The Sydney Sixers were one of the best fantasy scoring teams in BBL08 with multiple players taking numerous wickets and scoring runs at a very good strike rates. Their BBL08 season however was derailed late and crashed out of the finals. The Sixers haven’t really tinkered with the squad until announcing Steve Smith and Josh Hazelwood as late tournament signings. Is this too little too late?

Squad: Moises Henriques (c), Sean Abbott, Justin Avendano, Jackson Bird, Tom Curran (OS), Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Mickey Edwards, Daniel Fallins, Josh Hazelwood, Daniel Hughes, Nathan Lyon, Stephen O’Keefe, Josh Philippe, Lloyd Pope, Jordan Silk, Steve Smith, James Vince (OS)

Gains: Josh Hazelwood, Steve Smith, Jackson Bird

Losses: Joe Denly, Peter Nevill, Henry Thornton

Likely Starting XI at the start of the Tournament

Daniel Hughes

Josh Philippe (wk)

James Vince

Moises Henriques ©

Jordan Silk

Jack Edwards

Tom Curran

Sean Abbott

Steve O’Keefe

Ben Dwarshuis

Jackson Bird

 

 

Current Market Odds as of December 12th 2019

To win BBL09 - $10.00 (Current bottom of market) on BetEasy

 

Sydney Sixers Player Profiles

Daniel Hughes (LH Opening Batsman)

BBL08 Record: 15 Matches – Batting: 30.69 Avg, 129.05 S/R

Hughes is in some serious form before the upcoming tournament. Leading run scorer in the Marsh One Day cup with 440 runs at an average of 73.33. These runs come after 399 runs in BBL08 which was the 5th highest run scorer overall last season. Will be the main man at Sydney and will be one of the most popular plays in Sixers matches. 

Moises Henriques (RH Top-order Batsman, RH Medium Bowler)

BBL08 Record: 15 Matches – Batting: 26.27 Avg, 128.44 S/R, Bowling: 1 Wickets, 8.60 Econ

The Sixers captain is the soul of the Sixers but became a frustrating fantasy player when Henriques did not come to bowl in 12 of the 15 matches in BBL08. Henriques is there for his batting and did a serviceable job at 4. Had a great One Day Marsh Cup and will look to provide this Sixers side a match winning edge. 

Jordan Silk (RH Middle-order Batsman)

BBL08 Record: 15 Matches – Batting: 31.11 Avg, 120.69 S/R

Jordan Silk has been the mainstay of the Sixers middle order for numerous seasons. No matter what the innings is at, Silk is able to drive through the gears. In addition to this, he is a magnificent fieldsman, with former Test captain Ricky Ponting regarding him as the best fielder in Australia.

Justin Avendano (RH Top-order Batsman)

BBL08 Record: 3 Matches – Batting: 11.67 Avg, 100.00 S/R

The big hitting youngster got a taste of BBL cricket by playing 3 games in BBL08. Scored 30 runs against the Heat and may get his chance later in the tournament. One to watch at value if picked.  

Jack Edwards (RH Top-order Batsman)

BBL08 Record: 10 Matches – Batting: 9.43 Avg, 95.65 S/R

Teenager Jack Edwards is a very talented batsman, particularly in the limited overs forms of the game. Playing at the top of the order in BBL08, the 19 year-old Edwards will be better for the run and will need to break into the top order this season. Been killing it for the Sixers development squad prior to the summer, Edwards should be a great value play when Edwards gets a go. 

Ben Dwarshuis (LH Fast-Medium Bowler, LH Lower-order Batsman)

BBL08 Record: 15 Matches – Bowling: 16 Wickets, 7.33 Econ, Batting: 3.67 Avg, 91.67 S/R

Finally getting a full season after a career riddle by injury, Dwarshuis claimed many wickets in the front and back end of innings. Dwarshuis is also a handy late order bat but his figures did not show from BBL08. Partnered with the returning Jackson Bird, Dwarshuis will spearhead this attack. 

Steve O’Keefe (LH Off-spin, RH Lower-order Batsman)

BBL08 Record: 15 Matches – Bowling: 21 Wickets, 6.57 Econ, Batting: 8.50 Avg, 60.71 S/R

O’Keefe has represented Australia in Tests and T20 matches, proving himself to be one of the top spin bowlers in the country. Had a terrific BBL08 by taking 21 wickets which was 1 less than club leading bowler Sean Abbott. Expect O’Keefe to be popular play with his frugal economy rate and wicket taking ability. 

