The Australian T20 extravaganza Big Bash League (BBL) is back with its latest season. This year promises more entertainment than the previous year which attracted a maximum crowd to the stadium. The T20 league has grown slowly into a massive event and has created a niche for itself. What IPL does for Indian cricketers, is exactly what BBL does for the Australian cricket.

This season, however, will be different if look at the scheme of things with a wider perspective. Last year the BBL saw many young talents prove their potentials. This time for a change, the focus shifts more to the veteran batsmen of the game who are either away from active cricket these days apart from promising youngsters. These men, some of them with a

These men, some of them with grey hair sprinkled on their head are still capable of pulling crowds and look in top notch form. Here in this piece, we try to list out five such batsmen who are sure to make an impact in this season’s BBL.

<strong>1. Brendon McCullum (Brisbane Heat)</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/12/Brendon-McCullum.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-99218"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-99218" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Brendon-McCullum.jpg" alt="Brendon McCullum" width="600" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-99218" class="wp-caption-text">Brendon McCullum of the Heat. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)</figcaption>

Baz retired from all form of cricket earlier this year after the World T20. It was a sudden decision which shocked the cricketing world. But, the flag bearer of New Zealand cricket isn’t done playing competitive cricket though and will be making a return to his first BBL franchise Brisbane Heats as the leader of the side. It is sure that he will be one of the favourites in this tournament.

The earliest memory of Brendon McCullum playing in the BBL isn’t something any cricket fans would like to remember. A searing Brett Lee bouncer snuck into his helmet and left him with a broken crooked nose. This time around, it is expected that he would surely light up the Gabba with his blazing knocks.

<strong>2. Kumar Sangakkara (Hobart Hurricanes):</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/12/Kumar-Sangakkara-2.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-99566"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-99566" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Kumar-Sangakkara-2.jpg" alt="Kumar Sangakkara of the Hurricanes" width="600" height="432" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-99566" class="wp-caption-text">Kumar Sangakkara of the Hurricanes. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)</figcaption>

Fans in Australia will be able to witness the classic cuts and pull shots from Kumar Sangakkara once again as the legend prepares to feature for the Hobart Hurricanes. The left-handed former Sri Lankan batting mainstay bowed out of international duties in 2015 but has been since then continuing to stamp his class in domestic T20 leagues and franchise cricket.

He has made successful appearances for the Quetta Gladiators (Pakistan Super League), Jamaica Tallawahs (Caribbean Premier League) and the Dhaka Dynamites (Bangladesh Premier League). Likewise, as he travels to Hobart for yet another T20 outing, fans will expect a lot from him.

<strong>3. Kevin Pietersen (Melbourne Stars)</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/12/Kevin-Pietersen.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-99565"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-99565" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Kevin-Pietersen.jpg" alt="Kevin Pietersen " width="600" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-99565" class="wp-caption-text">Kevin Pietersen of the Stars. (Photo by Robert Prezioso/Getty Images)</figcaption>

Melbourne Stars fans are perhaps the happiest ones around these days; the reason – Kevin Pietersen. He might be notorious for being a non-believer of team meetings and disciplinary issues but fans have usually liked him for his on-field exploits.

Ever since falling out of favour of the ECB selectors, KP has split time between playing franchise cricket and doing cricket presentations. He seems to be pondering over making an international return as well not for England but for his native. But, regardless of what is future is as a cricketer, he will be in action for the Stars in the upcoming days and fans are obviously thrilled to have him back.

<strong>4. Travis Head (Adelaide Strikers)</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/12/Travis-Head-Adelaide-Strikers.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-99567"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-99567" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Travis-Head-Adelaide-Strikers.jpg" alt="Travis Head" width="600" height="431" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-99567" class="wp-caption-text">Travis Head of the Adelaide Strikers. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)</figcaption>

<span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; color: #222222;">Travis Head’s career graph has been on an upward trend since the last season. It was due to his tally of 299 runs in 9 innings with a highly entertaining high score of 101* that grabbed the attention of the national selectors. </span>He was always in the reckoning, in fact, if we talk about his BBL track record which reads – 1046 runs in 29 innings at an average of 40.23 including 2 hundreds and 8 fifties.

