Sydney Sixers have put together a well balanced unit and are definitely one of the key sides in this year’s Big Bash League.
The inaugural winners of the Big Bash, the Sixers had a very disappointing second season finishing seventh in the league. Much was expected in season two Season two, particularly after winning the Champions League. Despite their poor showing, the Sixers quickly regrouped to finish second in the league in season three, only to get knocked out in the semi finals by eventual champions, Perth Scorchers.
With a squad rich in international players, the Sixers know that they may not be able to rely on the likes of Brad Haddin Steve Smith, or Nathan Lyon to always be available. With this in mind, they have built a squad strong in depth and full of quality. With Lyon the only recognised spinner in the squad, and away on international duty with Australia, questions may be asked if too much responsibility will fall on the shoulders of Stephen O’Keefe.
The Sixers have looked to the Caribbean for their international player, and have brought in the hard hitting all rounder, Dwayne Smith. An experienced T20 player having played in the IPL, the BPL in Bangladesh, and the domestic T20 competition in the West Indies, Smith will bring with him plenty of experience and quality to the side. No stranger to the surroudings having played for New South Wales in the old T20 competition, Smith will fit in the to squad straight away.
With added arrivals of Doug Bollinger, Ed Cowan, and Ryan Carters, the Sixers have focused more on retaining the bulk of their squad rather than massive recruitment.
Sydney Sixers Squad
Brad Haddin (C), Michael Lumb, Steve Smith, Nic Maddinson, Ed Cowan, Jordan Silk, Dwayne Smith, Moises Henriques, Stephen O’Keefe, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Ryan Carters, Brett Lee, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Doug Bollinger, Trent Copeland, Nathan Lyon
Player to watch - Jordan Silk
Jordan Silk
The young batsman played his first season of Big Bash last year, and made a name for himself with a stunning catch in a league game against Brisbane Heat last season. It wasn’t just the quality of the catch that raised heads, but it was the significance of it. Taking the valuable wicket of Craig Kieswetter, Silks catch changed the momentum of the game and the Sixers went on to win the game from a losing position.
Unfortunately Silk has not had much of a chance on the domestic scene to have an impact. He has had to move to Tasmania in order to give himself more of a chance to play regularly in the 50 over game and the first class cricket. Possessing a strike rate just under 100 in T20 cricket, Silk knows that if he can get a good season under his belt, he could finally develop in to the player many know him to be.
Despite possessing a less than impressive average, Silk is fairly new to the T20 scene. With only six innings of T20 cricket under his belt, Silk knows has the opportunity to build on his first time experiences. At only 22 years of age, there is still plenty of room for Silk to develop.
Moises Henriques
Key Player - Moises Henriques
With Haddin away on international duty, Moises Henriques will step in to captain the side as he has done for the past three seasons whenever Haddin is unavailable. With plenty of experience, Henriques has proven himself to be an extremely important player to the Sixers in the past.
Able to hit big with the bat, and able to chip in more than adequately enough with the ball, Henriques is an extremely crucial player to the Sixers. As a leader on the field, Henriques is a calming influence. Players respond well to him and perform well in his guidance.
What they are saying
“The Sixers are a quality team and a quality side and they’re always a team that’s in the top 3, so it’s good to be joining these guys and playing with them year round (in addition to the NSW Blues) – Doug Bollinger
“I’m going to come and give it my best and hopefully we can see plenty of sixes when it is my turn to play for the Sixers.” – Dwayne Smith
Michael Lumb is back again
Badger Predicts
The Sixers are a very well balanced side. With some good signings in the pre season, and a strong core of the squad retained, the Sixers are one of the teams to beat.
After a disappointing season two, the Sixers quickly rectified many of the errors that plagued them and came close to repeating their feat in season one. I expect the Sixers to make the finals, but in a competition that is getting more and more competitive, the Sixers know that they can’t take anything for granted.
It promises to be a great Big Bash and the Sixers will definitely be one of the teams making an impact.
More Information
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Ahmed Essof
At the age of 15, Ahmed moved to Australia with his family. He quickly took a liking to his new home state, Queensland, and subsequently became a fan of Brisbane Heat. Despite his obvious love for his African roots and Zimbabwe and South Africa, Ahmed has developed a strong knowledge of the game in Australia and the various competitions.
Always a fan of the outrageous and 'freakish' cricket, Ahmed rates Jonty Rhodes, AB DeVilliers as among his most exciting cricketers to watch.
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