2020-21 Big Bash League – Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Sixers Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Sixers taking place? Thursday 10th December, 2020 – 08:15 (UK)
Where is Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Sixers taking place? Blundstone Arena, Hobart
Where can I get tickets for Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Sixers? Ticket information for BBL10 can be found on this link
What channel is Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Sixers on in the UK? BT Sport
Where can I stream Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Sixers in the UK? BT Sport subscribers will be able to stream the match live via the BT Sport website & app
THE LOWDOWN
HOBART HURRICANES
- Hobart Hurricanes are one of just two teams yet to claim the Big Bash League title and while they are not completely ruled out, it will take a big effort to claim their maiden success in the tenth edition of the competition.
- Three consecutive top four finishes have failed to yield success and they will now be without England star Jofra Archer as well as Qais Ahmad which has severely hit Adam Griffith’s bowling options, while new recruit Sandeep Lamichhane will be absent for now after testing positive for COVID-19.
- If the Hurricanes are to be successful in BBL|10, it is clear that it will be down to their batsmen with big hitters Matthew Wade and D’Arcy Short joined by the world’s number one ranked T20 batsman Dawid Malan but his participation will be hindered by international duty.
- Malan and Wade will both be missing until later into the tournament but the Hurricanes have some real depth with the bat after adding the likes of Will Jacks, Peter Handscomb and Colin Ingram to their roster and all three are in contention to debut here.
SYDNEY SIXERS
- After winning the inaugural Big Bash League in 2011/12, Sydney Sixers collected their second title last time around as they proved to be too good for Melbourne Stars in the final and they will believe that they can defend their crown in BBL|10.
- The Sixers have added West Indian all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite to their ranks in what is an eye-catching addition while his international teammate Jason Holder will also link-up with the squad after Christmas.
- To counter that, they will be without Australian international pair Steve Smith and Josh Hazlewood who are opting to sit out due to a heavy workload and in a further blow on the eve of the tournament, England paceman Tom Curran has also withdrawn from the squad.
- A lot of pressure will fall on the shoulders of Josh Philippe following his breakout campaign in BBL|09 and that is especially the case in this opening contest with key bowling trio Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc and Sean Abbott all unavailable which further weakens their bowling attack.
THE PREDICTION
Sydney Sixers’ preparations for the defence of their Big Bash League title have suffered a huge blow with Tom Curran pulling out of the squad on the eve of their first game with Hobart Hurricanes. He has chipped in with 42 wickets in the last two seasons for the Sixers and he finished in the top-five leading wicket-takers in both editions with last year’s effort seeing him selected in the team of the tournament. Replacing Curran will be at the top of the Sixers’ agenda but they look a little light for this first game and the Hurricanes will hope to capitalise. The Sixers still have plenty of talent in their ranks but with some key players missing from last year, coupled with the Hurricanes’ dangerous batting line-up, it is the Hobart side that can come out on top in this opening match.
