Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff may be the English drawcards competing in this summer’s Twenty20 BBL, but Perth Scorchers opener Michael Carberry is aiming to trump them both.

Carberry will carry a huge responsibility for the defending champions following the retirement of skipper Simon Katich, the defection of Craig Simmons to the Adelaide Strikers, and the expected absence of Shaun Marsh, Mitch Marsh and Nathan Coulter-Nile (hamstring).

Pietersen has signed with tournament favourites Melbourne Stars, while all-rounder Flintoff has joined the Brisbane Heat.

The duo are among England’s greatest-ever players following their feats in the Test and one-day arenas.

But the same can’t be said for 34-year-old Carberry, who managed just six Tests, six ODIs and one T20 for his country.

Nevertheless, Carberry was in strong form for English county side Hampshire earlier this year, and he’s hopeful that will carry across to the BBL, where he has the chance to gain bragging rights over Flintoff and Pietersen.

“It would be nice to get a win against those boys. They are two of the greats,” Carberry said.

“I don’t think it will be a case of going soft (on each other). We are all here to win.

“You say you’re friends off the field, but on the field it’s all business really.”

Carberry has been impressed with the Scorchers’ youthful squad, and in particular Marcus Harris.

The 22-year-old opener scored 69 off 85 balls against England in a tour match last year, and Carberry said Harris had all the makings of an Australian star.

“I don’t want to put him under too much pressure, but I’ve tipped him to be the next one to wear the baggy green,” Carberry said.

“Technically he’s quite sound for a young player. He’s a very crisp striker of the ball.

“He’s very compact, and just needs to work out the mental side of the game, and then the runs will start to flow for him.

“He reminds me a lot of Justin (Langer).”

The Scorchers will begin their title defence against the Adelaide Strikers at the WACA Ground on Monday.