The Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder squads for Friday night’s Sydney Smash have been named with the Sixers particularly relevant on a Round 9 double.
SQUAD NEWS
The Sydney Sixers named their 14-player squad to face the Sydney Thunder at the SCG on Friday night, although keep an eye on the radar and forecast with rain predicted.
The Sixers have added Australia Test left-arm quick Mitchell Starc along with top-order bat Daniel Hughes who returns from illness. Spinner Todd Murphy and middle-order batsman Jordan Silk have both been omitted.
Speaking about his ongoing availability, with the Sixers having a Round 9 double, Starc said: “I’ve got 2 months to rest after the Big Bash. There’s still enough in the tank to get through T20 cricket for another couple of weeks and then I can put my feet up.”
Steve Smith also spoke to media and praised Joel Davies. He said: “I think his bowling in particular has come on a lot this year. Moises (Henriques) looks like he can trust him a lot in different scenarios and he’s scored some valuable runs at the back end. He fields well too, so he’s the full package.”
Sydney Sixers
Ins: Starc, Hughes / Outs: Murphy, Silk
Squad: Henriques (c), Abbott, Babar Azam, Curran, Davies, Dwarshuis, Edwards, Hughes, Kerr, Manenti, Philippe, Shaw, Smith, Starc
The Thunder announced their 14-man squad to face the Sixers, with David Warner named but needing to prove his fitness still due to an ongoing knee issue.
The Thunder said: “Captain David Warner has once again been named in the squad despite not playing on Monday night. Warner, still nursing a knee injury, is working with Thunder’s medical staff to ensure he’s ready for the final game of the season.”
With their season done, the Thunder have added a bunch of youngsters with all-rounder Aidan O’Connor, top-order batsman Blake Nikitaras and middle-order bat Ollie Davies included.
English all-rounder David Willey’s stint is over while Shadab Khan in discussion with the Thunder has opted not to return following Pakistan duty with finals out of reach.
Thunder GM Trent Copeland said: “It’s unfortunate Shadab isn’t returning. However, with no chance of finals and only one game remaining, common sense suggests restricting travel from the subcontinent to Sydney with the T20 World Cup in a week’s time. We’ve really valued his contribution and hope to see him back in Thunder colours in the future.”
Charlie Anderson misses out, while Cameron Bancroft is out with a thumb injury. The Thunder said: “Cameron Bancroft has been ruled out after fracturing his thumb at training today.”
Sydney Thunder
Ins: O’Connor, Nikitaras, Davies / Outs: Willey (availability), Anderson, Bancroft (inj)
Squad: Warner (c), Agar, Andrews, Billings, Davies, Gilkes, Green, Hadley, Konstas, Maddinson, Nikitaras, O’Connor, Sams, Sangha
UPDATES
Perth Scorchers assistant coach Tim MacDonald provided an update on Joel Paris’ groin injury. He told 91.3 Sport FM: “I spoke to Joel yesterday. He’s back running today and tomorrow. It was a slight tweak in the groin. They’re usually 2-3 week injuries.
“There’s a plan in place for him to get back. It’s probably touch and go as to whether that’s for the end of the tournament or not. What happens over the next 4-5 days will determine whether we see him again in the big bash.”
Hobart Hurricanes quick Riley Meredith spoke about Chris Jordan’s ankle injury from Wednesday’s game. He said: “Last I heard I think it was an old ankle impingement flare-up. I think he’ll probably get jabbed and he should be sweet for the next game.”
The Melbourne Stars confirmed Marcus Stoinis has been cleared of any injury to his thumb after retiring hurt and he’ll suit up on Saturday against the Scorchers.
The Melbourne Renegades provided an update on batter Harry Dixon mid-game after he took a knock while batting on Thursday night.
The Gades update said: “Dixon was struck while batting and was taken from the ground. He is alert and feeling okay after being assessed by medical staff at Marvel Stadium. He has been taken to hospital as a precaution and for further assessment.”
