The Big Bash League makes its return to the Seven Network, Fox Cricket and Kayo on Tuesday, December 13, when Sydney Thunder take on the Melbourne Stars at Manuka Oval in the opening match of the 2022-23 season.
Tuesday night’s season opener kicks off 45 BBL matches in 2022-23, including all marquee games and finals. It also headlines an opening week that includes:
• Wednesday night: Adelaide Strikers v Sydney Sixers
• Thursday night: Brisbane Heat v Hobart Hurricanes
• Friday double-header: Melbourne Stars v Hobart Hurricanes, followed by Sydney Thunder v Adelaide Strikers
• Sunday: Melbourne Renegades v Sydney Thunder
Led by Adam Zampa and Marcus Stoinis, the Melbourne Stars will once again unveil an explosive line-up for the 2022-23 season, headlined by New Zealander Trent Boult.
Seven’s commentary team for BBL|12 is led by Ricky Ponting and made up of Ian Bishop, Greg Blewett, James Brayshaw, Trent Copeland, Ryan Daniels, Holly Ferling, Damien Fleming, Brad Hodge, Erin Holland, Justin Langer, Andy Maher, Mel McLaughlin, Alister Nicholson, Will Pucovski, Jason Richardson, Lisa Sthalekar and Elyse Villani.
See also: Big Bash League: Everything you need to know about the commentators
Former Australian women’s captain Lisa Sthalekar said, “Given how difficult it has been the past few years operating with COVID, I expect the players and fans will see a real celebration of BBL this year,” she said.
“With the opportunity for so many of our Aussie stars to be available at the back end of the season, it brings the opportunity for an action-packed lead into Finals.
“The two most successful clubs, the Sixers and Scorchers, have again put together a quality squad and no doubt will be there in the Finals. Their counters are always nail-bitting matches and I wouldn’t expect anything different this year.
“One player that we haven’t seen for a while in BBL is Andre Russell and while he won’t be out for the entire competition, there’s no doubt he will provide plenty of entertainment. The other aspect I am looking forward to is a few of our Aussie stars coming back and playing BBL. It has been a while since we have seen Warner turn out for the Thunder and he will certainly want to show his dominance in this format.”
Teams competing in BBL 12:
• Adelaide Strikers
• Brisbane Heat
• Hobart Hurricanes
• Melbourne Renegades
• Melbourne Stars
• Perth Scorchers
• Sydney Sixers
• Sydney Thunder
Week one broadcast times:
Credit: @BBL Twitter