Updated BBL|07 squads for each club

Tickets for the biggest Bash yet are now on sale as club playing lists continue to take shape ahead of the seventh bumper season.

The KFC BBL contracting period commenced on August 4 and all lists will need to be finalised by Friday December 8, with squads again consisting of 18 players including two internationals.

The first trade period of the off-season was completed in August, and there there will be another opportunity for clubs to complete deals from November 27 to December 1.

Teams also have more dollars to play with this time around as the salary cap rises to $1.6m, up from $1.4m in BBL|06.

As it stands today, here are the current squads for each club:

Adelaide Strikers

Roster spots to fill: four Internationals signed: two

Out: Ben Dunk (Stars), Brad Hodge, Chris Jordan (England), Tim Ludeman (Renegades), Kieron Pollard (WI), Kane Richardson (Renegades)

Unsigned from BBL|06: Jon Holland, Craig Simmons, Kelvin Smith,

In: Colin Ingram (South Africa), Rashid Khan (Afghanistan), Peter Siddle (Renegades), Jonathan Wells (Hurricanes). 

Things are well advanced for the Strikers for BBL|07 but there has also been plenty of movment during the off-season. They've had some big name exits: Home-grown quick Kane Richardson has continued to improve and impressed on Australia's white-ball tour of India, but is now bound for the Melbourne Renegades.

And last season's leading run scorer Ben Dunk has slipped through the Strikers' fingers to be snapped up by the Melbourne Stars.

But Adelaide have snared former international Peter Siddle, who has quit the red-half of Melbourne to join the Adelaide outfit and link up with fellow vegan and Strikers coach Jason Gillespie. 

The Strikers had an acrimonious split with veteran Brad Hodge last season, and he and former Australia tweaker Jon Holland have both been linked with the Renegades but have yet to sign anywhere.

Rising wicketkeeper Alex Carey continues his acsension with the departure of Tim Ludeman from the roster, and the former Redback is another picked up by the Renegades. 

On the international front the Strikers have conducted some astute business, with big-hitting South African Colin "Bulldozer" Ingram joining the club. Ingram celebrated the deal by smashing 70 from 43 balls in the quarter-finals of England's domesitc T20 competition the day after his Strikers deal was announced.

Ingram's arrival will cover the exit of Dunk, who scored 364 runs at 52 last season, while the ever-improving Jake Lehmann and Jake Weatherald adds plenty of excitement to the Strikers middle order. 

Afghanistan spin wizard Rashid Khan will be a thrill to watch in a competition in which the tweakers have traditionally done well. The leg-spinner earned rave reviews playing alongside David Warner in the IPL and he'll be certain to embarrass a few batsmen this summer, as well as open up a whole new Asian fan base for the Adelaide club.

Current Squad: Wes Agar, Alex Carey, Jono Dean, Travis Head, Colin Ingram (SAf), Ben Laughlin, Jake Lehmann, Rashid Khan (Afg), Michael Neser, Liam O’Connor, Peter Siddle, Billy Stanlake, Jake Weatherald, Jonathan Wells. 

Brisbane Heat

Roster spots to fill: five Internationals signed: two

Out: Samuel Badree (WI), Jack Wildermuth (Renegades)

Unsigned from BBL|06: Alex Doolan, Andrew Fekete, Luke Feldman, Nathan Reardon,

In: Shadab Khan (Pakistan)

The Brisbane Heat became a prime-time must-watch side last summer with the big-hitting exploits of Chris Lynn and Brendon McCullum at the top of the order, but Lynn's shoulder surgery has sadly curtailed that for BBL|07. But the reigning 'King of the Six' may yet make a comeback in the Big Bash, declaring his "fingers were crossed" for the tournament.

There's no escaping the hole Lynn's absence leaves but having McCullum adds the explosive wow factor that means they can never be discounted.

Consistency is the key for the Heat this year, with a Queensland core of the side signing three-year contract extensions.  There have been two confirmed departures from the Heat, and the move of promising young allrounder Jack Wildermuth to the Melbourne Renegades is a surprise for a squad that has largely been the Queensland Bulls in teal.

On the other hand, the recruitment of Pakistan leg-spinner Shadab Khan could be a brilliant pick-up, with coach Daniel Vettori declaring him "one of the most dynamic young spinners in the game". The pairing with rising Australia leggie Mitchell Swepson makes the Heat one of the slowest bowling attacks in the competition. 

Current Squad: Joe Burns, Ben Cutting, Jason Floros, Sam Heazlett, Shadab Khan (Pak), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Lalor, Chris Lynn, Brendon McCullum (NZ), James Peirson, Alex Ross, Mark Steketee, Mitchell Swepson.

Hobart Hurricanes

Roster spots to fill: two Internationals signed: two

Out: Stuart Broad (England), Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka), Shaun Tait (retired), Jonathan Wells (Strikers)

Unsigned from BBL|06: Dominic Michael

In: Tom Curran (Eng), Tymal Mills (England), Tom Rogers (ACT Comets)

It's quicker to list what hasn't changed for the Hobart Hurricanes than what has. Symptomatic of the wider overhaul in Tasmanian cricket, a new coach, new management and two new overseas signings all herald a new era for Tasmania's purple army.

