BIG BASH 2018/19: All you need know for the upcoming season

The eighth edition of Australia’s domestic T20 competition gets underway on Wednesday, December 19, and The Cricketer has all the important information you need to follow the action…

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What is the competition?

The Big Bash is the Australian men’s city-based franchise 20-over-a-side competition.

When does it take place?

The tournament starts on December 19, with the playoffs beginning on February 14, and the final on February 17.

Who is involved?

There are eight different franchise teams based at cities around Australia. These are paired with the sides that play in the women’s equivalent, the Women’s Big Bash.

Adelaide Strikers
Brisbane Heat
Hobart Hurricanes
Melbourne Renegades
Melbourne Stars
Perth Scorchers
Sydney Sixers
Sydney Thunder

Click on each team to see a comprehensive preview of their chances for the season ahead.

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Adelaide Strikers were the champions in 2017/18

What format does it follow?

The Big Bash follows the standard T20 format, with bowlers allotted a maximum of four overs each. In each innings the first six overs constitute a powerplay with no more than two fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle.

For any no balls bowled, the batting team will be rewarded with one run, as well as a free hit for any no-ball that isn’t called for being a short-pitched delivery that passes over head-height of the batsman.

How can I follow it?

You can watch live Big Bash action on television via BT Sport 1 (Sky: 867, Virgin: 527, BT: 430, Plusnet: 430, TalkTalk: 408) and BT Sport 2 (Sky: 868, Virgin: 528, BT: 431, Plusnet: 431, TalkTalk: 409). Their coverage begins on 19 December with Brisbane Heat v Adelaide Strikers.

You can listen to matches live on BBC Radio Sports 5 Live Extra, or through the BBC Sport app.

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D'Arcy Short was the player of the tournament in 2017/18

Who are the favourites?

Defending champions, the Adelaide Strikers have managed to keep together the squad which saw them blast their way to their first ever victory last year, but they could see absences because of international selection which might cost them.

The team they beat in the final, the Hobart Hurricanes have recruited shrewdly by bringing in James Faulkner to replace Dan Christian. If players like D’Arcy Short and Jofra Archer can continue to perform like they did last year, then they could go all the way this time.

A third team of interest, though they are unlikely to win it, are the Sydney Sixers. They have both Jack Edwards and Lloyd Pope, two players who impressed greatly in the Australia side that made it to the final of the 2018 U19 World Cup. It will be very interesting to see how those youngsters adapt to this new level.

Comments

Posted by Lakapati Chandra Mohan Singh on 18/12/2018 at 21:09

Yes

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