The BBL will start with a 40-game regular season despite challenges in attracting marquee talent. Here’s a look at each team’s prospects. The Melbourne Stars have a somewhat thin roster after losing some key players. They suffered a setback when their first draft pick, Harry Brook, became unavailable due to international commitments. They also faced issues with Haris Rauf’s participation. However, they made promising signings with Liam Dawson available for three games and Imad Wasim set to join the squad after Christmas. The Stars will heavily rely on Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis for runs. Their bowling lineup is a concern, but if they can stay fit, they have a chance.
The Perth Scorchers have a strong squad, despite losing key players like Ashton Agar to injury. Their draft pick, Zak Crawley, will only be available for six games, while Laurie Evans will be there for the regular season before leaving for the UAE. They will also need to monitor the availability of allrounder Mitchell Marsh. However, they have talented players like Cooper Connolly, who could make a big impact. The Scorchers’ main challenge will be their spin options due to injuries and departures. Overall, they are still strong contenders for the title.