Stuart Broad won't feature in the Big Bash while he leads England's Ashes bowling attack this summer, while Kumar Sangakkara's two years in Hobart have come to an end with the Sri Lanka stalwart calling time on his career. Strangely, for a man who dominated all forms of cricket, he never quite found the right touch in Hobart.

South African Gary Kirsten takes over the coaching role, and there's been talk of leveraging that link to lure AB de Villiers down south, something that gained traction with the news South Africa's T20 tournament had fallen over. It remains unlikely though, and there is still plenty of interest in who Hobart will reveal as their second international.

Tymal Mills made his millions in the IPL and his extreme pace will add fire and brimstone to the attack, providing he can keep his fitness, and fills the void left by the retirement of Shaun Tait. And to complete their international roster, the Hurricanes finally confirmed rising Surrey fast bowler Tom Curran would join their ranks. The 22-year-old, who made his ODI debut for England against the West Indies in September, has a good record in the shortest format, with six wickets in three games at the international level, and 52 at 25.88 in 48 T20 career matches. A noted death bowler, his addition gives Hobart a largely unheralded but highly potent attack that could fly under the radar to catch a few teams by surprise this summer.

Current Squad: George Bailey (c), James Bazley, Cameron Boyce, Dan Christian, Tom Curran (Eng), Hamish Kingston, Ben McDermott, Simon, Milenko, Tymal Mills (Eng), Tim Paine, Jake Reed, Sam Rainbird, Tom Rogers, Clive Rose, D'Arcy Short, Beau Webster

Melbourne Renegades

Roster spots to fill: seven Internationals signed: two

Out: Peter Nevill (Sixers), Peter Siddle (Strikers)

Unsigned from BBL|06: Tom Beaton, Xavier Doherty, Callum Ferguson, Nathan Rimmington, Nick Winter

In: Tim Ludeman (Strikers), Kane Richardson (Strikers), Jack Wildermuth (Heat).

The Melbourne Renegades have been at the centre of a lot of speculation and rumour this off-season, and the confirmed moves they have made have all been big. The loss of former Test bowler Peter Siddle is a big-name blow as he heads to Adelaide, but the back injury to James Pattinson that has him on an "indefinite" break from cricket is just cruel to the player and the club.

Tempering that, they've recruited key Australia and Adelaide quick Kane Richardson, who enhanced his reputation on Australia's recent tour of India, while luring young and highly-rated Queensland allrounder Jack Wildermuth south from the Brisbane Heat is a real coup.

Long-time Renegade Peter Nevill will stay in Sydney this summer with the Sixers to end what has been one of the BBL's most awkward arrangements with wicketkeeping rivals Nevill and Matthew Wade sharing two seasons in the same squad.

Rumours persist the 'Gades will have a role for former Adelaide veteran Brad Hodge who is keen to work with close friend and Renegades coach Andrew McDonald, but it remains to be seen if that will be a playing or coaching role. And former Aussie spinner Jon Holland is also tipped to suit up in red, while Callum Ferguson remains unsigned after several season with the 'Gades and could yet be lured back to Adelaide where he plays his state cricket.

On the international front Caribbean stars and fan favourites Dwayne Bravo and Sunil Narine return adding some stability to a line-up that will again feature Aaron Finch at the top of the order. 

Current Squad: Dwayne Bravo (WI), Tom Cooper, Aaron Finch, Marcus Harris, Brad Hogg, Tim Ludeman, Sunil Narine (WI), James Pattinson, Kane Richardson, Matt Short, Chris Tremain, Matthew Wade, Cameron White, Jack Wildermuth.

Renegades memberships will be on sale to the public in September. Visit getonred.com.au to register your interest in new season packages.

Melbourne Stars

Roster spots to fill: none Internationals signed: two

Out David Hussey (retired), Tom Triffitt

In: Jackson Coleman (upgrade), Ben Dunk (Strikers)

One of the most stable lists in the competition, the Melbourne Stars have a full squad of 18 already on their books and have added some huge top-order firepower by luring Ben Dunk away from Adelaide. Dunk was the BBL|06 leading run-scorer and could be the missing piece of the puzzle that finally takes the Melbourne Stars to a BBL title.

David Hussey has retired from playing, and the upgrade of left arm quick Jackson Coleman from a rookie contract means there was no spot for Tom Triffit, the only two departures from last season's squad. Hussey's exiit opens the way for John Hastings to take over the leadership, having recently retired from first-class and one-day cricket.

Kevin Pietersen returns again to Melbourne and shows no sign of slowing down. He'll be sure to provide plenty of stump-mic highlights and will also be commentating on the Ashes Tests. Luke Wright is the most consistent import in the BBL's history and the Stars will want more of the same. The Wright-Dunk opening partnership might sideline Rob Quiney in the playing XI but will make for plenty of fireworks.

