Cricket: T20's big-hitters and fast-slingers to watch

Brett Lee. Photo / Getty Images

Brett Lee: Wellington

The biggest name among the imports for this season's competition.

Among the fastest bowlers ever, the blond New South Welshman took 310 wickets in 76 tests, retiring at the start of this year.

His last appearances in Wellington were three ODIs in 2005. Lee should be a crowd puller.

The New South Welshman will be here for the second half of the competition, from December 14.

* Also: Luke Wright (Sussex, entire competition), Damien Wright (Victoria, first two rounds).

Lou Vincent: Auckland

His unbeaten century against Wellington was among the standout innings of last summer, but he was erratic. Now based overseas, he's back again for another tilt. Vincent is still registered as a New Zealand player therefore both imports, Jimmy and Andre Adams, can play in the same XI with him. No doubt he can be a matchwinner.

* Also: Andre Adams (Nottinghamshire), Jimmy Adams (Hampshire, both entire competition).

Ryan ten Doeschate: Canterbury

He's played 27 ODIs and nine T20 internationals for the Netherlands - but his name is little known to the wider cricket community.

He was murderous with the bat for Essex last season, with a strike-rate of 177 - and 19 sixes from just six innings - and he bowls handily, too. The Port Elizabeth-born ten Doeschate could turn out to be a sleeper in the cup. He will be here for the entire competition.

* Also: Johan van der Wath (South Africa, minimum seven games), Mitchell Claydon (Durham, entire competition), Shaun Tait (South Australia, fitness permitting).

David Warner: Northern Districts

The belligerent left-hand opener hit the ground running in his first T20 international for Australia 22 months ago, with a murderous 89 off just 43 balls against South Africa before an ecstatic Melbourne Cricket Ground.

He won't die wondering and if he gets off to a flier in his short stint, he'll be terrific entertainment.

The New South Welshman is likely to play five games, depending on his Australian commitments.

* Also: Brad Hodge (Victoria, first four rounds), Herschelle Gibbs (South Africa, from round five until finish), David Hussey (Victoria, one game).

Ross Taylor: Central Districts

The top scorer in last year's HRV Cup, the aggressive New Zealand vice captain won't arrive back from India until halfway through the competition. Expect him to make up for lost time. The defending champions have some decent batsmen but look a shade short on power without him.

* Also: Ian Blackwell (Durham), Mike Yardy (Sussex, both entire).

Darren Stevens: Otago

When Otago announced Kent allrounder Darren Stevens (pictured) and Sussex's Chris Nash as their imports for the entire competition, the general reaction was "huh?"

Both are tidy operators in the shortest form and if Stevens recaptures his form of last summer, Otago might have the last laugh.

He gives the ball a whack and bowls useful medium pace. Might he fill the role of smoking gun, the player who ends up raising more eyebrows than any other import?