Daniel Sams’ return to the Sydney Thunder squad was confirmed after a groin strain, while Marcus Stoinis reiterated he’s not planning on leaving the Melbourne Stars for the ILT20 mid-season.
TEAM NEWS
The Sydney Thunder made one change to their 15-man squad to face the Sydney Sixers in Sunday’s derby with Daniel Sams ($184k BAT/BWL) returning from a groin injury.
Rilee Rossouw ($78k BAT) drops out, headed for the SA-20. The game is also Alex Hales’ ($155k BAT) last for the Thunder. Hales said: “It’s sad to part ways, but it will be an awesome game.”
Joel Davies ($55k BAT/BWL) is in the squad and may take Rossouw’s spot at first drop, having impressed on debut in the field. Davies said: “I like to see myself as an aggressive fielder, and I think that allows me to get involved in the game a lot. I love being in the hot spots and in the action.”
The Sixers named an extended 17-man squad with Steve O’Keefe ($148k BWL) returning after being managed. Chris Jordan ($135k BWL) retains his spot for his final game before flying to the ILT20.
Thunder: Cutting, J. Davies, O. Davies, Doggett, Gilkes, Gray, Green (c), Hales, Holt, McAndrew, Pawson, Usman Qadir, Ross, Sams, Whiteman
Sixers: Abbott, Bird, Christian, Dwarshuis, J.Edwards, M.Edwards, Henriques, Hughes, Jordan, Kerr, Murphy, Izharulhaq Naveed, O’Keefe, Patterson, Philippe, Silk, Vince
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Marcus Stoinis ($104k BAT/BWL) clarified his BBL status after inking an ILT20 deal, reiterating that he won’t be leaving until the Stars’ season is over.
Stoinis said: “That’s only if we don’t make the finals. Full commitment here first. Hopefully we can string some wins together. If not, I get on the plane and go to the UAE. It’s an option for after Big Bash.”
As predicted by Honeyball, Cooper Connolly ($42k BAT/BWL) is set to debut for the Perth Scorchers against the Brisbane Heat on Saturday night, with multiple reports claiming that news.