His international debut was a silent affair but if his overall international record is concerned he has managed to prove himself as a potential all-rounder who can fill in the spot in the middle order. His career has just taken off with a heavy competition from others like Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell. Head will surely want to have another cracking session to cement his claim in the Australian team. From the fans perspective they wouldn’t mind watching him smash blazing scores either.

<strong>5. Glenn Maxwell (Melbourne Stars)</strong>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/12/Glenn-Maxwell.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-99564"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-99564" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Glenn-Maxwell.jpg" alt="Glenn Maxwell" width="600" height="414" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-99564" class="wp-caption-text">Glenn Maxwell of the Stars. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)</figcaption>

Speaking from the flamboyant all-rounder Glenn Maxwell&#8217;s point of view, this season may be a make or break season for him. His international career is currently struggling and has hit the rocks. Controversies also doesn&#8217;t seem to be leaving him, thanks to hi outspoken nature.

But, selectors don&#8217;t care as along as the player is performing and that is what Maxwell will focus on &#8211; producing headline-grabbing performances and reassure the selector of his worth. The 28-year-old has been out of the national setup for quite a somtime and last played in June against West Indies in the triangular series where he managed just 53 runs. Therefore, with a huge opportunity coming his way in the form of BBL 2017, Maxi will one of the players to watch out for.

<p>The Australian T20 extravaganza Big Bash League (BBL) is back with its latest season. This year promises more entertainment than the previous year which attracted a&nbsp;maximum crowd to the stadium. The T20 league has grown slowly into a massive event and has created a niche for itself.&nbsp;What IPL does for Indian cricketers, is exactly what BBL does for the Australian cricket.</p>
<p>This season, however, will be different if look at the scheme of things with a wider perspective. Last year the BBL saw many young talents prove their potentials.&nbsp;This time for a change, the focus shifts more to the veteran batsmen of the game who are either away from active cricket these days apart from promising youngsters. These men, some of them with a</p>
<p>These men, some of them with&nbsp;grey hair sprinkled on their&nbsp;head are still capable of pulling crowds and look in top notch form. Here in this piece, we try to list out five such batsmen who are sure to make an impact in this season’s BBL.</p>
<h4><strong>1. Brendon McCullum (Brisbane Heat)</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_99218" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-99218" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/12/Brendon-McCullum.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-99218"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-99218" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Brendon-McCullum.jpg" alt="Brendon McCullum" width="600" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-99218" class="wp-caption-text">Brendon McCullum of the Heat. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Baz retired from all form of cricket earlier this year after the World T20. It was a sudden decision which shocked the cricketing world. But, the flag bearer of New Zealand cricket isn’t done playing competitive cricket though and will be making a return to his first BBL franchise Brisbane Heats as the leader of the side. It is sure that he will be one of the favourites in this tournament.</p>
<p>The earliest memory of Brendon McCullum playing in the BBL isn’t something any cricket fans would like to remember. A searing Brett Lee bouncer snuck into his helmet and left him with a broken crooked nose. This time around, it is expected that he would surely light up the Gabba with his blazing knocks.</p>
<h4><strong>2. Kumar Sangakkara (Hobart Hurricanes):</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_99566" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-99566" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/12/Kumar-Sangakkara-2.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-99566"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-99566" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Kumar-Sangakkara-2.jpg" alt="Kumar Sangakkara of the Hurricanes" width="600" height="432" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-99566" class="wp-caption-text">Kumar Sangakkara of the Hurricanes. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Fans in Australia will be able to witness the classic cuts and pull shots from Kumar Sangakkara once again as the legend prepares to feature for the Hobart Hurricanes. The left-handed former Sri Lankan batting mainstay bowed out of international duties in 2015 but has been since then continuing to stamp his class in domestic T20 leagues and franchise cricket.</p>
