Heading into the latest Big Bash League season, there are certainly no shortage of storylines that could come together by campaign's end.
Will the Sydney Sixers secure a historic three-peat?
Can the Perth Scorchers claim a competition-best fourth BBL title?
Is this the year that the Melbourne Stars finally get over their hump?
Or can a team like the Melbourne Renegades or the Hobart Hurricanes create a fairytale story?
With the season set to commence this Sunday, we here at Zero Wicket have gone through each squad and identified the potential breakout star, the strongest international import and the key players ahead of ball one of BBL11.
Melbourne Stars
Breakout player: Tom O'Connell
Young leg spinner Tom O'Connell will be looking to find an opportunity in the Stars eleven this season. With just the five BBL caps to date, O'Connell has performed well in the Stars' practice match taking three wickets.
With Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell likely to be called up for Australian duties during the back half of the BBL, O'Connell may be called upon to produce as a front-line spinner.
International star: Joe Clarke (England)
One of the most explosive and exciting batters in England is bringing his talents to the Melbourne Stars. Joe Clarke boasts an impressive T20 resume, averaging 28.01 at an impressive strike rate of 155.62.
Clarke has also reached triple figures three times in the short format, and will likely open the batting with the powerful Marcus Stoinis.
Key Player: Marcus Stoinis
Another of the stars from the winning T20 World, Marcus Stoinis was instrumental in finishing multiple innings throughout the tournament, including leading hands in Australia's victories against South Africa and Pakistan.
Stoinis' role for the Stars is set differ, as he will open the batting for the green team and be the key pillar alongside Joe Clarke and Glenn Maxwell.
Along with his batting prowess, Stoinis also provides flexibility with the ball in hand as he is a more than capable medium pace bowler in the short format.
