BBL 2019-20 team preview, squad, predictions: Sydney Sixers

Sydney Sixers had won the inaugural edition of the BBL, in 2011-12 and the corresponding Champions League Twenty20 next year. However, these remain their only titles till date, though they have made it to the final in 2014-15 and 2016-17.

They had finished sixth in the league last season, though, to be fair they were a solitary point behind fourth-placed (and eventual runners-up) Melbourne Stars. A win would have seen them through to the top four.

Led by Moises Henriques, the batting performance of the Sixers will depend a lot on Steven Smith, James Vince, and Jordan Silk. While the others need little introduction, it must be mentioned here that Silk appears in the top five in aggregate, runs, and averages in the history of the Stars. He will definitely come handy.

The bowling attack is largely dependent on the two spinners, Nathan Lyon and Stephen O’Keefe and the seamers, Tom Curran, Sean Abbott, and Henriques himself. There is no Mitchell Starc this time, which means more responsibility for Ben Dwarshuis.

All in all, while the bowling seems reasonably strong, the Sixers need to be really impressive with bat to leave an impact.

Key players

Steven Smith: Smith, arguably the greatest batsman in Test cricket for over seven decades, is yet to prove his mettle in the shortest (and best-paid) format of the sport. This edition will also determine his position in the T20 World Cup in a year’s time.

Moises Henriques: One of the biggest names in the history of the franchise, Henriques will have a crucial role to play for the Sixers this time, as batsman, bowler, and captain.

Tom Curran: This edition is Curran’s best chance to leapfrog ahead of several big names and demand a slot in the playing XI. Shining in a side also boasting of Lyon, O’Keefe, Abbott, and Dwarshis is difficult, but Curran’s experience in the format, especially at the highest level, cannot be underestimated.

Sydney Sixers squad

Domestic: Moises Henriques (c), Sean Abbott, Justin Avendano, Steven Smith, Daniel Hughes, Jordan Silk, Josh Phillippe, Peter Nevill, Ben Dwarshuis, Stephen O’Keefe, Jack Edwards, Mickey Edwards, Dan Fallins, Nathan Lyon, Lloyd Pope.

Overseas: James Vince, Tom Curran, Joe Denly.

Coach: Greg Shipperd.

Prediction

A top four spot.