<p>He has made successful appearances for the Quetta Gladiators (Pakistan Super League), Jamaica Tallawahs (Caribbean Premier League) and the Dhaka Dynamites (Bangladesh Premier League). Likewise, as he travels to Hobart for yet another T20 outing, fans will expect a lot from him.</p>
<h4><strong>3. Kevin Pietersen (Melbourne Stars)</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_99565" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-99565" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/12/Kevin-Pietersen.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-99565"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-99565" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Kevin-Pietersen.jpg" alt="Kevin Pietersen " width="600" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-99565" class="wp-caption-text">Kevin Pietersen of the Stars. (Photo by Robert Prezioso/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Melbourne Stars fans are perhaps the happiest ones around these days; the reason – Kevin Pietersen. He might be notorious for being a non-believer of team meetings and disciplinary issues but fans have usually liked him for his on-field exploits.</p>
<p>Ever since falling out of favour of the ECB selectors, KP has split time between playing franchise cricket and doing cricket presentations. He seems to be pondering over making an international return as well not for England but for his native. But, regardless of what is future is as a cricketer, he will be in action for the Stars in the upcoming days and fans are obviously thrilled to have him back.</p>
<p></p>
<h4><strong>4. Travis Head (Adelaide Strikers)</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_99567" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-99567" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/12/Travis-Head-Adelaide-Strikers.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-99567"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-99567" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Travis-Head-Adelaide-Strikers.jpg" alt="Travis Head" width="600" height="431" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-99567" class="wp-caption-text">Travis Head of the Adelaide Strikers. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p><span>Travis Head’s career graph has been on an upward trend since the last season. It was due to his tally of 299 runs in 9 innings with a highly entertaining high score of 101* that grabbed the attention of the national selectors.&nbsp;</span>He was always in the reckoning, in fact, if we talk about his BBL track record which reads – 1046 runs in 29 innings at an average of 40.23 including 2 hundreds and 8 fifties.</p>
<p>His international debut was a silent affair but if his overall international record is concerned he has managed to prove himself as a potential all-rounder who can fill in the spot in the middle order. His career has just taken off with a heavy competition from others like Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell. Head will surely want to have another cracking session to cement his claim in the Australian team. From the fans perspective they wouldn’t mind watching him smash blazing scores either.</p>
<h4><strong>5. Glenn Maxwell (Melbourne Stars)</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_99564" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-99564" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/12/Glenn-Maxwell.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-99564"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-99564" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Glenn-Maxwell.jpg" alt="Glenn Maxwell" width="600" height="414" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-99564" class="wp-caption-text">Glenn Maxwell of the Stars. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Speaking from the flamboyant all-rounder Glenn Maxwell’s point of view,&nbsp;this season may be a make or break season for him. His international career&nbsp;is currently struggling and has hit the rocks. Controversies also doesn’t seem to be leaving him, thanks to hi outspoken nature.</p>
<p>But, selectors don’t care as along as the player is performing and that is what Maxwell will focus on – producing headline-grabbing performances and reassure the selector of his worth. The 28-year-old has been out of the national setup for quite a somtime and last played in June against West Indies in the triangular series where he managed just 53 runs. Therefore, with a huge opportunity coming his way in the form of BBL 2017, Maxi will one of the players to watch out for.</p>

