The Big Bash League (BBL) down under is one of the most entertaining T20 leagues among the many around the cricket globe. The Australian domestic T20 competition was revolutionized in the year 2011 from six state-based teams to eight city-oriented franchises.

The upcoming season of this men&#8217;s tournament will see the number of matches increased from 59 to 61. It is mainly done after the knockout format was revamped to help the top two teams get a second chance to make it to the last hurdle. The play-off system will consist of The Eliminator, The Qualifier, The Challenger followed by the final.

The tournament commencing from 17th of December has also acted as the ideal launchpad for several cricketers to set in motion their international careers. With the T20 World Cup set to be contested the forthcoming year in Australia, men from several nations would compete hard to remain in the spotlight throughout.

We look at five fresh faces from the upcoming BBL tournament to watch out for:-

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-296462" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Zahir-Khan.jpg" alt="Zahir Khan IPL 2020" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-296462" class="wp-caption-text">Zahir Khan. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer-IDI/IDI via Getty Images )</figcaption>

The 20-year old is the latest addition to the wealth of spin bowlers that <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/afghanistan-vs-west-indies-1st-odi-match-prediction-weather-report-pitch-conditions-playing-xis-and-live-streaming-details/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Afghanistan</a> boasts of alongside Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Mohammad Nabi. It couldn&#8217;t be long before he finds success at the highest level, joining the rare crop of bowlers, who bring in the X-factor, being a chinaman.

The youngster has undergone a meteoric rise. From tasting success at the Under-19 level and the Intercontinental Cup to bagging an IPL contract and featuring in Afghanistan&#8217;s second Test, Khan has taken rapid strides in becoming a regular candidate in the playing elevens.

Zahir Khan, alongside Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mitchell Swepson in Brisbane Heat, will strengthen their spin-bowling attack ten-fold. His List A and T20 career also look promising enough for him to claim to earn a berth in the Afghanistan squad for the T20 World Cup.

Tom Banton

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-362646" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Tom-Banton-1.jpg" alt="Tom Banton" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-362646" class="wp-caption-text">Tom Banton. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

England&#8217;s Tom Banton joined Brisbane Heat in the BBL, forming a power-packed batting line-up consisting of Chris Lynn, Ab de Villiers, Joe Burns, Max Bryant, and Sam Heazlett. Banton caught the eyes of the English selectors, belting 549 runs in the English domestic T20 season, finishing as the second highest run-scorer of the tournament.

The performance got him rewarded as he was included in the Three Lions&#8217; squad to tour <a href="https://www.facebook.com/crictracker/photos/a.601832999847425/3039404362756931/?type=3&amp;theater" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">New Zealand</a> for the T20 series. While Banton hasn&#8217;t had an ideal start to his career in the two practice games, his approach to the format makes him an exciting prospect. The 20-year old&#8217;s unorthodox abilities, primarily his adeptness in successfully playing reverse sweeps and scoops, put him forth as a short-format specialist.

Having a player with a wide array of shots in T20 format indeed counts as an asset to any team. The likes of Tom Banton and Zahir Khan are likely to play in the first half of the tournament, with two more overseas signings in Ab de Villiers and Mujeeb Ur Rahman to replace them in the second half.

Chris Morris

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-221649" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Chris-Morris-of-South-Africa.jpg" alt="Chris Morris of South Africa" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-221649" class="wp-caption-text">Chris Morris of South Africa. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)</figcaption>

Proteas speedster Chris Morris&#8217; signing came on the back of Sydney Thunder&#8217;s bowling coach Shane Bond&#8217;s endorsement. The former Kiwi pacer termed him as the X-factor, capable of changing the face of the game with the bat and the ball.

Indeed, Morris, with all his experience in various T20 competitions around the globe, has proved his weight whenever selected. With the ball in hand, the 32-year old can clock speeds up to 140 kph regularly in the fast and bouncy <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/australia-vs-pakistan-pat-cummins-rested-for-the-third-t20i/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Australian</a> decks.

When batting, Morris can hit fearlessly and can be trusted upon as a match-winner. With the Sydney-based franchise in the BBL going through a series of changes, Morris&#8217; experience in the format looms as a very handy one.

Dale Steyn

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-292707" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Dale-Steyn-2.jpg" alt="Dale Steyn of South Africa" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-292707" class="wp-caption-text">Dale Steyn of South Africa. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)</figcaption>

Melbourne Stars may have pulled the biggest selection coup by roping in the South African pace ace Dale Steyn. One of the game&#8217;s greatest bowlers brought curtains on his decorated Test career, ending with 439 wickets in 93 matches.  A gun also in the shortest format, the 36-year old expressed that he desired to play in the Big Bash League since long.

