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.
Sydney Sixers
Breakout player: Lloyd Pope
Young leg-spinner Lloyd Pope has long been on the radar of many cricket fans since he caught their eye for Australia in the under-19 World Cup. Through 20 career BBL matches, Pope has taken just the 16 wickets with a strike rate of 24.
With another year of development, Pope should be looking to break onto the scene and has a terrific opportunity as a leg-spinner on a notoriously spin-friendly pitch at the SCG.
International star: James Vince (England)
James Vince is back for another season with the Sydney Sixers where he will likely open the batting again. Vince has been one of the better performing international signings over the past few additions of the BBL.
The England international owns a BBL average of 31.95 and has raised the bat on 7 occasions for the Sixers.
A vital member of last year's squad who won their second title in as many years, Vince will be a key cog in their pursuit of three in a row.
Key Player: Josh Phillipe
Last year's breakout player across the entire competition was young Josh Phillipe. After a tremendous campaign opening the batting alongside James Vince, Phillipe found himself being rewarded with T20 international and One Day International debuts.
His consistent performances at the top of the order were made even more impressive with the ease at which he made batting look. Phillipe has become one of the best players in the competition and averages 32.65 from his 48 BBL innings.
