Big Bash 2022/23 match preview: Hobart Hurricanes v Sydney Sixers

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?

Hobart Hurricanes host Sydney Sixers in match 53 of the 2022/23 Big Bash, the 12th edition of the tournament.

When is it taking place?

The game is scheduled to start at 7.15pm local time (8.15am GMT) on Monday, January 23.

Where is the match being played?

The game will be played at Bellerive Oval in Hobart.

Who's got the form?

Sydney Sixers are second in the table and assured of two shots at reaching the Big Bash finals. Moises Henriques' side are unbeaten in five matches and have won nine of their past 11.

The return of Steve Smith has boosted their batting, with the Australia international becoming just the second player in Big Bash history to score back-to-back centuries. Jordan Silk has also stepped up with the bat, regularly bailing his side out from the middle order, while with the ball, Sean Abbott has picked up 23 wickets in 12 matches.

Hobart Hurricanes, by contrast, are still in playoff limbo. They sit seventh in the table with five wins from 12 matches but could still finish as high as third if they win their remaining two matches (and other results go their way).

Riley Meredith has been their standout performer with the ball, taking 19 wickets, while Tim David has dominated with the bat, scoring 326 runs.

Steve Smith has scored a century in his past two matches [Brendon Thorne/Getty Images]

What's the key match-up?

The match-up for this contest will be between Sydney Sixers' bowling line-up and Hobart Hurricanes' middle order.

The Sixers have a formidable attack, including Abbott (who is in something of a two-horse race with Andrew Tye for the golden arm award) and Steve O'Keefe, who registered miserly figures of 4 for 10 in his previous outing. These two ran through Thunder's batting line-up, bundling them out for 62.

The Hurricanes, however, have the cream of the batting crop, with Matthew Wade, David, Faheem Ashraf and others. David's 326 runs have come at a rate of 162.18 but he hasn't always received support from his teammates.

What's the weather forecast?

The weather during the game is slightly worrying as there is a 40 per cent chance of rain in the evening at Hobart.

What is the team news?

Chris Tremain has been added to the Hurricanes squad that played in Perth and Brisbane. If selected, he would make his debut for the club.

Sydney Sixers are unlikely to tamper with a winning formula, although such is their depth, they could bring Nathan Lyon in if they desire.

What are the squads?

Hobart Hurricanes: Asif Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Caleb Jewell, Shadab Khan, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Mitch Owen, Joel Paris, Wil Parker, D'Arcy Short, Matthew Wade, Billy Stanlake, Paddy Dooley, Chris Tremain, Mac Wright, Zak Crawley (overseas replacement for Shadab Khan), Jimmy Neesham. (overseas replacement)

Sydney Sixers: Sean Abbott, Jackson Bird, Dan Christian, Ben Dwarshuis, Moises Henriques, Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr, Nathan Lyon, Izharulhaq Naveed, Chris Jordan, Steve O'Keefe, Kurtis Patterson, Josh Philippe, Jordan Silk, James Vince, Todd Murphy, Mickey Edwards, Jack Edwards, Steve Smith, Josh Kann (local replacement player), Naveen-ul-Haq. (partial replacement for Chris Jordan)

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

Tim David and Riley Meredith have been Hobart Hurricanes' best players [Paul Kane/Getty Images]

What are the possible starting XIs?

Hobart Hurricanes: Caleb Jewell, Ben McDermott, Zak Crawley, Matthew Wade, Tim David, D'Arcy Short, Mitchell Owen, Faheem Ashraf, Joel Paris, Nathan Ellis, Riley Meredith

Sydney Sixers: Josh Philippe, Steven Smith, Kurtis Patterson, Mosies Henriques, Jordan Silk, Hayden Kerr, Daniel Christian, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, Steve OKeefe, Todd Murphy

What are the odds?

Sydney Sixers are favourites with the bookmakers, with a best price available of 8/13. Hobart Hurricanes are considered the outsiders, with some outlets offering 27/20.

What's the prediction?

On current form, Sydney Sixers are the clear favourites to win this contest.

Are tickets available?

The tickets are available from $23 for adults, $5 for kids, and $50 for families with 2 kids and adults 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 the streaming service Kayo. Fox will show every game, while 45 matches, including the knockout stages, will be shown free-to-air on Channel Seven.