SYDNEY SIXERS
LAST SEASON: 2nd (5 wins, 3 losses)
PREDICTION: 7th
In: Johan Botha (Strikers), Jackson Bird (Stars), Li Kai Ming (community rookie).
Out: Brett Lee (retired)
Retained: Sean Abbott, Doug Bollinger, Ryan Carters, Ben Dwarshuis, Brad Haddin, Josh Hazlewood, Moises Henriques, Nathan Lyon, Nic Maddinson, Stephen O’Keefe, Jordan Silk, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Michael Lumb, Mickey Edwards.
*The Sixers still have one spot left for an International
THE BRIEF
Probably a little controversial to have last year’s runner-up finishing 2nd last in BBL05 but it all comes down to how much of an impact the Australian selectors have.
At full strength, I think this squad is probably the champion but I highly doubt they’ll be at full strength at any point over the month or so of competition.
Brett Lee was in his twilight but he was a force in this form of the game and will be missed.
Jackson Bird is a quality bowler and will get greater opportunities to show that in this squad.
THE FAB FIVE
*Players the ilk of Steve Smith, Josh Hazlewood and Mitch Starc have been left off the Fab Five list as they are unlikely to represent the Sixers this summer.
MICHAEL LUMB (batsman)
Damaging left hand batsman who bears a striking resemblance to Matthew Hayden at the crease.
Has been a constant for the Sixers at the top of the order for many seasons now and continues to show his class.
Opposition attacks know if they don’t snare the wicket of Lumb early, the game can quickly get away.
MOISES HENRIQUES (all rounder)
An excellent Twenty 20 player and captain of this talented squad, Henriques is another likely to be called up to the green and gold.
Excellent with bat, ball and in field, he epitomises the fighting nature of this Sixers side, which was defeated in a super over in last season’s final despite finishing the regular season in fourth spot.
DOUG BOLLINGER (bowler)
One of the more popular players in Australian cricket – not only for his bowling ability but his unashamed wearing of the head piece.
While a veteran of the Aussie cricket scene, who many thought might be fading into the cricketing twilight, ‘Doug the Rug’ is not only still taking wickets, his name is often still mentioned in terms of a national recall.
While that’s unlikely, another standout Big Bash could thrust him into calculations for the T20 World Cup.
BRAD HADDIN (wicket keeper/batsman)
Is this the farewell tour of Brad Haddin or will he concentrate solely on the short stuff each summer?
Now retired from the international scene, the Sixers will welcome his experience, leadership and ability with bat and gloves on a permanent basis this summer.
A damaging batsman at the top or in the middle order, Haddin will be a feared man in pink by many opposition bowlers.
SEAN ABBOTT (bowler)
Quality young quick bowler who briefly won his way into Australia’s one day and T20 teams toward the end of last season, a matter of weeks before the tragic death of Phillip Hughes.
Showing true character, he continued to play cricket and perform with aplomb to be a key part of the Sixers attack.
With the men in magenta again expected to lose a number of players to international duties, they’ll be heavily reliant on a talent such as Abbott. That is, provided he isn’t called up to higher duties.