However, his unavailability due to national duties, mainly in New Year&#8217;s Tests prevented him from being part of the competition. Melbourne Stars seized the opportunity of his retirement by signing him for their upcoming leg. However, Steyn&#8217;s availability is only limited to six matches in the campaign, keeping in mind his selection for the limited-overs series against England.

Even in his brief stint, Steyn can be the one-person wrecking havoc, terrorising batsmen with his unrelenting pace and his nagging line and length. His performance in Australia could also enable him to be part of South Africa&#8217;s squad for the T20 World Cup to make one last attempt at an ICC trophy for his nation.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-351602" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/CT_360812.jpg" alt width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-351602" class="wp-caption-text">AB de Villiers of Middlesex. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)</figcaption>

The name needs no introduction. Ab de Villiers is one of the finest exponents of the modern-day style of power-hitting. One of the hottest free agents, De Villiers has made himself a part of almost all the T20 competitions around the world. The South African is likely to travel down under in the month of January to make his debut in the Big Bash League (BBL).

The veteran will join the likes of Chris Lynn, Tom Banton, Ben Cutting, Max Bryant, and Sam Heazlett in a star-studded batting order. However, the South African will be available in only the second part of the tournament.

The addition of the Proteas star, especially in the latter half of the tournament, provides them with the much-needed muscle for the crunch games. De Villiers&#8217; superhuman batting skills, combined with his inputs to the captain, and his awareness as a fielder makes him an unprecedented prospect.

The Big Bash League (BBL) down under is one of the most entertaining T20 leagues among the many around the cricket globe. The Australian domestic T20 competition was revolutionized in the year 2011 from six state-based teams to eight city-oriented franchises.
The upcoming season of this men’s tournament will see the number of matches increased from 59 to 61. It is mainly done after the knockout format was revamped to help the top two teams get a second chance to make it to the last hurdle. The play-off system will consist of The Eliminator, The Qualifier, The Challenger followed by the final.
The tournament commencing from 17th of December has also acted as the ideal launchpad for several cricketers to set in motion their international careers. With the T20 World Cup set to be contested the forthcoming year in Australia, men from several nations would compete hard to remain in the spotlight throughout.
<h3>We look at five fresh faces from the upcoming BBL tournament to watch out for:-</h3>
<h3>Zahir Khan</h3>
<figure id="attachment_296462" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-296462" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-296462" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Zahir-Khan.jpg" alt="Zahir Khan IPL 2020" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-296462" class="wp-caption-text">Zahir Khan. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer-IDI/IDI via Getty Images )</figcaption></figure>
The 20-year old is the latest addition to the wealth of spin bowlers that <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/afghanistan-vs-west-indies-1st-odi-match-prediction-weather-report-pitch-conditions-playing-xis-and-live-streaming-details/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Afghanistan</a> boasts of alongside Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Mohammad Nabi. It couldn’t be long before he finds success at the highest level, joining the rare crop of bowlers, who bring in the X-factor, being a chinaman.&nbsp;
The youngster has undergone a meteoric rise. From tasting success at the Under-19 level and the Intercontinental Cup to bagging an IPL contract and featuring in Afghanistan’s second Test, Khan has taken rapid strides in becoming a regular candidate in the playing elevens.
Zahir Khan, alongside Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mitchell Swepson in Brisbane Heat, will strengthen their spin-bowling attack ten-fold. His List A and T20 career also look promising enough for him to claim to earn a berth in the Afghanistan squad for the T20 World Cup.

<h3>Tom Banton</h3>
<figure id="attachment_362646" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-362646" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-362646" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Tom-Banton-1.jpg" alt="Tom Banton" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-362646" class="wp-caption-text">Tom Banton. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
England’s Tom Banton joined Brisbane Heat in the BBL, forming a power-packed batting line-up consisting of Chris Lynn, Ab de Villiers, Joe Burns, Max Bryant, and Sam Heazlett. Banton caught the eyes of the English selectors, belting 549 runs in the English domestic T20 season, finishing as the second highest run-scorer of the tournament.
The performance got him rewarded as he was included in the Three Lions’ squad to tour <a href="https://www.facebook.com/crictracker/photos/a.601832999847425/3039404362756931/?type=3&amp;theater" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">New Zealand</a> for the T20 series. While Banton hasn’t had an ideal start to his career in the two practice games, his approach to the format makes him an exciting prospect. The 20-year old’s unorthodox abilities, primarily his adeptness in successfully playing reverse sweeps and scoops, put him forth as a short-format specialist. 
Having a player with a wide array of shots in T20 format indeed counts as an asset to any team. The likes of Tom Banton and Zahir Khan are likely to play in the first half of the tournament, with two more overseas signings in Ab de Villiers and Mujeeb Ur Rahman to replace them in the second half.

