A heart-breaking semi-final loss last year to the Melbourne Renegades is sure to motivate the Sydney Sixers for the season ahead as they chase their second BBL title. The Sixers have added strength to their roster to combine with some promising youngsters with the experienced head of Steve Smith joining Australian counterparts Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazelwood in the Sixers squad. Although they will likely be out for a large period of the season when available they represent real quality that could drive the Sixers towards a top four spot if they are in contention come January. Smith will be representing Australia in a three-game series against New Zealand followed by three ODI’s.
We take a look at the Sydney Sixers below in our full 2019-20 Big Bash team preview below.
Sydney Sixers Team Preview
Last Season: 3rd
Current Squad: Sean Abbott, Justin Avendano , Jackson Bird, Tom Curran (England), Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Mickey Edwards, Daniel Fallins, Josh Hazelwood, Moises Henriques, Daniel Hughes, Nathan Lyon, Peter Nevill, Stephen O’Keefe, Josh Philippe, Lloyd Pope, Jordan Silk, Steve Smith, Henry Thornton, James Vince (England)
In: Jackson Bird (Stars), Steve Smith (Australia), Josh Hazelwood (Australia)
Out: Joe Denly (England), Greg West, Oliver Davies, Ben Manenti
Batting
Steve Smith is a huge boost to the sixers batting ranks and when he is available, he will be a huge boost for the Sixers. Away from Smith, they have James Vince who comes off a good season for the sixers last season and exciting wicketkeeper batsmen Josh Philippe. Phillipe will likely open with the stalwart Dan Hughes who scored their most runs with 399 and he continues to proves himself year in year out in the T20 format. He is also joined by exciting batsmen Moises Henriques and Jordan Silk who can add some much-needed middle order runs.
Bowling
Jackson Bird who has been acquired from the Melbourne Stars is needed for a team who lacks in comparison in the bowling department. Leg spinner Lloyd Pope is an exciting option for the sixers as he will look to become a regular inclusion in their squad but has competition with O’Keefe for that spot as well as Nathan Lyon (when available)
Best XI
1. Daniel Hughes
2. Josh Phillippe (wk)
3. James Vince
4. Steve Smith
5. Moises Henriques (c)
6. Jordan Silk
7. Tom Curran
8. Sean Abbott
9. Stephen O'Keefe
10. Jackson Bird
11. Ben Dwarshuis
Prediction: 7th
The Sixers will likely struggle with the unavailability of their Australian internationals for most of the early part of the season but do have plenty of exciting youngsters eager to make a name for themselves. They are a team with plenty of quality replacements for their internationals and while they could surprise, they do lack the proven quality overall of the teams that are the likely finals challengers.
Josh Philippe top SIX batsman
$4.33
Sean Abbot top SIX bowler
$3.50
