Sydney Sixers import Jackson Bird says the talent on show at yesterday’s trial match has him excited at the prospect of donning the magenta in Thursday’s season opener.
The club’s new recruit nominated one usual suspect as one to look out for in BBL|05, and noted two relative unknowns that have bright futures in the Twenty20 format.
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Nic Maddinson was among a raft of players that took their opportunity to impress in the Sixers’ only hit-out before BBL|05 gets underway. The exciting left-hander who hit more sixes last summer than any other player at the competition scored 34 runs and impressed with his clean hitting.
MATCH REPORT: Sixers claim six run victory in BBL|05 trial
A six that cleared Drummoyne Oval during Maddinson’s innings had the magenta faithful going wild, but aside from the star batsman it was a pair of young spinners who impressed our new fast bowler.
“A couple of young spinners did as well, Riley Ayre was very impressive from the opposition as well as our own spinner (Soumil) Chhibber. The boys seem to be coming along well,” said Bird.
A 19-year-old left-arm orthodox spinner, supplementary squad member Ayre was a stand-out for the Sixers Academy for a second season running. A proven wicket-taker, the youngster finished with figures of 1 for 17 from his four overs.
SWITCH HIT: Sixers name Supplementary List for BBL|05
Indian-born Chhibber is the Sixers’ Development Rookie for BBL|05, a tantalising prospect that can bowl both leg and off-spin.
The 20-year-old propelled his club side Randwick-Petersham to the Kingsgrove Sports Twenty20 Cup title late last month, and showed good variation and control in the trial to finish with figures of 0-23 from his three overs, despite a six and a four coming from his final two deliveries.
Ayre and Chhibber are names to remember, with the bright young cricketers promising to have a big influence on the Sixers franchise in years to come.
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Sixers BBL|05 Home Fixtures:
December 20, 4:20pm vs Hobart Hurricanes - BUY TICKETS
December 27, 7:10pm vs Melbourne Stars - BUY TICKETS
January 10, 7:25pm vs Brisbane Heat - BUY TICKETS
January 16, 6:10pm vs Sydney Thunder - BUY TICKETS
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