THE SYDNEY Sixers will be eager to go one step further in the upcoming Big Bash League campaign, after falling short in last season’s final.

The Sixers were one of the best sides last time around, heading into the finals in second place and making the big dance, before being completely outplayed by a classier Perth Scorchers side on the biggest stage.

However, with some handy retention announcements over the offseason ensuring the Sixers maintain their stacked roster in BBL|12, there is no reason why they cannot return to the BBL final and overcome the final hurdle.

Sydney Sixers

2021/22 record – nine wins, four losses, one no result

The Sixers started last season in emphatic fashion, recording the largest winning margin in BBL history with a 152-run triumph over the Stars in their opening fixture. Though, after sitting with a record of six wins and one loss, Sydney was brought back to reality with back to back defeats at the hands of the eventual champions in the Scorchers.

The power hitting of the Sixers was enough to see the side make the season’s decider, facing off against the year’s benchmark in Perth. Despite some good form heading into the match, Sydney was held to just 92 runs with Perth proving 79 too good. Although they fell at the final obstacle, it was still a great season from the team in pink, with veteran Moises Henriques leading the way at the crease with 440 total runs, while Hayden Kerr finished the fixture with a team-high 25 wickets.

At the inaugural BBL Draft, the Sixers opted for retention, bringing back the likes of Chris Jordan – a pace bowler who brings plenty of experience – and James Vince, who is one of the competition’s most respected veterans. Sydney selected the pair with its first two picks in the draft, before using the third on Afghanistan teen Izharulhaq Naveed, who is an addition to the team’s spinning department with his leggies.

He should complement the likes of Nathan Lyon and Todd Murphy, with the Sixers already boasting the strongest spin attack in the BBL. The team’s final addition was Kurtis Patterson, with the batsman signing a three-year-deal in the harbour. After renewing his game for Perth and finishing last season as the Scorchers’ highest run scorer, he should prove an invaluable addition to the team’s top order.

If not for a rampaging Scorchers side, the Sixers could have won it all last season, and certainly demonstrated that they are not far away from a fourth BBL title.

BBL|12 roster

Sean Abbott, Jackson Bird, Dan Christian, Ben Dwarshuis, Moises Henriques, (c), Jack Edwards, Mickey Edwards, Daniel Hughes, Chris Jordan, Hayden Kerr, Nathan Lyon, Ben Manenti, Izharulhaq Naveed, Steve O’Keefe, Kurtis Patterson, Josh Philippe, Lloyd Pope, Jordan Silk, James Vince