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 Weber BBL
Sydney Sixers take on Melbourne Stars in match six of the WBBL, the eighth edition of the tournament.
The game is scheduled to start at 12.40pm local time (3.40am BST) on Saturday, October 15.
The Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay is set to stage this match.
Sydney Sixers have enjoyed a perfect start, winning two games from two and benefiting from big performances from their star players. Ellyse Perry has consecutive half centuries, Sophie Ecclestone picked up four wickets and a crucial runout in the win over Adelaide Strikers, Suzie Bates smashed 82 in the same game and Erin Burns hit a fine fifty in their opening victory against Brisbane Heat.
All in all, it has been the perfect start for new head coach Charlotte Edwards and her assistant Anya Shrubsole, flown over in recognition of their success in the English domestic structure.
Melbourne Stars, on the other hand, have a young side and are missing Meg Lanning, whose indefinite break from the game is continuing through the WBBL, with Nicole Faltum captaining in her absence.
Ellyse Perry has struck successive fifties (Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
Melbourne Stars need to do what neither Brisbane Heat nor Adelaide Strikers have managed so far and dismiss Perry, batting at No.3, early so that Sixers' middle order can be properly put to the test.
So far, they have had the insurance policy of the great allrounder to fall back on, cleaning up around her after Alyssa Healy has fallen cheaply in both games so far.
But Stars' bowling attack lacks any firepower, with Annabel Sutherland the solitary international seamer available to Jonathan Batty's side. He has gambled on three batting overseas players in Lauren Winfield-Hill, Alice Capsey and Jemimah Rodrigues, with Bess Heath filling in for the Indian star until her arrival from the Asia Cup.
Winfield-Hill has started beautifully though, and her wicket will be as important for Sixers as Perry's is for Stars.
The afternoon is set to be sunny with temperatures up to 27 degrees celsius.
Jemimah Rodrigues is unavailble for Melbourne Stars due to international commitments. Bess Heath comes in as an international replacement. Meg Lanning is taking an extended leave from the game and Una Raymond-Hoey comes in as a local replacement.
Sydney Sixers are likely to remain unchanged, given their fine start to the tournament.
Lauren Winfield-Hill was in fine form on her Melbourne Stars debut (Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
Sydney Sixers: Ellyse Perry (c), Jade Allen, Suzie Bates, Nicole Bolton, Maitlan Brown, Erin Burns, Stella Campbell, Lauren Cheatle, Sophie Ecclestone, Ash Gardner, Ange Genford, Alyssa Healy, Kate Peterson
Melbourne Stars: Nicole Faltum (c), Capsey, Sophie Day, Tess Flintoff, Kim Garth, Bess Heath, Olivia Henry, Rhys McKenna, Sasha Moloney, Una Raymond-Hoey, Sophie Reid, Annabel Sutherland, Lauren Winfield-Hill
Sydney Sixers: Alyssa Healy, Suzie Bates, Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Erin Burns, Nicole Bolton, Sophie Ecclestone, Maitin Brown, Ange Genford, Lauren Cheatle, Kate Peterson
Melbourne Stars: Bess Heath, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Nicole Faltum, Annabel Sutherland, Alice Capsey, Kim Garth, Tess Flintoff, Sophie Reid, Rhys McKenna, Sophie Day
Odds not yet available for this game.
Sydney Sixers should win comfortably here; Melbourne Stars don't look to have the resources in their bowling attack to compete with the Healy-Bates-Perry-Gardner axis.
Yes. Tickets are priced at $5 for general admission and can be purchased on Ticketek.
Sky Sports holds the UK rights for the WBBL. This game will be shown on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event from 9am (BST).
In Australia, fans will be able to watch all 59 matches in the WBBL live and free on either the Seven Network or cricket.com.au
A total of 24 games will be televised on free-to-air on Seven and simulcast on Foxtel and Kayo, while the remaining 35 games will be shown on Foxtel and Kayo Sports and also live streamed for free on cricket.com.au.
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