PREVIEW BBL05’s wooden spooners Sydney Sixers are back and a tough Big Bash League campaign looks likely again.
Young gun Sam Billings will play for the first half of BBL06
England duo Jason Roy and Sam Billings headlined the four new faces at the Sixers for BBL06, although both players will miss the back end of the season due to international duty.
New Australian citizen Johan Botha is no longer classified as an overseas player, while NSW batsman Dan Hughes and Test quick Joe Mennie also join the club. Ed Cowan and Australia captain Steve Smith, who hasn’t played for the Sixers since BBL03, headline the big names to drop out.
A major change in fortune is required if the Sixers, the winners of the inaugural tournament, are to threaten the final stages again.
PAST PERFORMANCE
| Team | 2011–12 | 2012–13 | 2013–14 | 2014–15 | 2015–16 |
| BBL01 | BBL02 | BBL03 | BBL04 | BBL05 | |
| Sixers | WON (3rd) | 7th | SF (2nd) | Final (4th) | 8th |
KEY MAN: Nic Maddinson
Nic Maddinson is perhaps the biggest hitter and best T20 batsman in the Sixers squad. The talented left-hander is the Sixers all-time leading run-scorer and is capable of a match-winning performance on any given day.
His 85 from 48 balls against Adelaide Strikers propelled his side into the BBL final two seasons ago.
While he didn’t have the greatest tournament in BBL05 (141 runs at 20), there’s no questioning his explosive ability in cricket’s shortest format. His availability may be reduced after breaking into the Australian Test side, but he’s one to watch for sure.
STRIKE MAN: Sean Abbott
Right-arm seamer Sean Abbott was the Sixers’ best bowler in BBL05, taking 11 wickets in eight matches including a remarkable 3-8 against the Brisbane Heat at the SCG.
The 24-year-old is on his way back from an ankle injury that has sidelined him since August, but is aiming to be back for the in magenta this summer. Bowling with good pace and boasting a deceptive change of speed, Abbott must fire if the Sixers are going to be competitive. He leads a seam bowling unit also including Jackson Bird and Doug Bollinger.
ONE TO WATCH: Ben Dwarshuis
Ben Dwarshuis played four matches for the Sixers last season and collected five wickets at 22.60. The 22-year-old left-armer made his List A debut for NSW in the Matador One-Day Cup this summer before succumbing to a back injury. His involvement for the Sixers is still unclear, but if the youngster can get on the park he’ll trouble plenty of batsmen.
OVERSEAS STAR: Jason Roy
Dashing right-hander Jason Roy will be available for the first couple of rounds for the Sixers before he and England teammate Sam Billings head to India on England international duties. But before he jets off, Roy will be keen to make an impact.
The Surrey opener has every shot in the book and will enjoy the faster, bouncier Australian pitches. In June this year he belted 162 from 118 deliveries against Sri Lanka in a one-day international at The Oval, while he saved his best T20 international performance for the World T20 semi-final against New Zealand in March, clocking 78 from 44 balls.
NEW BOY: Daniel Hughes
Daniel Hughes has been in terrific form this summer. He’s made seven starts in as many innings for the Blues in Sheffield Shield cricket in 2016-17 without posting triple figures, but his 50-over output has been top-notch. The left-hander scored 122 against Victoria in the Matador Cup and backed it up with 96 against Western Australia three days later. Unsigned last year after two seasons with the Thunder, he will be keen to make his mark.
HOW THE LINE UP FOR BBL06
Head Coach:
Ins: Daniel Hughes, Joe Mennie (Hurricanes), Sam Billings (OS), Jason Roy (OS)
Outs: Ed Cowan, Steve Smith (Ambassador), Michael Edwards, Michael Lumb
SQUAD: Sean Abbott, Sam Billings (OS), Jackson Bird, Doug Bollinger, Johan Botha, Ryan Carters, Ben Dwarshuis, Brad Haddin, Josh Hazlewood, Moises Henriques (c), Daniel Hughes, Nathan Lyon, Nic Maddinson, Joe Mennie, Stephen O’Keefe, Jason Roy (OS), Jordan Silk, Mitchell Starc.
James Buttler
As the editor of Cricket Badger he is intent on building the website to give quality coverage of the domestic game around the world.
James was the full-time Media Manager at Yorkshire County Cricket Club between 2007 and 2010.
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