Aussie Test stars Steve Smith and Nathan Lyon will be available for selection by the Sixers for the first two matches of BBL|05, pending fitness, following a decision by Cricket Australia (CA) today.
Smith and Lyon, will be released from National duties for BBL matches between December 17 and December 20 with the decision made by Cricket Australia to allow all Test squad members back to their BBL clubs in the 12-day gap between the second and third Test.
Smith missed the entire BBL|04 season with International duties in both the Test and ODI arena, with his return for our opening two matches of the summer set to be a major coup.
In the first three seasons of the BBL he featured in 20 games and averaged 31 with the bat, whilst also capturing six wickets with the ball with his leg-spin. He was also the Captain of the side in BBL|01 that went on to claim the first ever Big Bash crown.
In his most recent T20 match, Captaining Australia in a one-off game against England, he belted 90 off only 53 balls, whilst he has also Captained and featured regularly for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.
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Nathan Lyon featured in four matches for the Sixers last season and was incredibly effective; taking eight wickets at an average of just 13.37 – the best mark in the Sixers squad for BBL|04.
His availability could see the Sixers feature a three-pronged spin attack with marquee recruit Johan Botha and Stephen O’Keefe also expected to be selected in the squad.
Sixers General Manager Dominic Remond welcomed the news, saying it was a major coup for the competition.
“We welcome the news that Steve and Nathan will be available for our opening two games of BBL|05,” he said.
“With our opening two matches both being in Sydney, it presents a fantastic opportunity for our Members and Fans to see Australia’s best batter and tweaker in the Magenta hopefully getting our campaign off to a strong start.”
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Unfortunately for the Sixers, fast bowlers were not released from Test duties, meaning pace pair Josh Hazlewood and World Number 1 ranked ODI bowler Mitchell Starc are not likely to be made available for selection.
The Sixers open their BBL|05 campaign on December 17 with the Sydney Smash against the Thunder at Spotless Stadium, before hosting the Hobart Hurricanes at our first home game on December 20. With tickets selling fast for both fixtures, fans are encouraged to pre-purchase or buy a Membership to avoid missing out on the action.
Sixers squad for BBL|05 (two players to be named):
Moises Henriques (c), Sean Abbott, Doug Bollinger, Jackson Bird, Johan Botha, Ryan Carters, Ben Dwarshuis, Mickey Edwards, Brad Haddin, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Nic Maddinson, Stephen O’Keefe, Jordan Silk, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc
Click here to view our Membership packages for BBL|05.
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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