The fifth season of the Big Bash League kicks off on Thursday and what better way to start the tournament than with the first ‘Sydney Smash’ of the campaign as last year’s beaten finalists the Sydney Sixers head across the city to take on the Sydney Thunder in the opening game.
The Thunder have had rotten starts for the last couple of seasons but there is a real sense of optimism around their camp ahead of this season and given the talent they have brought into the franchise it isn’t hard to see why.
Shane Watson and Andre Russell have been purchased ahead of the new season and they join Jacques Kallis to provide top quality all round options in this format of the game. Not only can all three win matches on their own but they will allow the Thunder to have a perfect balance of batting or bowling depending on the wickets they play on.
The Sixers were one match away from regaining the title last year but the Scorchers were too hot for them. That said the Magenta Men will be out to go one better in this campaign but I’m mixed about their chances I have to say.
Brett Lee was a real big part of their attack last season and he has now retired. To be fair the signings of Jackson Bird and Johan Botha are top notch assuming they can keep Bird fit. The Sixers will see nothing of Steve Smith or Mitchell Starc this season which isn’t ideal but Brad Haddin’s availability is a bonus.
The Thunder’s starting line up hasn’t been named yet but all three star all-rounders are in the squad which is a big thing. Aiden Blizzard, Michael Hussey and Clint McKay are solid home players to fit in around them but there will be no Usman Khawaja as he has been sat down by Cricket Australia to protect his injury.
The Sixers were hoping to have Steve Smith available but that hasn’t come to fruition. They will be without Steve O’Keefe too as he is rested ahead of the next game but Nathan Lyon has been released to play in this match which is something of a boost. Captain Moises Henriques serves a suspension carried over from last season so Nic Maddinson skippers the side for the first time.
The Sixers have a good record in this derby historically but that could be about to change here. For the first time in a while the optimism around the Thunder is genuine and well deserved. They have moved to a new home at Spotless Stadium for this season and are expecting a huge crowd for the fixture.
They won’t want them to go away without being entertained so I’m expecting a really positive brand of cricket from the home side here. I would think the Thunder will put up a decent total with their batting line up and I’m not convinced the Sixers have the batting to cope with that especially without Henriques who is so underrated in the middle order.
The Thunder might just have their city rivals at the right time here and at a solid odds against price they’re my pick for the season opener.
Back Sydney Thunder to beat Sydney Sixers for a 4/10 stake at 2.25 with Ladbrokes
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