FIVE AUSSIES WITH PLENTY TO PROVE IN BBL 2016-17
*Glenn Maxwell (Melbourne Stars) - What next for the Big Show? Turfed from Australia's one-day side against New Zealand after criticising teammate and Victorian captain Matthew Wade. Supposedly forgiven but still left in the cold - even for a hometown dead rubber. Needs to make some serious runs for the Stars to play a part in Australia's busy ODI and T20 schedule.
*Pat Cummins (Sydney Thunder) - Australia's most promising young paceman made an impressive return from injury during the ODI series against New Zealand. He will undoubtedly be a key pillar of Australia's Test pace brigade if he can stay fit, but doing that over an extended period of time has proved problematic for the 23-year-old.
*James Pattinson (Melbourne Renegades) - Like Cummins, poised for a long-anticipated return to Australia's Test side next summer after a spell on the sidelines. Pattinson hasn't represented his country since February's tour of New Zealand and the explosive quick will be desperate to prove his fitness.
*Peter Siddle (Melbourne Renegades) - The veteran seamer won't play until the second half of the competition as he recovers from a back injury sustained in November's first Test against South Africa. With plenty of young quicks eyeing his spot in the Test side, Siddle's task is to show his body can still hold up after years of serving as a workhorse.
*Travis Head (Adelaide Strikers) - Head's six-hitting heroics carried the Strikers to the BBL semi-final last season and he looms as an important player again. After starring for Australia in their ODI series against New Zealand, the 22-year-old is now hoping to earn a baggy green for February's tour of India. Another strong BBL campaign should boost his chances.
