Steve Smith arrival means Sixers' hope has turned to expectation

MEN'S BIG BASH LEAGUE PREVIEW - SYDNEY SIXERS: The Australia batsman might not play a significant role but joins a talented group bidding for their first title since 2011-12

The Cricketer | 10/12/2019 at 17:09

Coach: Moises Henriques

Captain: Greg Shipperd

Overseas players: Tom Curran (England), James Vince (England)

Australia national team players: Sean Abbott, Jackson Bird, Josh Hazlewood, Moises Henriques, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith

Last season: Semi-finals

How did they do last season?

Qualified for the semi-finals with an identical record to eventual champions Melbourne Renegades, with an early run of four wins from five games laying the foundations for a decent campaign. They ran into Aaron Finch's Renegades and lost a thrilling last-four clash, failing to defend 180 for 3.

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Key players?

Steve Smith: Commitments with Australia might ensure his outings for the Sixers are sporadic, but it is impossible to ignore Smith's return. Despite what has gone before, it is impossible to ignore his majesty and impression he will leave on the squad. His 80 not out against Pakistan in Canberra was simply magic - a reminder that despite his red-ball prowess he cannot be underestimated at this level.

Sean Abbott: Only Kane Richardson took more wickets in last season's Big Bash, a performance which won Abbott a place back in the Australia fold. He is certainly an outsider for further international honours, but the 27-year-old will be keen to back-up last season's exploits.

James Vince: Was one of the stand-out batsmen from last season's competition, scoring at 44.83 in his eight innings. Performed at a similar level during the T20 Blast before a less from ideal series in New Zealand. He returned to his best in South Africa with Paarl Rocks, which bodes well for his second season with the Sixers.

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^{England batsman Vince will be eager to impress in this competition once again}

Strengths

There is plenty of batting. Vince, Josh Silk, Tom Curran, Daniel Hughes and Josh Philippe all weighed-in with major contributions last season and when you consider that Smith has been added to that group - it gives them a considerable backbone to work from.

Weaknesses

The spin department is talented if not experienced. Lloyd Pope and Daniel Fallins are highly thought of but they will have senior roles this season. The squad have to accept there cannot be too much responsibility put on the shoulders of Smith and new recruit Josh Hazlewood, despite them being around for the back-end of the competition.

England involvement

Alongside Vince is allrounder Curran, who returns for a second season in the Big Bash after a stellar opening campaign. He averaged over 30 with the bat and took 20 wickets with the ball - performances at the top level which cemented his England World Cup place. He will be hoping to repeat that for 2020.

Squad: Sean Abbott, Justin Avendano, Jackson Bird, Tom Curran, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Mickey Edwards, Daniel Fallins, Josh Hazlewood, Moises Henriques, Daniel Hughes, Nathan Lyon, Stephen O’Keefe, Josh Philippe, Lloyd Pope, Jordan Silk, Steve Smith, Henry Thornton, James Vince