<p>The Australian T20 extravaganza Big Bash League (BBL) is back with its latest season. This year promises more entertainment than the previous year which attracted a maximum crowd to the stadium. The T20 league has grown slowly into a massive event and has created a niche for itself. What IPL does for Indian cricketers, is exactly what BBL does for the Australian cricket.</p>
<p>This season, however, will be different if look at the scheme of things with a wider perspective. Last year the BBL saw many young talents prove their potentials. This time for a change, the focus shifts more to the veteran batsmen of the game who are either away from active cricket these days apart from promising youngsters. These men, some of them with a</p>
<p>These men, some of them with grey hair sprinkled on their head are still capable of pulling crowds and look in top notch form. Here in this piece, we try to list out five such batsmen who are sure to make an impact in this season’s BBL.</p>
<h4><strong>1. Brendon McCullum (Brisbane Heat)</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_99218" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-99218" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/12/Brendon-McCullum.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-99218"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-99218" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Brendon-McCullum.jpg" alt="Brendon McCullum" width="600" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-99218" class="wp-caption-text">Brendon McCullum of the Heat. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Baz retired from all form of cricket earlier this year after the World T20. It was a sudden decision which shocked the cricketing world. But, the flag bearer of New Zealand cricket isn’t done playing competitive cricket though and will be making a return to his first BBL franchise Brisbane Heats as the leader of the side. It is sure that he will be one of the favourites in this tournament.</p>
<p>The earliest memory of Brendon McCullum playing in the BBL isn’t something any cricket fans would like to remember. A searing Brett Lee bouncer snuck into his helmet and left him with a broken crooked nose. This time around, it is expected that he would surely light up the Gabba with his blazing knocks.</p>
<h4><strong>2. Kumar Sangakkara (Hobart Hurricanes):</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_99566" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-99566" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/12/Kumar-Sangakkara-2.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-99566"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-99566" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Kumar-Sangakkara-2.jpg" alt="Kumar Sangakkara of the Hurricanes" width="600" height="432" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-99566" class="wp-caption-text">Kumar Sangakkara of the Hurricanes. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Fans in Australia will be able to witness the classic cuts and pull shots from Kumar Sangakkara once again as the legend prepares to feature for the Hobart Hurricanes. The left-handed former Sri Lankan batting mainstay bowed out of international duties in 2015 but has been since then continuing to stamp his class in domestic T20 leagues and franchise cricket.</p>
<p>He has made successful appearances for the Quetta Gladiators (Pakistan Super League), Jamaica Tallawahs (Caribbean Premier League) and the Dhaka Dynamites (Bangladesh Premier League). Likewise, as he travels to Hobart for yet another T20 outing, fans will expect a lot from him.</p>
<h4><strong>3. Kevin Pietersen (Melbourne Stars)</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_99565" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-99565" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/12/Kevin-Pietersen.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-99565"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-99565" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Kevin-Pietersen.jpg" alt="Kevin Pietersen " width="600" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-99565" class="wp-caption-text">Kevin Pietersen of the Stars. (Photo by Robert Prezioso/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Melbourne Stars fans are perhaps the happiest ones around these days; the reason – Kevin Pietersen. He might be notorious for being a non-believer of team meetings and disciplinary issues but fans have usually liked him for his on-field exploits.</p>
<p>Ever since falling out of favour of the ECB selectors, KP has split time between playing franchise cricket and doing cricket presentations. He seems to be pondering over making an international return as well not for England but for his native. But, regardless of what is future is as a cricketer, he will be in action for the Stars in the upcoming days and fans are obviously thrilled to have him back.</p>
<p></p>
<h4><strong>4. Travis Head (Adelaide Strikers)</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_99567" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-99567" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/12/Travis-Head-Adelaide-Strikers.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-99567"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-99567" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Travis-Head-Adelaide-Strikers.jpg" alt="Travis Head" width="600" height="431" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-99567" class="wp-caption-text">Travis Head of the Adelaide Strikers. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; color: #222222;">Travis Head’s career graph has been on an upward trend since the last season. It was due to his tally of 299 runs in 9 innings with a highly entertaining high score of 101* that grabbed the attention of the national selectors. </span>He was always in the reckoning, in fact, if we talk about his BBL track record which reads – 1046 runs in 29 innings at an average of 40.23 including 2 hundreds and 8 fifties.</p>
<p>His international debut was a silent affair but if his overall international record is concerned he has managed to prove himself as a potential all-rounder who can fill in the spot in the middle order. His career has just taken off with a heavy competition from others like Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell. Head will surely want to have another cracking session to cement his claim in the Australian team. From the fans perspective they wouldn’t mind watching him smash blazing scores either.</p>
<h4><strong>5. Glenn Maxwell (Melbourne Stars)</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_99564" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-99564" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/12/Glenn-Maxwell.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-99564"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-99564" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Glenn-Maxwell.jpg" alt="Glenn Maxwell" width="600" height="414" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-99564" class="wp-caption-text">Glenn Maxwell of the Stars. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Speaking from the flamboyant all-rounder Glenn Maxwell&#8217;s point of view, this season may be a make or break season for him. His international career is currently struggling and has hit the rocks. Controversies also doesn&#8217;t seem to be leaving him, thanks to hi outspoken nature.</p>
<p>But, selectors don&#8217;t care as along as the player is performing and that is what Maxwell will focus on &#8211; producing headline-grabbing performances and reassure the selector of his worth. The 28-year-old has been out of the national setup for quite a somtime and last played in June against West Indies in the triangular series where he managed just 53 runs. Therefore, with a huge opportunity coming his way in the form of BBL 2017, Maxi will one of the players to watch out for.</p>

BBL 2016-17: 5 Batsmen to watch out for

BBL 2016-17: 5 Batsmen to watch out for: The Australian T20 extravaganza Big Bash League (BBL) is back with its latest season. This year promises more