Former Eastlake bowler Nick Winter jokes his "claim to fame" in the Big Bash is bowling two dot balls to retired England superstar Kevin Pietersen.
But after injuries ruined his 2015-16 season and led to him losing his contract with South Australia, the left-arm quick knows the BBL looms as his avenue to chase first-class redemption.
![Nick Winter is one of nine Canberra players in the Big Bash this season.](/web/20161223192747im_/http://www.canberratimes.com.au/content/dam/images/1/2/f/3/i/b/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gtdix3.png/1482135562402.jpg)
The booming Twenty20 format will begin on Tuesday night with nine Canberra juniors or ACT Comets players playing in the popular domestic competition.
The season kicks off with a cross-town Sydney battle between the Sydney Thunder and the Sydney Sixers, while Winter's important campaign with the Melbourne Renegades starts on Thursday.
He hopes to use the Renegades as a platform to get back into the South Australian squad.
"If there's ever a good time to get injured, that was not the best time," Winter said.
"I still see myself with a bit of a future in South Australia, and they've said that. They said that if I'm able to get some games and play well, the door is never shut.
"In BBL, there is national recognition and everyone is going to be tuning in worldwide. If you do well in that you never know.
"Blokes have made a living off a few good performances in the BBL in the past so it's definitely something that if you do get the chance you want to take it."
Impressive performances for South Australia in the Futures League and in grade cricket for Adelaide University have Winter knocking on the door for a Sheffield Shield recall.
A solid BBL season could do wonders with a number of South Australia's frontline bowlers like Chadd Sayers, Joe Mennie and Frank Worrall all recently featuring in the national set-up.
"It just shows that I'm up against some pretty good competition there so it's always tough to break into but they may keep getting called up for Australia and that will give opportunities at the next level, so you never know," Winter said.
Winter's Renegades open their campaign against a Sydney Thunder lineup featuring Cricket ACT director of high performance Aiden Blizzard.
Weston Creek Molonglo batsman Jono Dean returns to the Adelaide Strikers looking to earn a regular spot in the XI after playing just two games last season.
Star on the rise Alex Ross will join ex-Tuggeranong player Jason Floros will turn out for the Brisbane Heat.
Floros could be left to fly the Tuggeranong flag alone with Perth Scorchers quick Jason Behrendorff's campaign in serious doubt, after he was sidelined with a stress fracture in his left fibula in late November.
The Sydney Sixers are Canberra's most heavily populated side with Brad Haddin, Nathan Lyon and Ryan Carters all set to don the magenta.
Haddin is set for an emotional farewell tour after telling Fairfax Media in early December this is shaping up to be his final season on home soil.
While Haddin gears up for the last time, Weston Creek Molonglo youngster Joe Slater is at the opposite end of his career.
Slater will join the Sydney Thunder as a regional rookie after winning a contract with the reigning champions earlier this summer, and will join Blizzard in the lead up to the season opener against the Sixers on Tuesday night.
Slater could find himself running drinks at the Sydney Showground - it is a far cry from Stirling Oval and the youngster is intent on impressing in his stint with the Thunder.
CANBERRA'S BIG BASH LEAGUE CONNECTION
Aiden Blizzard - Sydney Thunder
Jason Behrendorff - Perth Scorchers
Nathan Lyon - Sydney Sixers
Brad Haddin - Sydney Sixers
Ryan Carters - Sydney Sixers
Jono Dean - Adelaide Strikers
Alex Ross - Brisbane Heat
Jason Floros - Brisbane Heat
Nick Winter - Melbourne Renegades