The 2019-20 Big Bash is almost upon us, kicking off tonight at the Gabba when the Brisbane Heat take on the Sydney Thunder in the opening match of the competition.

There are some minor changes to the format, with the length of the tournament reduced from last year while the finals system has been altered to have a final five teams.

What can change significantly year-in, year-out is the squads, with each team making a number of changes, signing big international stars as well as some players moving between franchises.

Adelaide Strikers

After winning the trophy in the previous year the Adelaide Strikers will be looking to atone for their poor season last year which saw them finish seventh. They gain the experienced Cameron White, impressive quick Harry Conway and as well as young Welshman Philip Salt.

IN

  • Cameron White
  • Harry Conway
  • Philip Salt
  • Harry Nielsen

OUT

  • Ben Laughlin
  • David Grant
  • Michael Cormack
  • Colin Ingram

Brisbane Heat

The Brisbane Heat probably pulled off one of the biggest coups of the season, signing South African superstar AB de Villiers who will join them toward the end of the season. They also receive Ben Laughlin from the Strikers who has moved to be closer to family, as well as young England international Tom Banton.

IN

  • AB de Villiers
  • Ben Laughlin
  • Cameron Gannon
  • Tom Banton
  • Zahir Khan

OUT

  • Brendon McCullum
  • Alex Ross
  • Brendan Doggett

Hobert Hurricanes

After finishing on top of the ladder last season the Hurricane’s were unable to get the job done in the finals but will be looking to go that step further this year. Despite losing some big names the Canes have an exciting squad with big hitting South African David Miller coming into the side along with experience quick Scott Boland and exciting youngster Nathan Ellis.

IN

  • Scott Boland
  • Nathan Ellis
  • David Miller

OUT

  • Joffra Archer
  • Alex Doolan
  • Tim Paine

Melbourne Renegades

The reigning champions lose the experienced Cameron White to the Strikers but quickly replaced him with Scorchers star Shaun Marsh. The also signed young 17-year-old Jake Fraser-McGurk who impressed recently after making his debut for Victoria in the domestic competitions.

IN

  • Shaun Marsh
  • Jake Fraser-McGurk
  • Richard Gleeson

OUT

  • Chris Tremain
  • Cameron White
  • Tim Ludeman

Melbourne Stars

After losing from a pretty comfortable position in last years Big Bash Final, the Melbourne Stars will be out to make amends this season. The signature of South African quick Dale Steyn will be a huge boost for the Stars, along with recruiting Hilton Cartwright and Nathan Coulter-Nile from the Scorchers.

IN

  • Dale Steyn
  • Nathan Coulter-Nile
  • Hilton Cartwright
  • Pat Brown
  • Clinton Hinchliffe

OUT

  • Jackson Bird
  • Dwayne Bravo
  • Michael Beer
  • Scott Boland
  • Travis Dean
  • Liam Plunkett
  • Liam Bowe
  • Evan Gulbis

Perth Scorchers

The BBL’s most successful team the Perth Scorchers missed the finals for the first time in their history last season and it could be another tough season losing some experienced names from their squad.

IN

  • Chris Jordan
  • Kurtis Patterson
  • Fawad Ahmed
  • Aaron Hardie
  • Nick Hobson
  • Liam Livingstone

OUT

  • Shaun Marsh
  • Michael Klinger
  • Nathan Coulter-Nile
  • Hilton Cartwright
  • David Willey
  • Usman Qadir

Sydney Sixers

Despite signing the world’s best batsman Steve Smith, the Sixers may not get the stars services until late in the series due to international duties. Their other high profile recruit Josh Hazlewood was also recently injured in the 1st Test against New Zealand so his availability is unknown. 

IN

  • Steve Smith
  • Josh Hazlewood
  • Jackson Bird

OUT

  • Joe Denly
  • Peter Nevill
  • Ben Manenti
  • Henry Thornton 
  • Greg West

Sydney Thunder

The Thunder have lost a number of players who won’t be available for the Big Bash, however they gain the services of international pair Alex Hales and Chris Morris.

IN

  • Alex Hales
  • Chris Tremain
  • Chris Morris
  • Alex Ross
  • Brendan Doggett
  • Oliver Davies

OUT

  • Joe Root
  • Jos Buttler
  • Pat Cummins
  • Fawad Ahmed
  • Kurtis Patterson
  • Shane Watson
  • Chris Jordan
  • Sam Rainbird
  • Anton Devcich
  • Ryan Gibson
  • Liam Hatcher