Hobart is a long way from home in central England for Test paceman Stuart Broad but the BBL newcomer says Australia's short-format tournament gives him great exposure in the UK.
Due to make his second appearance for the Hurricanes when the side takes on Melbourne Stars in Hobart on Boxing Day, Broad has championed the BBL for its appeal across timezones and among the next generation of cricketers.
"In England I'm a big fan of it because it's on at a great time in the morning - you wake up and it's on," he said.
"Almost more people watch the Big Bash in England than they do the domestic stuff in the middle of the summer because it's just such a great time for us to watch."
The 30-year-old, whose CV includes contributing to England's ICC World T20 title in 2009, admitted he got hooked on the excitement of the tournament in its early years.
"The standard of cricket is really high," Broad said, after getting his maiden firsthand taste during the Hurricanes' 60-run win over the Sydney Sixers on Friday.
"The way the tournament engages with fans, I was amazed with the amount of kids (at the SCG) all wearing replica kit and getting really involved and that's something the tournament is about because you want to inspire the next generation and you can only do that by kids watching the sport."
The round-one result was a good start for the boys in purple and Broad admitted the change in formats was a challenge as he finished with 0-35 from three overs.
"Coming straight from a Test match tour, seven Tests in India and Bangladesh, you obviously have to learn quickly and adapt," he said.
"But it's a great group of guys and obviously a lot of experience in the group so I feel like I can pick it up pretty quickly."
The Stars open their season with Monday's match at Bellerive Oval.
SQUADS
Hurricanes: Tim Paine (capt), Dan Christian, Cameron Boyce, George Bailey, Stuart Broad, Hamish Kingston, Dom Michael, Sam Rainbird, Clive Rose, Kumar Sangakkara, D'Arcy Short, Shaun Tait, Jon Wells.
Stars: David Hussey (capt), Michael Beer, Scott Boland, Jackson Coleman, James Faulkner, Evan Gulbis, Sam Harper, Ben Hilfenhaus, Glenn Maxwell, Rob Quiney, Marcus Stoinis, Luke Wright, Adam Zampa.
