Sydney Thunder opener Alex Hales has the Melbourne Stars on high alert as he seeks to transfer his blistering T20 World Cup form into a successful start to the BBL campaign.
Hales made a triumphant return to T20 international cricket after more than three years out, scoring 212 runs at 42.40 as England hoisted the World Cup in Australia last month.
It included a scintillating knock of 86 not out from just 47 balls - including seven sixes - in the semi-final thrashing of India.
The hard-hitting 33-year-old poses a huge threat to the Stars in Tuesday's BBL season opener at Manuka Oval.
"He's unstoppable once he gets going," Stars allrounder Marcus Stoinis told reporters.
"He's been in the Big Bash for years and he's part of the furniture at the Thunder.
"He had a great World Cup and obviously England won it, as well, so he's definitely one of the most dangerous players in the competition."
Hales is the BBL's all-time leading overseas run-scorer, with 1857 runs at an impressive strike rate of 151.34.
He re-joins the Thunder for a fourth straight season but has little time to make an impact before departing for the UAE T20 league in January.
"It's a team I love and a country I love, and I think having those familiar faces and a squad that I know really well makes settling in really easy," Hales said.
The Stars are without injured captain Glenn Maxwell (broken leg) but have been bolstered by the inclusion of international seamers Trent Boult and Luke Wood for the tournament opener.
"They're always one of the strongest sides in the competition and have two very tricky opening bowlers there as well, with Luke Wood and Trent Boult, so it's going to a challenge up front," Hales said.
"It will be a tough game but if we play our best we'll be a good chance."
Meanwhile, the Stars have paid tribute to the late Shane Warne by retiring their No.23 shirt.
The legendary legspinner played 15 games for the Stars during the opening two BBL seasons, coming out of retirement to promote his hometown club and the new competition.
Each Stars player will have Warne's number incorporated into their playing kit for their first MCG home game of the season, against the Hobart Hurricanes on Friday.
There will also be a standing ovation for the 23rd ball of the match, while Warne's playing kit will be hung in the Stars' change rooms from now on.
