After losing the Sydney derby to the Sydney Thunder, Sixers return to their home turf at the Sydney Cricket Ground hoping to out-spin Glenn Maxwell's Melbourne Stars, who haven't won either of their first two matches of the season. The Sixers fielded a bizarre combination in the first two matches, opting to push Daniel Hughes to the middle-order after a successful stint at the top. Their top order appears weak but the Sydney surface should suit Hughes and their middle-order.
The Stars will hope to register their first win of the season at Sydney. They were unlucky to lose to Sydney Thunder in a rain-marred game but then were hammered by Hobart Hurricanes and are now left to play catch-up. Sydney should perhaps suit the Stars who have a good array of spinners up their sleeve.
Conditions: A belter of a pitch with something in it for the spinners.
Player Recommendations:
Wicket-keeper: Ben Dunk (8.5 points)
After a horrendous season in 2017/18 where he made just 115 runs in 10 matches, Dunk will look to impress the national selectors with his work behind and in front of the stumps. A fabulous striker of the ball, Dunk's forehand smashes should find favour at Sydney and the Stars would hope he gets into top gear early in the season.
Batsman: Glenn Maxwell (9.5 points)
Maxwell's back to back sixes over cover - one a switch hit - earned enough traction on social media prior to Christmas and the spinner friendly Sydney surface
After losing the Sydney derby to the Sydney Thunder, Sixers return to their home turf at the Sydney Cricket Ground hoping to out-spin Glenn Maxwell's Melbourne Stars, who haven't won either of their first two matches of the season. The Sixers fielded a bizarre combination in the first two matches, opting to push Daniel Hughes to the middle-order after a successful stint at the top. Their top order appears weak but the Sydney surface should suit Hughes and their middle-order.
The Stars will hope to register their first win of the season at Sydney. They were unlucky to lose to Sydney Thunder in a rain-marred game but then were hammered by Hobart Hurricanes and are now left to play catch-up. Sydney should perhaps suit the Stars who have a good array of spinners up their sleeve.
Conditions: A belter of a pitch with something in it for the spinners.
Player Recommendations:
Wicket-keeper: Ben Dunk (8.5 points)
After a horrendous season in 2017/18 where he made just 115 runs in 10 matches, Dunk will look to impress the national selectors with his work behind and in front of the stumps. A fabulous striker of the ball, Dunk's forehand smashes should find favour at Sydney and the Stars would hope he gets into top gear early in the season.
Batsman: Glenn Maxwell (9.5 points)
Maxwell's back to back sixes over cover - one a switch hit - earned enough traction on social media prior to Christmas and the spinner friendly Sydney surface should suit his style of play. Larkin batted ahead of him in the last game, but Maxwell will ponder moving up to no.3 for this game. He could be a handy pick in your team given that he can give you a few overs with the ball as well.
All-rounder: Joe Denly (9.5 points)
Denly has been in great nick in the domestic limited-overs competitions back home. Opening the innings, Denly should make your fantasy side for his batting alone. Given that he can bowl his handy leg-spinners at SCG, Denly becomes a must have in your side. Expect him to enjoy playing at the venue after a lousy start to the season.
Bowler: Sandeep Lamichhane (9 points)
Sandeep Lamichhane has the natural gift of mystery and his T20 backpacking career has taken off courtesy this. His wily leg-breaks, googlies and variations should be a handful at SCG and the Sixers will have to be wary of the Nepal spinner. Lamichhane is still a largely unknown commodity and could be the go-to bowler for Maxwell on Thursday.
Captain: Joe Denly
Vice-captain: Glenn Maxwell
