After collecting the wooden spoon last season, there's bargains aplenty among this Sixers squad
BBL Fantasy Preview: Sydney Sixers
Squad: Moises Henriques (c), Sean Abbott, Sam Billings (OS), Doug Bollinger, Jackson Bird, Johan Botha, Ryan Carters, Ben Dwarshuis, Brad Haddin, Josh Hazlewood, Daniel Hughes, Nathan Lyon, Nic Maddinson, Joe Mennie, Stephen O’Keefe, Jason Roy (OS), Jordan Silk, Mitchell Starc
Ins: Daniel Hughes, Joe Mennie (Hurricanes), Sam Billings (OS), Jason Roy (OS)
Outs: Ed Cowan, Steve Smith (Ambassador), Michael Edwards, Michael Lumb
Master Blaster: Nic Maddinson ($44,400)
Incredibly talented, incredibly affordable, Nic Maddinson is perhaps the biggest hitter and best T20 batsman in the Sixers squad. The left-hander is the Sixers all-time leading run-scorer and is capable of a match-winning performance on any given day. A perfect example of this is the 85 from 48 balls he plundered against the Adelaide Strikers that propelled his side into the BBL final two seasons ago. While he didn’t have the greatest tournament in BBL|05 (141 runs at 20), there’s no questioning his explosive ability in cricket’s shortest format. One thing to consider is his availability having cracked the Test team, but at only $44,400 you can’t afford not to buy him!
Strike Weapon: Sean Abbott ($61,400)
Right-arm seamer Sean Abbott was the Sixers' best bowler in BBL|05, taking 11 wickets in eight matches including a remarkable 3-8 against the Brisbane Heat at the SCG. The 24-year-old is on his way back from an ankle injury that has sidelined him since August, but is aiming to be back for the in magenta this summer. Bowling with good pace and boasting a deceptive change of speed, Abbott is a great get at $61,400. Pace partners Jackson Bird ($41,100) and Doug Bollinger ($52,100) are solid options if your side is after new-ball quicks.
Young Gun: Ben Dwarshuis ($50,000)
Ben Dwarshuis played four matches for the Sixers last season and collected five wickets at 22.60. The 22-year-old left-armer made his List A debut for NSW in the Matador BBQs One-Day Cup this summer before succumbing to a back injury. His involvement for the Sixers is still unclear, but if the youngster can get on the park he’ll trouble plenty of batsmen this summer.
Overseas impact: Jason Roy ($75,000)
Dashing right-hander Jason Roy will be available for the first couple of rounds for the Sixers before he and England teammate Sam Billings head to India on international duties. But before he jets off, Roy is worth every cent of his $75,000 BBL Fantasy starting price. With a preference at the top of the order, Roy has all the shots in the textbook, and a few additional ones to boot, and will enjoy the faster, bouncier Australian pitches. In June this year he belted 162 from 118 deliveries against Sri Lanka in a one-day international at The Oval, while he saved his best T20 international performance for the World T20 semi-final against New Zealand in March, clocking 78 from 44 balls. If he can repeat those feats in magenta you’ll hear all the seniors in the back yelling “We like Roy!”.
Surprise packet: Brad Haddin ($60,600)
The wily veteran scored a run-a-ball 114 for ACT in the Toyota Futures League in October, and having been in international retirement for more than a year now, perhaps we’ll see a free-swinging season from Brad Haddin. At his best, Haddin is one of the cleanest strikers of a ball in Australia, capable of taking down fast bowlers and mowing spinners with a purity that’s often lost in T20 cricket. At 38, it will be interesting to see how Haddin performs standing up to the stumps, but as one of the most competitive players of his generation, we’d expect nothing short of 100 per cent from the former Australia gloveman.
Fantasy Bargain: Daniel Hughes ($30,000)
Daniel Hughes has been in terrific form this summer, and at only $30,000, sign him up immediately. He’s made seven starts in as many innings for the Blues in Sheffield Shield cricket in 2016-17 without posting triple figures, but his 50-over output has been top-notch. The left-hander scored 122 against Victoria in the Matador Cup and backed it up with 96 against Western Australia three days later. Unsigned last year after two seasons with the Thunder, Hughes would be an excellent addition to any Fantasy roster.