The 13th edition of the Big Bash League gets underway on Thursday 7 December with last season's runners-up Brisbane Heat kicking things off against Melbourne Stars.
Last season's BBL was gripping once again as Perth Scorchers reigned supreme, securing their fifth title with victory over Heat in the final.
But the likes of Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Renegades also impressed during the regular season and with plenty of comings and goings during the off-season, there could be some surprises in store as the new campaign approaches.
- Sydney Thunder to win Big Bash
- Melbourne Renegades to win Big Bash
Thunder Could Be Surprise Package
When assessing the teams likely to win Big Bash League 13, it is hard to look beyond defending champions Perth Scorchers.
After they chased down 175 against Heat in last season's final, Perth claimed their fifth BBL title and they are a side loaded with quality from talented batter Aaron Hardie to explosive bowler Andrew Tye.
But while the Scorchers have done well to keep the bulk of their group together, they have not added much to their ranks and the rest of the division could sniff an opportunity.
One team which should attract plenty of attention are Sydney Thunder, who finished fourth last season and were only just edged by Brisbane in the eliminator final, having missed out on third in the regular season due to an inferior net run rate.
But they look ready to go a step further this season after landing the huge signing of former Scorchers batter Cameron Bancroft.
Bancroft blasted 357 runs last season and will inject their top order with much-needed firepower, while Alex Hales was drafted by Thunder as well.
Their batting options look decent and they have compensated for the departure of Trent Boult with the capture of seamer Liam Hatcher.
Good work in the offseason could pay dividends for Thunder, who are a great pick to win this season's Big Bash League.
SYDNEY THUNDER TO WIN THE BIG BASH
Do Not Rule Out Renegades
Everyone loves an underdog and Melbourne Renegades are ones to keep an eye on this season.
Not much is expected from either of the Melbourne franchises but it is worth noting that, despite an underwhelming performance in the play-offs, the Renegades finished third last season.
Tom Rogers claimed 23 wickets, while the experienced Aaron Finch showed his class with 428 runs.
And they are even stronger this time around following the arrivals of South African Quinton de Kock, who scored 594 runs at the recent ODI World Cup, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
Signing Joe Clarke from rivals Melbourne Stars was also a smart move, while the squad oozes experience with Adam Zampa, Nathan Lyon and Peter Siddle coming into the fray.
De Kock will be especially interesting and the Renegades will get eight matches out of him before he moves over to the South African T20 League, so do not be surprised if they cause an upset.
MELBOURNE RENEGADES TO WIN THE BIG BASH
