Big Bash 2022-23 match preview: Adelaide Strikers v Sydney Thunder

Key match-ups, analysis, form, team news, weather forecast, tickets, TV and streaming information, odds, predictions and more ahead of the latest encounter in the 2022/23 Big Bash

What's the match?

Adelaide Strikers take on Sydney Thunder in match nine of the Big Bash, the 12th edition of the tournament.

When is it taking place?

The game is scheduled to start at 5.15pm local time (8.15am GMT) on Tuesday, December 20.

Where is the match being played?

The game will be played in Adelaide at the Adelaide Oval.

Who's got the form?

Sydney Thunder had to improve from 15 all out, something which they did by scoring 174 in their next game. They are yet to see the best of T20 World Cup winner Alex Hales and a significant score from him would go a long way to win this match. Rilee Rossouw, however, left his mark on Melbourne Renegades with a brisk half-century.

With the ball, Daniel Sams is a prodigious BBL wicket-taker, picking up 3 for 33 in his last outing, while Fazalhaq Farooqi has been excellent so far.

The Strikers sit at the top of the league with two wins and are the form side - their 124-run win against Thunder certainly helped. The bowlers have been central to this, with Henry Thornton stealing the headlines. He has nine wickets in just two games and sits on top of the wicket-taking charts.

Matthew Short was impressive with the bat in the first game and Chris Lynn's move to the Strikers has been profitable so far.

^{Henry Thornton will be hoping to torment Thunder's batters once again [Mark Brake/Getty Images]}

What's the key match-up?

Sydney Thunder's top order will not be looking forward to facing the seam attack which took them apart earlier in the tournament - there is no way it could not mentally affect them. While Thornton, Wes Agar and co. are threats, the result from their previous meeting could benefit Rashid Khan. He was not required last time out but if the batters are tentative against the seamers, they may try and take on the Afghan spinner.

Daniel Sams almost restricted the Renegades in their last game. He was fired up and celebrated his three wickets strongly, and could be the player to challenge the Strikers with the ball.

What's the weather forecast?

There are some showers forecast for Adelaide but hope they will clear for the game to take place.

What is the team news?

Thunder captain Jason Sangha broke his collarbone against Melbourne Renegades and his recovery timeline is yet to be established. Chris Green will serve as captain in his absence.

Adelaide Strikers are unlikely to make any changes to their winning formula.

What are the squads?

Adelaide Strikers: Wes Agar, Cameron Boyce, Alex Carey, Harry Conway, Colin de Grandhomme, Ryan Gibson, Travis Head, Adam Hose, Henry Hunt, Thomas Kelly, Rashid Khan, Chris Lynn, Harry Nielsen, Matt Short, Jake Weatherald, Henry Thorton, Peter Siddle, Ben Manenti, Jordan Buckingham (local replacement player)

Sydney Thunder: Oliver Davies, Brendan Doggett, Matthew Gilkes, Chris Green, Alex Hales, Baxter Holt, Nathan McAndrew, Alex Ross, Rilee Rossouw, Daniel Sams, Jason Sangha (c), Tanveer Sangha, David Warner, David Willey (withdrawn), Fazalhaq Farooqi (replacing David Willey, first nine matches only), Ben Cutting, Usman Qadir, Gurinder Sandhu, Sam Whiteman

*Squads are for the whole BBL and not specific to this match

What are the possible starting XIs?

Adelaide Strikers: Matthew Short, Jake Weatherald, Chris Lynn, Adam Hose, Colin de Grandhomme, Thomas Kelly, Harry Nielsen, Rashid Khan, Wes Agar, Henry Thorton, Peter Siddle

Sydney Thunder: Alex Hales, Matthew Gilkes, Rilee Rossouw, Sam Whiteman, Alex Ross, Oliver Davies, Daniel Sams, Chris Green, Gurinder Sandhu, Brendan Doggett, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Rilee Rossouw scored a half-century against Melbourne Renegades [Darrian Traynor/Getty Images]

What are the odds?

Adelaide Strikers at 8/11 to win while Sydney Thunder are 11/10.

What's the prediction?

Adelaide Strikers should win this game. T20 cricket is all about playing without fear and although Sydney Thunder improved in the last game, they will be tentative against the same bowling attack that ripped them apart for 15 all out.

Are tickets available?

Yes. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased on Ticketek.

Where can I watch the game?

Sky Sports hold the UK rights for the BBL, with coverage split between Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Mix.

Ball-by-ball radio commentary will also be available via BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra and BBC Sounds for selected matches.

Fox Sports and Seven Network both have television rights in Australia while coverage will also be available via streaming service Kayo. Fox will show every game while 45 matches, including the knockout stages, will be shown free-to-air on Channel Seven.