BBL 08: Five reasons to be excited for the Big Bash League this summer

We hope you have enjoyed talking with your family throughout the winter because summer is going to be all about the Big Bash League.

59 matches (up from 40 in BBL 07) will take place between the opener on December 19 and the final on February 17, which every club playing 14 games each before the finals series begin.

Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast will host BBL fixtures for the first time, while we will also have two fixtures played on Christmas Eve.

The same semi-finals system will stay in place, with the first-placed club taking on the side that finished fourth, and two and three going head-to-head for a place in the decider.

MORE: Mitchell Marsh 'absolutely' has what it takes for Australian cricket captaincy

Read on below five reasons why you should be excited about the Big Bash League's eighth season.

MORE CRICKET THAN EVER BEFORE

I mean, 59 matches across two months. How much better can it get?

New cricket overlords Fox Sports have really brought out the big guns, with a ridiculous amount of live action being brought into our living rooms.

All 59 matches will be broadcast via the subscriber, while Channel Seven will broadcast 43.

We have a full rundown of the fixtures at the bottom of this page.

DON'T BOTHER SHOWERING ON JANUARY 27TH

Sport lovers have dreamed of this day for many years, but it is sure to stress out a certain few of us.

On Sunday, January 27th, Australia begins their day-night Test against Sri Lanka at the 'Gabba.

The same night, Melbourne Stars host the Brisbane Heat at the MCG in what will be an absolute blockbuster.

But that's not all.

The very same night, just down the road from the MCG, we will also be able to watch the Australian Open men's final.

How does that even work?

CAN WE CONVINCE AB DE VILLIERS TO COME DOWN UNDER?

There was sadness all around the cricketing community when AB de Villiers decided to hang up the boots after a stellar career.

One group of people that would have seen an opportunity here are Big Bash pundits.

AB has been linked to the Big Bash in previous years, but international cricket has always got in the way.

The South African legend was set to continue playing T20 cricket, and at the right price, who wouldn't want to come to Australia for a couple of months and knock a ball around in front of packed stadiums.

Why would any club splurge on the superstar? Watch below.

2️⃣3️⃣ World Cup apps
4️⃣ 100s
6️⃣ 50s
1️⃣2️⃣0️⃣7️⃣ runs
1️⃣6️⃣2️⃣* high score
6️⃣3️⃣.5️⃣ average

Happy retirement, @ABdeVilliers17! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/YDZl7mjD4d

— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) May 23, 2018

MATTHEW RENSHAW OUT TO PROVE HIMSELF

When Matt Renshaw burst onto the international scene, everyone saw his big frame and immediately thought of Matthew Hayden.

Hayden was one of the most damaging batsmen Australia has ever produced, and some pundits were a little disappointed when Renshaw seemed to be a nudger at the crease, rather than an enforcer.

The 22-year-old wants to change people's minds.

"If I have a bit more intent, I'll generally bat a lot better than sitting back and blocking," Renshaw said at the launch of BBL 08.

"I've been (pigeonholed) as a red-ball cricketer over the last few years of my cricket career.

"Coming in this year, playing a game for the Heat at the start of the year and scoring some runs at a higher strike-rate has probably changed a few people's minds."

BASH BROTHERS

Chris Lynn.

Not sure if there’s much crossover between Kanye West fans and fans of Australian 20/20 cricketer from the 🅱️risbane 🅱️eat Chris Lynn (@lynny50) but here’s this:

Shoutout to @TeamKanyeDaily, @BBL @HeatBBL #BBL07 #TurnUpTheHeat pic.twitter.com/ORplnWt40J

— Scott Rhys (@scottrhysCOMEDY) January 25, 2018

Brendon McCullum.

Them together.

That is all.

FULL BIG BASH LEAGUE FIXTURES LIST