Big Bash League 2022/23: All you need to know
Cricket Australia (CA) has announced the schedule for the 12th edition of the Big Bash League (BBL). The premium T20 tournament will commence on December 13, 2022. A total of 56 matches will be played during the regular season followed by five fixtures for the finals. Melbourne Stars and Sydney Thunder will compete in the tournament opener at Manuka Oval, Canberra. Here's more.
Sixers eye revenge against Scorchers
2021-22 BBL finalists Sydney Sixers will be raring to settle scores with defending champions Perth Scorchers. Both teams will lock horns on December 17 at the Optus Stadium. Scorchers had annihilated the Sixers in the finale to grab a 79-run win. Laurie Evans's 41-ball 76* got him the Player of the Match award. Meanwhile, veteran pacer Andrew Tye (3/15) excelled on the wicket-taking front.
What are the venues?
A total of 17 venues have been finalized for BBL 2022/23. Lavington Sports Ground in Albury, North Sydney Oval, and Cazalys Stadium in Cairns are the new additions. Coffs Harbour, Geelong, Metricon Stadium, Manuka Oval, University of Tasmania Stadium, and Junction Oval will also play host in addition to the eight traditional venues.
MCG, SCG to host the derbies
Melbourne derbies will be played at MCG on January 3 and 14. Sydney derbies will be hosted on January 8 and 21 at Sydney Showground Stadium and SCG, respectively. Adelaide Strikers will host the New Year's Eve game against Stars at Adelaide Oval. Meanwhile, Hobart Hurricanes will host the Christmas Eve afternoon fixture against Melbourne Renegades at the Blundstone Arena.
Aussie national players could be available for BBL 2022/23
The cancelation of Australia's ODI series against South Africa has opened the doors for Aussie cricketers' participation. However, it isn't confirmed yet as to who will choose to play. Steve Smith, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, and Travis Head are without BBL contracts. Meanwhile, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc might skip the tourney for Australia's tour of India in February-March 2023.
Finch, Maxwell to be available for entire BBL 2022/23
The likes of Glenn Maxwell (Melbourne Stars), Aaron Finch (Melbourne Renegades), Mitch Marsh (Perth Scorchers), Adam Zampa (Melbourne Stars), and Marcus Stoinis (Melbourne Stars) will be available to play freely for the entirety of BBL 2022/23. Meanwhile, Usman Khawaja (Brisbane Heat) and keeper-batter Alex Carey (Adelaide Strikers) will be available for up to six games to conclude the home and away season.
Who were the key performers in BBL 2021/22?
Ben McDermott (Hobart Hurricanes) hammered the most runs in the tournament. The right-hander amassed 577 runs at 48.08. McDermott also bagged the Player of the Series award. Maxwell struck the highest score in BBL history (154*). Adelaide Strikers' Peter Siddle snared the most wickets (30). The pacer averaged a mere 17.73. His team-mate Rashid Khan bagged the best figures in the season (6/17).
A look at the important dates
As stated, BBL 2022/23 will kickstart on December 13. The regular season will culminate on January 25, 2023, with a double-header between Brisbane Heat and Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Stars. The Eliminator, Qualifier, and Knockout will be held on January 27, 28, and 29, respectively. Challenger will take place on February 2 with the finale being scheduled on February 4.
