BBL 10: One overseas player from each team who can make a difference
The Big Bash League (2020-21) will witness the extension of the overseas limit to three players in the playing XI. This has caused an increase in signings from England and also the nations like Afghanistan, New Zealand and West Indies. Hence, the role of overseas players is going to be important this time around as they will be coming in place of a local player who is used to the playing conditions.
Rashid Khan – Adelaide Strikers:
There is no need for the introduction to the impact Rashid Khan can make to whichever franchise he plays. For the Adelaide Strikers, Rashid has not only been a successful strike bowler but also made contributions low down the order with the bat on a consistent basis. He is coming off his best IPL edition and is expected to continue that form for the Strikers.
This @rashidkhan_19 Adelaide Oval hat-trick will go down as one of the all-time great Big Bash moments ?#StrikersTakeover #BlueEnergy pic.twitter.com/Cb31IBtgWH
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 7, 2020
Mohammad Nabi – Melbourne Renegades:
Melbourne Renegades have been benefited by the Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi over the last couple of seasons. Nabi has offered them an off-spin option and served the franchise as a finisher. He was successful during the instances where he got promotion in batting to deal with the spinners. Nabi was brilliant all-round during the CPL this year and will hope to continue that form.
Mujeeb ur Rahman – Brisbane Heat:
Start of Mujeeb ur Rahman’s campaign in the BBL 2020-21 might be delayed as he was infected by the COVID-19. Once Mujeeb steps on to the field for Brisbane, he is going to be crucial for the franchise with his off-spin. Mujeeb is known for his economical spells with the ball at which he was successful in the previous two editions.
Colin Ingram – Hobart Hurricanes:
Colin Ingram has been an important batter for the Adelaide Strikers over the years but will play for the Hobart Hurricanes this time around. Ingram might find similarities with the Hurricanes given the dimensions of their home ground, the Bellerive Oval. The square boundaries here are quite short much like the Adelaide Oval, the home venue of the Strikers.
Alex Hales – Sydney Thunder:
Alex Hales charged home with a flurry of late-season runs for the @thunderBBL in BBL|09. We can’t wait to see what he brings to the table this time around ?#ThunderTakeover #ThunderNation pic.twitter.com/pyyb5NcjUV
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 4, 2020
Alex Hales was brilliant with the bat in the 2019-20 BBL where he became the first Sydney Thunder player to amass 500+ runs in a single edition of the BBL. He scored 576 runs from only 17 games at a strike rate close to 150 and with six fifties. Hales is going to be crucial after decent returns during the T20 Blast earlier this year.
Nicholas Pooran – Melbourne Stars:
Melbourne Stars have suffered sudden collapses over the last couple of seasons and Nicholas Pooran could come around as a guy who can reduce damage in such situations. Pooran is someone who doesn’t back himself from taking risks and a quick 20-30 from him could come handy while his teammates collapse.
Carlos Brathwaite – Sydney Sixers:
Carlos Brathwaite wasn’t successful in the CPL played a couple of months ago but is likely to do better with the bat on hard Australian tracks. Brathwaite added the skill of bowling yorkers in the death overs which could benefit the Sydney Sixers in the absence of Tom Curran.
Colin Munro – Perth Scorchers:
Colin Munro is known for his big-hitting skills especially against the fast bowlers. For the Perth Scorchers, he could be an ideal top-order batsman, especially at their home ground. The Optus Stadium in Perth will be hosting the Scorchers where we usually see aggressive batters find the fence often.