Sean Abbott (RH Medium-Fast Bowler, RH Lower-order Batsman)

BBL08 Record: 15 Matches – Bowling: 22 Wickets, 8.18 Econ, Batting: 13.50 Avg, 112.50 S/R

Abbott has become one of Australia’s premier T20 players which was highlighted by his Man of the Match performance for Australia in the 3rd T20 match against Pakistan back in November. Took a franchise leading 22 wickets in BBL08 and doesn’t mind hitting a six or two. Premium fantasy player.  

Nathan Lyon (RH Off-spin Bowler, RH Tailend Batsman)

BBL08 Record: 2 Matches – Bowling: 0 Wickets, Econ 7.86, Batting: 0.00, 0.00 S/R

Australia’s premier Test spinner, Lyon has indicated he wants to play for the Sixers after his international duties against New Zealand. The GOAT in his limited games for the Sixers is serviceable with steady wicket and economy rates. Lyon will feature towards the back end of the tournament.  

Josh Philippe (RH Middle-order Batsman, Wicketkeeper)

BBL08 Record: 15 Matches – Batting: 30.40 Avg, 158.33 S/R, 9 Catches, 3 Stumpings

A talented young batsman became one of the hottest batting talents in BBL08. Striking at an extraordinary rate, Phillippe scored over 300 runs which included a mind blowing 86no off 48 balls against the Hurricanes. Paired up with James Vince at the top of the order Philippe will be a popular top order fantasy play.  

Mickey Edwards (RH Fast-Medium Bowler, RH Lower-order Batsman)

BBL08 Record: 1 Match – Bowling: 1 Wicket, 8.50 Econ, Batting: 0.00 Avg, 0.00 S/R

The 200cm tall quick made his only appearance for the Sixers in the semi-final as a replacement for Tom Curran. Along with his brother Jack, the Edwards brothers will be value when they get a game. 

Dan Fallins (RH Leg-spin Bowler, RH Lower order Batsman)

BBL08 Record: Did not play BBL08

Fallins is a talented young leg spinner with a good variety of deliveries and controls his line and length very well. Is behind Lyon and O’Keefe as the spinning option but will be value if he gets a go.

Lloyd Pope (RH Leg-spin Bowler, RH Tailend Batsman)

BBL08 Record: 6 Matches – Bowling: 2 Wickets, 8.50 Econ, Batting: 5.00 Avg, 83.33 S/R

The red-headed leg spinner is back for his 2nd season with the Sixers. Played 6 matches in BBL08 but could not make many inroads in the wickets column. Recently took 5 wickets against the travelling Pakistan side but like Fallins is behind O’Keefe and Lyon in the spin department. 

Jackson Bird (RH Fast Bowler, RH Tailend Batsman)

BBL08 Record: 8 Matches – Bowling: 5 Wickets, 6.50 Econ, Batting: 4.75 Avg, 82.61 S/R

Tight fast bowler Bird is returning to the Sixers after numerous seasons with the Melbourne Stars. Always tight economically, Bird tries to get the majority of his overs out in the power play as he does not have the tricks at the death. A great recruitment for the Sixers looking to sure up their fast bowling attack. 

Steve Smith (RH Opening Batsman, RH Leg-spin Bowler)

BBL08 Record: Did not play in BBL08 (Last appearance in BBL04)

What can I say about Steve Smith? Brillant batsman who will play the last couple of games including finals for the Sixers. Probably be a ridiculous price first up so let the casuals play SMith in his 1st game in late January. 

Josh Hazelwood (RH Middle-Fast Bowler, RH Tail-end Batsman)

BBL08 Record: Did not play in BBL08 

Australia’s premier fast bowler, Hazelwood will play a couple of games for the Sixers towards the end of the tournament. Hazelwood has indicated he wants to be apart of the plans for the T20 World Cup. Like Smith will probably have a salary that requires a significant amount of your budget.

James Vince (RH Top Order Batsman)

BBL08 Record: 8 Matches – Batting: 44.83 Avg, 136.55 S/R

Vince is back for his 2nd season at the Sixers and will slot in the number 3 role with the bat. Vastly experienced in the T20 format, Vince like Philippe can destroy attacks with his high strike rate. Should be available for the tournament unless England calls his name for South Africa tour. 

Tom Curran (RH Fast-Medium Bowler, RH Lower-end Batsman)

BBL08 Record: 15 Matches – Bowling: 20 Wickets, 7.66 Econ. Batting: 30.83 Avg, 144.83 S/R

I have left the best fantasy player until last. Tom Curran was a super fantasy player in BBL08 with 20 wickets and 185 runs at a very healthy 144 strike rate. Brillant death bowler and strong late innings hitter. Curran had a sensational season with the Sixers in BBL08 and was sorely missed in the finals. Look to Curran to be your fantasy source of high scoring.