Current Squad: Michael Beer, Scott Boland, Jackson Coleman, Ben Dunk, James Faulkner, Seb Gotch, Evan Gulbis, Peter Handscomb, Sam Harper, John Hastings (c), Ben Hilfenhaus, Glenn Maxwell, Kevin Pietersen (Eng), Rob Quiney, Marcus Stoinis, Dan Worrall, Luke Wright (Eng), Adam Zampa. 

Perth Scorchers

Roster spots to fill: three Internationals signed: none

Unsigned from BBL|06: Ian Bell (England), James Muirhead, David Willey (England) 

No exits, no signings, the big question around the defending champions is who will be their international imports for BBL|07.

The Scorchers could also be impacted by Australia duties this year, with several players potentially in the mix for Ashes call-ups.

Mitchell Johnson is officially unsigned, but the former Ashes firebrand let slip on twitter in an exchange with close friend Mitchell McClenaghan that he was going around again this summer.

The defending champions received a boost on Monday with the news Adam Voges was returning as skipper, having stood down from first-class and one-day cricket in the winter.

Sam Whiteman remains on the books but following the latest round of finger surgery is expected to miss the entire tournament with wicketkeeping duties likely falling to Cameron Bancroft.

Current Squad: Ashton Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Jason Behrendorff, Hilton Cartwright, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Mitchell Johnson, Michael Klinger, Mitch Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Joel Paris, Jhye Richardson, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Sam Whiteman, Adam Voges (c).

Sydney Sixers

Roster spots to fill six Internationals signed none

Out: Ryan Carters, Brad Haddin, Michael Lumb (all retired)

Unsigned from BBL|06: Sam Billings (England), Doug Bollinger, Josh Hazlewood, Joe Mennie, Jason Roy (England)

In: Peter Nevill (Renegades), Henry Thornton (upgrade)

The summer of international cricket will have impact on the Sixers more than any other club. With Test quicks Hazlewood and Starc as well as the GOAT Nathan Lyon on their books, it's unlikely we'll be seeing much of them in Magenta this season.

Likewise, last summer's international signings Sam Billings and Jason Roy can expect to be in the reckoning for England's one-day outfit, when that squad is eventually named. The Sixers replaced Roy with the long-serving Michael Lumb last season when Roy was called up by England, but Lumb will not be returning after his sudden retirement from all cricket in July.

And with Brad Haddin now in the Australian team's coaching ranks, the Sixers have brought home NSW Blues gloveman Peter Nevill for BBL|07, although it remains to be seen if he, too, will be on Test match duty.

Also unsigned are enigmatic quick Doug Bollinger, who top scored for the NSW Blues with 30 at No.11 in their final JLT Cup match of 2017, as well as Joe Mennie, whose last season was cut short by a freak training ground accident that left him hospitalised with a skull fracture and minor brain bleed. He's since made a full recovery but hasn't been confirmed for a return to the Sixers yet.

The Sixers have added young tearaway quick Henry Thornton to their roster after he spent last season on a Rookie contract. Thornton has been winning rave reviews at Cricket NSW, which have also put him on a full contract for this summer, and the 20-year-old is said to be just as quick as Magenta legend Brett Lee was at the same age

With six spots still to fill, including confirmation of the two internationals, expect plenty of announcements from the Sixers as the season draws closer.

Current Squad: Sean Abbott, Jackson Bird, Johan Botha, Ben Dwarshuis, Moises Henriques (c), Daniel Hughes, Nathan Lyon, Nic Maddinson, Peter Nevill, Steve O’Keefe, Jordan Silk, Mitch Starc, Henry Thornton.

Sydney Thunder

Roster spots to fill: nine Internationals signed: one

Out: Andre Russell (banned)

Unsigned from BBL|06: Fawad Ahmed, Carlos Brathwaite (WI), Jake Doran, Usman Khawaja, Nathan McAndrew, Alister McDermott, Eoin Morgan (England), Arjun Nair, Gurinder Sandhu, James Vince (England)

In: Mitchell McClenaghan (NZ)

It may look like the Sydney Thunder are lagging well behind with nine unconfirmed spots on their roster, but the reality is many of the domestic players currently unconfirmed from last season can be expected to be fronting up again in Thunder green.

The one player who won't be back is allrounder Andre Russell after the Jamaican was banned for a year following a doping whereabouts rule violation. The Thunder were left "devastated" by the news and have yet to confirm a replacement.

If they could lure back Carlos Brathwaite – remember that name? – it would go a long way to filling the shoes of Russell. The hero of the West Indies World T20 win filled in for three games when Russell went down injured last season, while England's James Vince did the same when Eoin Morgan left for England one-day duty. Should Morgan be returning to the Thunder, they will again end their season without England's limited-overs captain.

The big in for the Thunder is New Zealand quick Mitchell McClenaghan, who is a globe-trotting T20 specialist. However, he'll also have one eye on the T20 tri-series to be played at the back end of next summer and will hope to use the Big Bash as a springboard back into national colours. The left-arm quick adds some serious pace to a roster that will lose Pat Cummins to Australian duty.

Current Squad: Aiden Blizzard, Pat Cummins, Ryan Gibson, Chris Green, Mitchell McClenaghan (NZ), Clint McKay, Kurtis Patterson, Ben Rohrer, Shane Watson.

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