Lynn on fire December 19
Chris Lynn will be using a specially designed bat this year – shorter than normal with a thinner handle – as he tries to regularly clear the boundary as new Brisbane Heat captain. And if you hear the phrase “Lynn is on fire tonight”, well his bat literally was a few days ago as part of a promo shoot for the tournament. An image posted by one of the Heat’s media team showed the bat, which won’t be one Lynn uses in the middle.
The pic & the remains of the singed bat. @petewallisphoto @lynny50 @cmail_sport #BringTheHeat pic.twitter.com/81f8RW3oWB
— Pete Lock (@Pete_locky) December 16, 2018
Jofra’s new skill?
December 18
Jofra Archer was one of the stars of last year’s tournament and he’s back with Hobart Hurricanes. The change in ECB regulations now means he will be eligible for an England call-up next year and there was question as to whether he would cut short his BBL stint to bring that date forward. For now, though, he’s in Australia and all set for the tournament. But not sure we’ll see this in the middle…
“Just left arm around thanks ump.”
Is there something you’re not telling us about the @BBL off-season, @craig_arch?#TasmaniasTeam #BBL08 pic.twitter.com/Q9l0tsJ1j4
— Hobart Hurricanes (@HurricanesBBL) December 18, 2018
Paris faces spell on sidelines
December 17
Perth Scorchers left-arm quick Joel Paris is to set to miss up to a month of the BBL after suffering a back injury. However, the Scorchers can still boast an enviable fast bowling attack with Andrew Tye, Nathan Coulter-Nile, David Willey and Jason Behrendorff among the best in T20 cricket
ALSO READ: Big Bash squads: how the teams stack up and who to watch out for
Bancroft’s smile getting ‘broader and broader
December 16
Cameron Bancroft is tipped to make his return to professional cricket the day after his ban finishes when Perth Scorchers face Hobart Hurricances at Launceston on December 30.
Speaking during the Perth Test, WACA chief executive Christina Matthews spoke about Bancroft’s frame of mind as he completes his community service.
“As each day in December passes he’s smiling broader and broader,” Matthews said. “And he’s started doing a few more public appearances, so he was a guest at a breakfast this morning and he’s happy to talk openly about it because he’s learnt so much himself. He’s probably had an easier road than the other two because he’s been very set and we’ve been very set in how to go about it. So he hasn’t chased other tournaments around the world. He’s worked with the squad and to be fair he’s had a contract so he’s had obligations as well.”
Boost for Scorchers, Strikers and Renegades
December 16
Mitchell Marsh, Peter Siddle and Chris Tremain who have been part of Australia’s Test squad for the first two matches against India, have been made available for the opening fixtures of the BBL. Siddle will therefore be able to take part in the opening match of the tournament when Adelaide Strikers take on Brisbane Heat at the Gabba.
Marsh and Tremain will then go head-to-head when Perth Scorchers take on Melbourne Renegades at Marvel Stadium. Although a vastly different format, Marsh is hoping that success in the BBL will help push his case for a Test return although he may already be closing in on a comeback after the struggles of Peter Handscomb.