Sixers Eye Title Defence As Big Bash League Launches
Muhammad Irfan Published December 04, 2021 | 08:50 AM
Sydney, Dec 4 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Dec, 2021 ) :Australia's high-octane Big Bash League explodes into life for its 11th season on Sunday, looking to bounce back from a pandemic-hit tournament last year.
The Sydney Sixers are defending their T20 title after England's James Vince blasted 95 to help them down the Perth Scorchers in the finale 11 months ago.
Both teams are three-time champions -- the only clubs in the eight-franchise event to claim multiple crowns.
The Sixers pulled off a coup last week by signing England quick Chris Jordan -- a standout at the recent Twenty20 World Cup -- as a replacement for injured West Indian Carlos Brathwaite.
He will link up with fellow England internationals Vince and Tom Curran in a team skippered by Australian Moises Henriques.
"His death bowling and change-ups, as well as being one of the world's best fielders, will be a huge asset for the Sixers early in the BBL," Michael Klinger, head of male cricket at Cricket NSW, said about Jordan.
They open the season against the Glenn Maxwell-led Melbourne Stars, who are still searching for a maiden title. Matthew Wade's Hobart Hurricanes are the only other team not to have tasted success.
But the stars are being tipped to break the drought this year with Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa also on the team, fresh from helping Australia win the T20 World Cup last month.
"We are trying to replicate the culture from the T20 World Cup. Everyone had good vibes and that's what we are trying to bring here," said Maxwell.
The clash will be the first of 56 games over 46 days taking in 14 venues, culminating with a finals series from January 21 ahead of the decider seven days later.
Organisers are aiming for a mostly full home and away schedule after coronavirus played havoc last season, but flexibility will again be the name of the game.
The Scorchers -- whose women's team won the WBBL title last weekend -- begin their campaign against Brisbane Heat in Perth on December 8, with all-rounder Mitchell Marsh their dangerman.
But how many games they play at home is clouded by Western Australia's hardline quarantine stance, which has cast doubt on whether January's fifth Ashes Test in Perth will go ahead.
"There's a lot of uncertainty around our fixtures, the schedule and everything that comes with the world that we currently live in," admitted captain Ashton Turner, whose team suffered a blow with Durham seamer Brydon Carse ruled out with a knee injury.
England quick Tymal Mills will take his place.
It shapes as another fast-paced and glitzy tournament with the BBL leading the way with LED stumps, bails flashing on impact and players wearing microphones.
There will be a new take on the timed-out rule this season with the incoming batsman needing to be ready to face the next ball within 75 seconds after a wicket falls.
If they are not, they have to stand aside for their first delivery and if the ball hits the stumps, they're out.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
BISP embraces E-procurement: launches inaugural tender
Modi govt broken all records of oppression to win elections: President AJK
PM for further strengthening economic, trade ties with Turkiye
Administrative machinery actively checking price, weight of roti/naan: minister
Advisor asks tourists to avoid visiting Kaghan during current rains
Business community indebted to Ahsan Zafar for his unprecedented services: Yousu ..
Three Filipinos dead in UAE floods: officials
DC Larkana chairs meeting to review strategy for anti-Polio drive
Registration process under BISP continues in Sargodha
QAU announces scholarships for KP students
Prisoner commits suicide in Timergara Jail
RCB takes action against selling expired food items
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
10 hours ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
4 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
5 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
5 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
8 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
10 days ago
-
DC, DPO Haripur inspect bus terminals to review fares compliance
12 days ago -
Second phase of refugees’ repatriation to start after Eidul Fitr vacations
12 days ago -
Reaping bounties as Ramazan culminates
12 days ago -
Digital transformation – a boon or bane
12 days ago -
Plants’ business: Another casualty of climate change
14 days ago -
Eid shoppers prioritize children’s joy over personal comforts
14 days ago