The Sydney Sixers title aspirations were handed a heavy reality check against the Melbourne Stars on Sunday. The Sixers bowling attack were found wanting under pressure against the Stars with Tom Curran conceding figures of 1/52 off four overs and Ben Dwarshuis conceded the most expensive figures in BBL history with 0/61 off four overs. The Sixers lack of a genuine sixth option with the ball was shown up when they didn’t have much to turn to when their top line bowlers began to struggle. The Perth Scorchers put the first nail in the coffin of the Hobart Hurricanes finals hopes after smashing the Hurricanes to the tune of 77 runs. The Hurricanes went for a more traditional batting order with David Miller at three and Simon Milenko at six, however it didn’t change their fortunes for the Hurricanes as they were bowled out for 99. The Hurricanes have lost three matches in a row and four out of their last five as the absences of Meredith, Short and Faulkner have taken their toll.
The Sixers have made one forced change with Josh Hazlewood out on international duties, 23 year old Henry Thornton comes into the 13 man squad to replace Hazlewood who wasn’t apart of the final XI against the Stars. The Hurricanes experimental phase with the batting order looks to be well and truly done, with Simon Milenko being dropped for Mac Wright. Milenko has struggled this season with scores of 6, 1, 0, 12, 7, 6, 17 and 19 totalling for 68 runs at an average of just 8.50, Wright will likely slide into the number six position for the Hurricanes. The Hurricanes have the edge between the two sides, with a 6-5 head to head record as the Hurricanes defeated the Sixers in their first match of BBL09 in a low scoring affair in Alice Springs.
Sydney Sixers Squad (13): Moises Henriques (c), Justin Avendano, Jackson Bird, Tom Curran, Ben Dwarshuis, Dan Hughes, Ben Manenti, Steve O'Keefe, Josh Philippe, Lloyd Pope, Jordan Silk, Henry Thornton, James Vince
Hobart Hurricanes Squad (13): Matthew Wade (c), Qais Ahmad, George Bailey, Scott Boland, Jake Doran, Nathan Ellis, Caleb Jewell, Ben McDermott, David Miller, Jake Reed, Tom Rogers, Clive Rose, Mac Wright
BBL09 Sixers vs Hurricanes Betting Tips
Sydney Sixers
The Sydney Sixers will be out to make amends for their poor showing in the top of the table clash against the Melbourne Stars on Sunday, where they were defeated by 44 runs. The bowling line up clearly has to become more consistent. The Sixers have given up scores of 209, 176 and a remarkable 1/219 in their last outing. Tom Curran has been the main culprit of the Sixers lack of economical bowling with figures of 0/52, 0/40 and 1/58 in those respective innings’, Curran also conceded figures of 1/58 against the Renegades. At his best Curran is one of the most damaging bowlers in the world with his ability to execute his yorker and slower ball, however he needs to reduce the gap between his best and his worst if the Sixers are going to be genuine contenders.
Josh Phillipe has continued on from his breakout season in BBL08 with 270 runs this season at an average of 38.57 to be the Sixers leading run scorer, he sits 10th amongst the entire league for runs. Phillipe tore the Hurricanes apart the last time these two sides met at the SCG as he scored 86 not out off just 49 deliveries to lead the Sixers to a nine wicket win in BBL08. Against the Hurricanes Phillipe has scored 121 runs at an average of 60.50 with a strike rate of 151.25. The Hurricanes have struggled to contain opposition openers, with Josh Inglis and Alex Hales top scoring in the last two games the Hurricanes have played. With the Hurricanes fielding an undermanned bowling attack without it’s two main bowlers in Meredith and Faulkner, Phillipe will be in great shape to put up a big score for the Sixers.
Philippe Top SYD Batsman
$3.75
Hobart Hurricanes
If the Hurricanes are any chance to win this match David Miller will need to lift, 91 runs at an average of 13 is simply not good enough for a high profile import. He will likely get a great opportunity at number three, the Hurricanes need the South African to produce. With Simon Milenko being dropped from the side it looks like the Hurricanes have finally settled on a batting order of Wade, Jewell, Miller, Bailey, McDermott and Wright. A settled line up should give the Hurricanes a better opportunity to put together a big score, rather than experimenting with pinch hitters. The Hurricanes batsmen were atrocious against the Scorchers and will need to fire before it’s too late for the Thunder’s finals hopes. The Hurricanes have in particular struggled against spin bowling, they lost four wickets in spin in their last match and have lost eleven wickets to spin in their last five matches. The Hurricanes have not been able to consistently score against opposition spinners and with Steven O’Keefe and Lloyd Pope to come up against, the Hurricanes will need to rectify their weakness against spin bowling to be any chance to win.
George Bailey’s move up to four in the batting order has paid dividends as he top scored in the Hurricanes last two games with 43 against the Thunder and 36 against the Hurricanes. Bailey has scored the second most runs of any player in matches between the Hurricanes and the Sixers. Bailey has starred against the Sixers across the history of the BBL, scoring 222 runs at an average of 44.40 with a strike rate of 153.10. Bailey has shown even in the twilight of his career, has still got the quality to make runs when he’s given the opportunity. Bailey has produced the goods against the Sixers time and time again and with the Sixers bowling attack under pressure after a poor performance, Bailey is in a great position to put together a big score.
Bailey Top HOB Batsman
$6.00
Prediction
This game holds plenty of importance in how the BBL table will take shape, the Sixers can secure second place on the table and go a game clear of third. It’s do or die for the Hurricanes as a win will bring them within one point of the top five, but a loss will all but end their chances of playing finals. The Sixers batsmen have gotten the job done more often than not this season. The core of Phillipe, Henriques and Silk have been in excellent touch this season. With the spin duo of Lloyd Pope and Steven O’Keefe, the Hurricanes will be in plenty of trouble given their inability to play spin this season. If the Hurricanes were at full strength that would be in with a shout in this match, however the lack of depth the Hurricanes have at the moment is going to hurt them. The Sixers will be too strong for the Hurricanes and will put a line through the Hurricanes finals hopes.
