SYDNEY THUNDER
LAST SEASON: 7th (2 wins, 5 losses, 1 no result)
PREDICTION: 4th
In: Ben Rohrer, Fawad Ahmed (both Renegades), Shane Watson (Heat), Clint McKay (Stars), Andre Russell (West Indies), Alister McDermott (Heat)
Out: Nathan Hauritz (Renegades), Chris Tremain (Renegades) Jason Roy (delisted), Patrick Cummins (injured)
Retained: Aiden Blizzard, Jake Doran, Chris Hartley, Jacques Kallis, Andrew McDonald, Usman Khawaja, Gurinder Sandhu, Chris Green, Mike Hussey, Kurtis Patterson
THE BRIEF
So this is where I’m going out on a limb. The Thunder have been not only the poor cousin of cross town rival Sydney Sixers since their inception, they’ve been dead set destitute.
Over the past 2 seasons they’ve gradually added quality into their squad, none more so than the likes of Mike Hussey and Jaques Kallis.
This season, they’ve continued to add class with Shane Watson and Clint McKay on the list of new players.
The Thunder is unlikely to lose many, if any players to international duties and therefore, if the stars align, I think they can make the semi finals.
THE FAB FIVE
MIKE HUSSEY (batsman)
Mr Cricket. All time great. Enough said.
JACQUES KALLIS (all rounder)
One of the greatest all rounders to play the game, Kallis returns for his 2nd season at the Thunder and while still a great with bat and ball, he does seem to have relished the less strict diet and exercise regime which has come with retirement from international cricket.
Like skipper Mike Hussey, Kallis helps the franchise command a respect which certainly wasn’t there in the early days when they struggled to win a game.
The biggest question surrounding Kallis is whether he’s STILL got it.
SHANE WATSON (all-rounder)
Although he only retired from test cricket, it’s unlikely Australian selectors will persist with Shane Watson in the shorter forms of the game instead of blooding young talent.
The by-product of that means Watson, a damaging all rounder at any level, should be available for all of the Big Bash, making the Thunder’s decision to sign him as their marquee player, a shrewd move indeed.
A top order regularly featuring Kallis, M Hussey, Watson is imposing for any opposition and when you look at what could potentially follow in the middle order, it’s by far the best this franchise has been set up in five seasons.
CLINT MCKAY (bowler)
Was Australia’s premier short form bowler not too long ago and, after being starved for opportunity at the Stars last summer, opted to join good mate Aiden Blizzard at the Thunder.
Appearing as fit as ever, he could be a serious strike weapon for this franchise adding some much needed talent to the bowling attack.
AIDEN BLIZZARD
A specialist Twenty 20 player these days, Blizzard has made his name as one of the most punishing batsman in the shortest form of the game.
Having crossed to the Thunder from Hobart prior to last season, Blizzard had one of his most consistent seasons and was quickly re-signed.
Can bat at the top or in the middle order, he will help form an imposing batting line-up for opposition sides to counter.
