Heading into the latest Big Bash League season, there are certainly no shortage of storylines that could come together by campaign's end.
Will the Sydney Sixers secure a historic three-peat?
Can the Perth Scorchers claim a competition-best fourth BBL title?
Is this the year that the Melbourne Stars finally get over their hump?
Or can a team like the Melbourne Renegades or the Hobart Hurricanes create a fairytale story?
With the season set to commence this Sunday, we here at Zero Wicket have gone through each squad and identified the potential breakout star, the strongest international import and the key players ahead of ball one of BBL11.
Brisbane Heat
Breakout player: Xavier Bartlett
At just 22 years of age, Xavier Bartlett already has 16 BBL games under his belt. The young quick has taken 12 wickets at an average of 27.33.
Often opening the bowling, Bartlett has shown an ability to swing the white ball early, making him a dangerous powerplay bowler and one to watch in BBL 11.
International star: Mujeeb Ur Rahman (Afghanistan)
Much like Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman has lit up the BBL in recent seasons. The star off-spinner from Afghanistan has been a nightmare for batters to pick and was the Heat's leading wicket-taker last season with 14 wickets at an outstanding average of 13.42.
Still only 20 years of age Mujeeb Ur Rahman is already one of the best short-form bowlers in the world.
Key Player: Chris Lynn
Arguably the face of the BBL, the destructive Chris Lynn has blasted the most sixes with 172 in the history of the competition.
Much of the Heats' batting revolves around the Queenslander, and when he is firing, then the pressure is released from the rest of the lineup.
If Lynn can find his touch early in the season the Heat may be turned up on the opposition bowlers.