<h3>Chris Morris</h3>
<figure id="attachment_221649" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-221649" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-221649" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Chris-Morris-of-South-Africa.jpg" alt="Chris Morris of South Africa" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-221649" class="wp-caption-text">Chris Morris of South Africa. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Proteas speedster Chris Morris’ signing came on the back of Sydney Thunder’s bowling coach Shane Bond’s endorsement. The former Kiwi pacer termed him as the X-factor, capable of changing the face of the game with the bat and the ball.
Indeed, Morris, with all his experience in various T20 competitions around the globe, has proved his weight whenever selected. With the ball in hand, the 32-year old can clock speeds up to 140 kph regularly in the fast and bouncy <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/australia-vs-pakistan-pat-cummins-rested-for-the-third-t20i/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Australian</a> decks.
When batting, Morris can hit fearlessly and can be trusted upon as a match-winner. With the Sydney-based franchise in the BBL going through a series of changes, Morris’ experience in the format looms as a very handy one.

<h3>Dale Steyn</h3>
<figure id="attachment_292707" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-292707" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-292707" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Dale-Steyn-2.jpg" alt="Dale Steyn of South Africa" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-292707" class="wp-caption-text">Dale Steyn of South Africa. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Melbourne Stars may have pulled the biggest selection coup by roping in the South African pace ace Dale Steyn. One of the game’s greatest bowlers brought curtains on his decorated Test career, ending with 439 wickets in 93 matches.&nbsp; A gun also in the shortest format, the 36-year old expressed that he desired to play in the Big Bash League since long. 
However, his unavailability due to national duties, mainly in New Year’s Tests prevented him from being part of the competition. Melbourne Stars seized the opportunity of his retirement by signing him for their upcoming leg. However, Steyn’s availability is only limited to six matches in the campaign, keeping in mind his selection for the limited-overs series against England. 
Even in his brief stint, Steyn can be the one-person wrecking havoc, terrorising batsmen with his unrelenting pace and his nagging line and length. His performance in Australia could also enable him to be part of South Africa’s squad for the T20 World Cup to make one last attempt at an ICC trophy for his nation.

<h3>Ab de Villiers</h3>
<figure id="attachment_351602" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-351602" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-351602" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/CT_360812.jpg" alt width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-351602" class="wp-caption-text">AB de Villiers of Middlesex. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
The name needs no introduction. Ab de Villiers is one of the finest exponents of the modern-day style of power-hitting. One of the hottest free agents, De Villiers has made himself a part of almost all the T20 competitions around the world. The South African is likely to travel down under in the month of January to make his debut in the Big Bash League (BBL).
The veteran will join the likes of Chris Lynn, Tom Banton, Ben Cutting, Max Bryant, and Sam Heazlett in a star-studded batting order. However, the South African will be available in only the second part of the tournament.
The addition of the Proteas star, especially in the latter half of the tournament, provides them with the much-needed muscle for the crunch games. De Villiers’ superhuman batting skills, combined with his inputs to the captain, and his awareness as a fielder makes him an unprecedented prospect.

The Big Bash League (BBL) down under is one of the most entertaining T20 leagues among the many around the cricket globe. The Australian domestic T20 competition was revolutionized in the year 2011 from six state-based teams to eight city-oriented franchises.
The upcoming season of this men&#8217;s tournament will see the number of matches increased from 59 to 61. It is mainly done after the knockout format was revamped to help the top two teams get a second chance to make it to the last hurdle. The play-off system will consist of The Eliminator, The Qualifier, The Challenger followed by the final.
The tournament commencing from 17th of December has also acted as the ideal launchpad for several cricketers to set in motion their international careers. With the T20 World Cup set to be contested the forthcoming year in Australia, men from several nations would compete hard to remain in the spotlight throughout.
<h3>We look at five fresh faces from the upcoming BBL tournament to watch out for:-</h3>
<h3>Zahir Khan</h3>
<figure id="attachment_296462" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-296462" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-296462" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Zahir-Khan.jpg" alt="Zahir Khan IPL 2020" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-296462" class="wp-caption-text">Zahir Khan. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer-IDI/IDI via Getty Images )</figcaption></figure>
The 20-year old is the latest addition to the wealth of spin bowlers that <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/afghanistan-vs-west-indies-1st-odi-match-prediction-weather-report-pitch-conditions-playing-xis-and-live-streaming-details/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Afghanistan</a> boasts of alongside Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Mohammad Nabi. It couldn&#8217;t be long before he finds success at the highest level, joining the rare crop of bowlers, who bring in the X-factor, being a chinaman. 
The youngster has undergone a meteoric rise. From tasting success at the Under-19 level and the Intercontinental Cup to bagging an IPL contract and featuring in Afghanistan&#8217;s second Test, Khan has taken rapid strides in becoming a regular candidate in the playing elevens.
Zahir Khan, alongside Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mitchell Swepson in Brisbane Heat, will strengthen their spin-bowling attack ten-fold. His List A and T20 career also look promising enough for him to claim to earn a berth in the Afghanistan squad for the T20 World Cup.

<h3>Tom Banton</h3>
<figure id="attachment_362646" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-362646" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-362646" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Tom-Banton-1.jpg" alt="Tom Banton" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-362646" class="wp-caption-text">Tom Banton. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
England&#8217;s Tom Banton joined Brisbane Heat in the BBL, forming a power-packed batting line-up consisting of Chris Lynn, Ab de Villiers, Joe Burns, Max Bryant, and Sam Heazlett. Banton caught the eyes of the English selectors, belting 549 runs in the English domestic T20 season, finishing as the second highest run-scorer of the tournament.
The performance got him rewarded as he was included in the Three Lions&#8217; squad to tour <a href="https://www.facebook.com/crictracker/photos/a.601832999847425/3039404362756931/?type=3&amp;theater" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">New Zealand</a> for the T20 series. While Banton hasn&#8217;t had an ideal start to his career in the two practice games, his approach to the format makes him an exciting prospect. The 20-year old&#8217;s unorthodox abilities, primarily his adeptness in successfully playing reverse sweeps and scoops, put him forth as a short-format specialist. 
Having a player with a wide array of shots in T20 format indeed counts as an asset to any team. The likes of Tom Banton and Zahir Khan are likely to play in the first half of the tournament, with two more overseas signings in Ab de Villiers and Mujeeb Ur Rahman to replace them in the second half.

<h3>Chris Morris</h3>
<figure id="attachment_221649" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-221649" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-221649" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Chris-Morris-of-South-Africa.jpg" alt="Chris Morris of South Africa" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-221649" class="wp-caption-text">Chris Morris of South Africa. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Proteas speedster Chris Morris&#8217; signing came on the back of Sydney Thunder&#8217;s bowling coach Shane Bond&#8217;s endorsement. The former Kiwi pacer termed him as the X-factor, capable of changing the face of the game with the bat and the ball.
Indeed, Morris, with all his experience in various T20 competitions around the globe, has proved his weight whenever selected. With the ball in hand, the 32-year old can clock speeds up to 140 kph regularly in the fast and bouncy <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/australia-vs-pakistan-pat-cummins-rested-for-the-third-t20i/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Australian</a> decks.
When batting, Morris can hit fearlessly and can be trusted upon as a match-winner. With the Sydney-based franchise in the BBL going through a series of changes, Morris&#8217; experience in the format looms as a very handy one.

<h3>Dale Steyn</h3>
<figure id="attachment_292707" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-292707" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-292707" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Dale-Steyn-2.jpg" alt="Dale Steyn of South Africa" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-292707" class="wp-caption-text">Dale Steyn of South Africa. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Melbourne Stars may have pulled the biggest selection coup by roping in the South African pace ace Dale Steyn. One of the game&#8217;s greatest bowlers brought curtains on his decorated Test career, ending with 439 wickets in 93 matches.  A gun also in the shortest format, the 36-year old expressed that he desired to play in the Big Bash League since long. 
However, his unavailability due to national duties, mainly in New Year&#8217;s Tests prevented him from being part of the competition. Melbourne Stars seized the opportunity of his retirement by signing him for their upcoming leg. However, Steyn&#8217;s availability is only limited to six matches in the campaign, keeping in mind his selection for the limited-overs series against England. 
Even in his brief stint, Steyn can be the one-person wrecking havoc, terrorising batsmen with his unrelenting pace and his nagging line and length. His performance in Australia could also enable him to be part of South Africa&#8217;s squad for the T20 World Cup to make one last attempt at an ICC trophy for his nation.

<h3>Ab de Villiers</h3>
<figure id="attachment_351602" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-351602" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-351602" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/CT_360812.jpg" alt width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-351602" class="wp-caption-text">AB de Villiers of Middlesex. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
The name needs no introduction. Ab de Villiers is one of the finest exponents of the modern-day style of power-hitting. One of the hottest free agents, De Villiers has made himself a part of almost all the T20 competitions around the world. The South African is likely to travel down under in the month of January to make his debut in the Big Bash League (BBL).
The veteran will join the likes of Chris Lynn, Tom Banton, Ben Cutting, Max Bryant, and Sam Heazlett in a star-studded batting order. However, the South African will be available in only the second part of the tournament.
The addition of the Proteas star, especially in the latter half of the tournament, provides them with the much-needed muscle for the crunch games. De Villiers&#8217; superhuman batting skills, combined with his inputs to the captain, and his awareness as a fielder makes him an unprecedented prospect.

Three experienced South Africans in the list.

BBL 2019-20: 5 Fresh faces to watch out for in the tournament

The Big Bash League (BBL) down under is one of the most entertaining T20 leagues among the many in this season of the same. The Australian