The BBL10 squads are yet to be finalised, as there are plenty of uncertainties around the competition fixtures. International movements owing to the COVID-19 pandemic have inflicted an huge impact on team’s players list. Team lists generally consist of 19 players with up to four internationals. Three of which can be with the team at any one point in time. It is an upgrade from the previous season, where only 2 overseas-based players were allowed in an XI.

Also Read | AUS vs IND 3rd T20 Dream11 Predictions, Previews, Squad And Predicted XI

The catch here is even though many sides have signed England internationals anyone from the English squad who are currently playing in South Africa will be unavailable for Big Bash selection until after Christmas. While players in the Australian Test squad will only be available for the last three games of the regular season. Those just selected for Australia A squad will miss one or two BBL matches at the start of the competition. This brings us to the defending champions of BBL- the Sydney Sixers!

Squad Details:

Moises Henriques (c), Justin Avendano, Carlos Brathwaite (West Indies), Dan Christian, Tom Curran (England), Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Jason Holder (West Indies), Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr, Nathan Lyon, Ben Manenti, Lawrence Neil-Smith (replacement player for Jackson Bird), Steve O’Keefe, Josh Philippe, Lloyd Pope, Tom Rogers (replacement player for Sean Abbott), Jordan Silk, Mitchell Starc, James Vince (England)

Also Read | Lifestyle Battle Of India’s Spin Legends: Anil Kumble vs Harbhajan Singh

Coach: Greg Shipperd

Strength:

The presence of key all-rounders in their setup has only bolstered their team. The addition of players like Carlos Brathwaite, Dan Christian has strengthened their middle order and lower-middle order. A player of Mitchell Starc’s stature can seemingly provide more muscle to the bowling department. Jason Holder is also expected to provide the much-needed balance to the side. Veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon brings in the much-required experience to the side. 

Weakness:

The news about Tom Curran pulling out of the tournament comes as a severe bolt to the Sydney Sixers. While players like James Vince, Jordan Silk are yet to prove their T20 credentials. This may prove to be their undoing in the long run of the tournament.

Also Read | Top 10 Indian Cricketers And Their Bollywood Ex-Girlfriends

Opportunities:

The BBL 2020-21 provides a platform to players like Josh Philippe, Jackson Bird, Moises Henriques and, Daniel Hughes to establish their case for national selection. Key performances here could also land them a coveted IPL contract.

Threat:

The complacency factor of being the defending champions might hurt the Sydney Sixers. Their balance might be disturbed owing to the last minute pull-out of Tom Curran. How the team overcomes these external issues will define how they end up in the tournament.

Also Read | Australia vs India: Ab de Villiers Appreciates Kohli’s Scoop-shot

X-Factor player to watch out for:

Josh Philippe: He has been touted as the next big thing in Australian cricket. He has been talked about highly even by the great AB De Villiers. He will be looking at this BBL edition to further cement his credentials as the next batting superstar.

Our prediction:

We expect the Sydney Sixers to make the playoffs and if all factors fall in place they might go all the way this year to emerge champions.

Stumpsandbails Predictor:

Stumpsandbails have come up with their Fantasy11 predictor which will make user’s life easier while picking a fantasy 11 side. Our predictor, thanks to all the statistical algorithms implied in it, comes up with the three-best possible XI for your fantasy teams. Its unique feature also allows you to choose a specific player in your team or leave out a specific player from the predictions. All the fantasy XI predictions are made on the basis of detailed statistical research on player’s performance in the past in a specific format.