The Sydney Sixers and Adelaide Strikers’ squads were confirmed for Friday’s game with a shock suspension ruling out Tom Curran, while Sean Abbott returns and Jason Gillespie discussed Jamie Overton’s role.
SQUAD NEWS
The Sydney Sixers named a 17-man squad for Friday’s game with the Adelaide Strikers at the SCG, with Sean Abbott and Hayden Kerr both named. Ryan Hadley and Izharulhaq Naveed are also added.
The Sixers said: “Abbott makes his return to the extended squad after missing the previous match due to personal reasons.” Kerr is back after a side injury.
However, the big shock was Tom Curran ($186k BAT/BWL) being suspended by the BBL for four games for a Level 3 offence under the CA Code of Conduct, relating to intimidation of an umpire pre-game against the Hurricanes.
The Sixers have confirmed they’ll appeal that decision but Honeyball understands that won’t be held prior to Friday’s game. Under BBL rules, the decision remains in effect while under appeal unless Appeals Commissioner determines otherwise. At this stage, the appeal won’t be held before Friday’s game so the ban stands.
Head of Sydney Sixers Rachael Haynes said: “Tom and the club maintain that Tom did not knowingly or intentionally intimidate a match official, and on legal advice, we will exercise our right to appeal the decision. We will support Tom during this period and look forward to him returning to the field.”
Sixers squad: Abbott, Bird, Davies, Dwarshuis, Edwards, Hadley, Henriques, Hughes, Kerr, Murphy, Naveed, O’Keefe, Patterson, Perry, Philippe, Silk, Vince
The Strikers named a 13-man squad to face the Sixers, with Henry Thornton and Josh Kann dropping out.
Strikers squad: M.Short (c), Agar, Bazley, Boyce, Doggett, Hose, Lynn, Manenti, Nielsen, Overton, Payne, D.Short, Weatherald
Strikers coach Jason Gillespie offered praise to all-rounder Jamie Overton. He said: “We actually picked him predominantly as a late innings hitter. He showed his all-round versatility in the field but also his bowling. He very rarely bowls his full quota in T20 cricket but bowled 4 overs and took 2-29 and was probably our pick of the bowlers.”
View our predicted Round 2 line-ups
