The five players to watch in 2016/17 Big Bash League

THE Big Bash League grows in popularity every year, and the sixth edition of the shortest domestic format of the game looks to be the biggest ever.

We have the largest contingent of overseas players making the journey to Australia this season, as well as some of the best and brightest from the state levels that are on the cusp of international selection.

There are so many players to look out for this season, that we’ve elected to compile a list so you do not miss any of the absolute superstars who will grace the Big Bash League this campaign.

Brendon McCullum – Brisbane Heat

The former Kiwi captain and is a super slugger and one of the greatest short form players to ever grace a pitch.

After signing last year but missing the entire season through international duty, the freshly retired McCullum will hit BBL06 in beast mode, but the man’s record at Twenty20 level already speaks for itself.

McCullum already has two separate scores of 158 not out, placing him twice in the top-four T20 scores of all-time.

Crownbet.com.au is offering $8 for Brendon McCullum to hit the first century in BBL06

The 35-year-old will be looking to make an impression in his debut Big Bash season and we are expecting fireworks from the Heat skipper.

Brendon McCullum is the $3.75 second favourite at Crownbet.com.au to score the most runs for the Brisbane Heat during BBL06

Brendon McCullum is at $13 to score the most runs for the entire tournament

Kevin Pietersen – Melbourne Stars

No BBL06 article about players to watch would be complete without mentioning the great KP.

Although the fiery Englishman-turned-commentator was not at his barnstorming best throughout last season’s campaign, he still managed to be the third highest run scorer in after totalling 323 at 40.37 and strike rate of 159.

Still capable of clearing the fences with consummate ease, the master-blaster Pietersen is sure to draw thousands of additional fans through the gates throughout BBL06 on name value alone.

Kevin Pietersen is the $3 favourite at Crownbet.com.au to score the most runs for the Melbourne Stars during BBL06

Kevin Pietersen is $10 to score the most runs for the entire tournament

Andre Russell – Sydney Thunder

After taking the competition by storm last season, Andre Russell returns to the BBL looking to replicate the form that helped propel the Thunder to their first ever Big Bash competition win.

The man they call ‘Dre Russ’ managed to finish just two wickets shy of teammate Clint McKay for most wickets in the tournament and finished just outside the top-20 for total runs scored, but blasted the fifth most sixes for BBL05.

Andre Russell is the $6 fourth favourite at WilliamHill.com.au to score the most runs for the Thunder in BBL06

The West Indian is a charismatic showman that knows how to entertain the crowd even if he is not impacting the play; and that in itself makes him a must-watch player in 2016/17.

Andre Russell is the $3 favourite at WilliamHill.com.au to take the most wickets for the Sydney Thunder during BBL06

Andre Russell is the $10 second favourite to take the most wickets throughout the entire tournament

Stuart Broad – Hobart Hurricanes

We have got to hand it to Stuart Broad – he is a brave man to come out and play domestic cricket in Australia given he is public enemy number one in the eyes of the Aussie sporting public.

Everyone knows Broad has plenty of talent and we are certain his brash style will endear him to the Hobart faithful, but we are tipping the 30-year-old will draw the ire of every other Big Bash crowd throughout the entirety of the season.

Broad has plenty of sparkling records in his English international career, but the most unflattering comes in the shortest format.

Broad is the only man to ever concede six sixes in a single over in international T20 cricket.

Whether he is taking wickets or conceding bulk runs, Broad is certain to generate headlines all throughout BBL06.

Stuart Broad is the $4 third favourite at WilliamHill.com.au to take the most wickets for the Hobart Hurricanes during BBL06

Stuart Broad is at $26 to take the most wickets throughout the entire tournament

Mitchell Johnson – Perth Scorchers

Former Australian firebrand Mitchell Johnson was arguably the most fearsome bowler in the world in his prime, the left armed quick is certain to ignite the West Australian crowds at The Furnace during BBL06.

As if the fanfare around Johnson’s return to the Australian cricketing arena was not enough, the 35-year-old has already issued a warning to former Scorcher turned Renegade Brad Hogg.

“Hoggy always used to text me before we played in the IPL to remind me to bowl at the stumps … We will just have to see about that,” Johnson said.

Johnson’s international achievements already made him the number one must-watch bowler of BBL06 – but if he is prepared to throw barbs at his opponents like that all season we are sure to watch every Scorchers game this campaign.

Mitchell Johnson is the $2.87 favourite at Crownbet.com.au to take the most wickets for the Perth Scorchers during BBL06.

Mitchell Johnson is at $15 to take the most wickets throughout the entire tournament

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