubbed ‘Melbourne’s favourite cricket team,’ the MCG will be swamped with green this summer as the Melbourne Stars vie for the BBL|02 title.

Making the finals last year by the skin of their teeth, and bowing out gracefully against the Perth Scorchers, the Stars have once again recruited a strong team, with the likes of Captain Shane Warne, David Hussey, and Sri Lankan icon Lasith Malinga.

As we approach the start of the tournament, three weeks from now, let’s take a look at some of the big name players that will don the green shirts this summer:

Cricket: Under The Microscope: Hobart Hurricanes

Hobart Hurricanes (sourced from Google Images)

Hobart’s cricketing “purple power” is back for BBL|02 and primed to make another run for the finals.  The Hurricanes welcome back a strong team from BBL|01, including a couple of new signings, and some players who have made the move from other teams.

The Hurricanes first game is against the Brisbane Heat on December 9.  Let’s take a look at some key players and stats for the upcoming season:

Ricky Ponting: “Punter” was limited to just one game in the inaugural Big Bash League season due to international commitments.  The veteran 37 year old will be back once again to add strength and experience to a strong batting line-up.  Never backs down from a pull or hook shot, and is a sublime timer of the ball.  Reinvigorated form after last summer but must keep going to ensure national spot.

Cricket: Under The Microscope: Brisbane Heat

Brisbane Heat (sourced from Google Images)

Teal coloured clothing will swamp the Gabba starting December, as the Brisbane Heat begin their KFC Twenty20 Big Bash League campaign for 2012/2013.

With Matthew Hayden retired, and the team missing out on BBL|01 finals by a very small margin, the Heat will be seeking redemption as the revamped tournament begins on December 7.

Here’s a look at players who could give us a whole lot of entertainment: