Only months after claiming a maiden T20 World Cup victory in Abu Dhabi, Australia will look to defend their crown on home soil later this year.
Beginning in October, Australia will kick off a busy summer of cricket by hosting the tournament for the first time. Due to COVID interferences in previous years, a unique schedule means the tournament will be contested in consecutive years.
Discounting injuries, Australia is likely to have the World Cup-winning XI from Abu Dhabi available again for selection.
We look at some of the best performers from this year's BBL season who are pressing their claims to be included in the squad come October 13.
1. Ben McDermott (Hobart Hurricanes)
Runs: 495 | Average: 61.88 | Strike rate: 156.12 | High Score: 127
Ben McDermott has taken BBL|11 by storm so far this season.
The hard-hitting Tasmanian became the first player in BBL history to hit back-to-back centuries after blistering knocks against the Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Renegades.
The first of which came in a thrilling run chase where he tallied 110* off 60 balls to chase down the 175 run total with nine balls to spare. The 27-year-old then backed that effort up two nights later with what Australian great Andrew Symonds described as "The best Big Bash innings that's ever been played".
McDermott tallied 127 off just 65 deliveries, including nine sixes, in leading Hobart to a total of 5-206.
If included in the World Cup squad this year, the right-hander would provide flexibility being able to open or bat in the middle order.
