Last Updated on 11 hours by Charbel Coorey
Cricket Opinion: A look at 3 players to watch out for in the BBL 2023-24 season
The Big Bash League (BBL) is one of the most popular and thrilling T20 cricket competitions in the world, including some of Australia’s and the world’s finest players. The BBL is also one of the most competitive and unpredictable leagues, with each club having a chance to win the coveted trophy and each match having the ability to thrill supporters.
The 13th season of the BBL began December 7, 2023, with eight teams: Adelaide Strikers, Brisbane Heat, Hobart Hurricanes, Melbourne Renegades, Melbourne Stars, Perth Scorchers, Sydney Sixers, and Sydney Thunder. BBL 2023-24 will also include some of the most skilled and promising players, who will demonstrate and display their talents and abilities while attempting to impress and impact the outcome and performance of their teams and themselves.
BBL 2023-24: Three players to keep an eye on this season
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the players to keep an eye on in the BBL 2023-24 season and discover more about their skills and potential.
Jake Fraser-McGurk – Melbourne Renegades
This is a big season for Jake Fraser-McGurk. The 21-year old recently smashed the fastest-ever List A century off 29 balls for South Australia, testament to his incredible talent and strokeplay. He started the BBL 2023-24 campaign in excellent fashion, smashing 48 off 24 balls against the highly-fancied Sydney Sixers at the SCG.
With the Renegades a dark horse according to BBL match betting, McGurk is key to their hopes. He will bat higher up the order this season and has it in him to deliver more impactful innings as he looks to don Australian colours in the near future. He is particularly strong on the legside, and is a player who can finish BBL 2023/24 with an enhanced reputation.
Will Sutherland – Melbourne Renegades
Another Melbourne Renegades talent. Will Sutherland has taken on leadership duties at Victoria (captain in the 2022/23 season) and the Renegades (vice-captain in 2023/24), and is also starting to deliver as a cricketer.
Not only was Sutherland the top wicket-taker in the 2022/23 Sheffield Shield season (41), he also smashed 210 runs in BBL 12 at a strike rate of 150. He has now made a very strong start to the BBL 2023-24 season, taking three wickets in his first two games and hitting an impressing 51* off 40 balls against Sydney Sixers. Given his all-round ability, Sutherland is certainly a player to keep an eye on going forward.
Cooper Connolly – Perth Scorchers
Cooper Connolly wowed one and all with his stunning innings in the BBL 12 Final. The Perth Scorchers looked down and out against Brisbane Heat, before Connolly, aged 19 at the time, hit a remarkable 25* off 11 balls to seal a stunning win with four balls to spare.
This season, Connolly has been trusted to bat up the order and looked good for his nine-ball 20 against the Melbourne Stars. He can also bowl, with his handy left-arm orthodox offering another dimension for the Scorchers.
Indeed, with Australia on the search for talented cricketers over the coming years, Connolly is another player to watch.
