THE 2024/25 Big Bash League (BBL) season is right around the corner, kicking off with a clash between the Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Stars on December 15. Another bumper schedule plays host to 40 matches followed by a finals series which will see the BBL|14 title awarded on January 27.

With plenty of water passing under the bridge since BBL|13, including a draft and signing period, we get you back up to speed with all the ins and outs before the new season. After starting our preview series with reigning champions Brisbane Heat, next in line are last season’s runners-up, Sydney Sixers.

>> SEASON PREVIEW: Brisbane Heat

BBL|13 RECAP

Record: 6-2, 2NR | 1-1 Finals | Runner-up

The Sixers will look to go one better in BBL|14 after falling short at the final hurdle last time out. Having beaten Brisbane Heat in the Qualifier, earning automatic Final qualification, the magenta men could not repeat the feat against a side which proved to be the benchmark all season. Nonetheless, the Sixers were again undeniably one of the best teams in it and continue to be perennial title contenders.

BBL|14 SQUAD

Sean Abbott, Jackson Bird, Jafer Chohan, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Moises Henriques, Akeal Hosein, Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr, Ben Manenti, Todd Murphy, Kurtis Patterson, Mitch Perry, Josh Philippe, Jordan Silk, Steve Smith, James Vince

Note: Sydney will have to sign replacement players for each of its Australian Test representatives, but has otherwise filled all 18 list spots.

SQUAD CHANGES

INS: Jafer Chohan (draft), Akeal Hosein (pre-signed), Ben Manenti (Strikers), James Vince (retained)
OUTS: Tom Curran (Stars), Steve O’Keefe (retired)

Familiar faces return to the Sixers’ fold both via the draft and signing period. Top order batter James Vince yielded a bid from the Melbourne Renegades, but Sydney leant on its right to retain the Englishman who has spent several quality seasons in magenta.

Another returnee is Ben Manenti, who lands back in his native state after two years with the Adelaide Strikers. The spinning allrounder has a SACA contract but debuted for the Sixers and is a two-time title winner in magenta. He only adds to the scary depth of the squad.

Having lost Tom Curran to the Stars, Sydney re-signed veteran Jackson Bird for the now and considered the future in locking away Mitchell Perry. Former Renegades allrounder Akeal Hosein becomes the Sixers’ marquee overseas signing, having been pre-listed via the draft.

The West Indian allrounder can hold the stick but is arguably better known for his darting and economical spinners. In the wake of Steve O’Keefe‘s retirement, the Sixers further bolstered their spin options with the left-field draft selection of 22-year-old English leggie Jafer Chohan.

INTERNATIONAL REPS

Sean Abbott‘s addition to the Australian Test squad looms as a potential blow to the Sixers, who have good depth in their bowling department nonetheless. In particular, they have a range of all-round options who can also bat from positions six through nine to act as direct replacements.

The most high profile member of Sydney’s list is Steve Smith, who is usually good value for his brief BBL stints. Elsewhere, Todd Murphy may be in contention for the tour of Sri Lanka in 2025, which begins just two days after the BBL Final. That will become relevant should the Sixers get so far.

POTENTIAL XI

Excluding Australian Test players

1. Josh Philippe
2. James Vince
3. Daniel Hughes
4. Moises Henriques
5. Jordan Silk
6. Jack Edwards
7. Akeal Hosein
8. Sean Abbott
9. Ben Dwarshius
10. Todd Murphy
11. Jackson Bird

FIXTURES

vs. Melbourne Renegades
Monday December 16 @ SCG

vs. Sydney Thunder
Saturday December 21 @ ENGIE Stadium

vs. Melbourne Stars
Thursday December 26 @ SCG

vs. Brisbane Heat
Sunday December 29 @ The Gabba

vs. Hobart Hurricanes
Wednesday January 1 @ Bellerive Oval

vs. Brisbane Heat
Friday January 3 @ C.ex International Stadium

vs. Melbourne Stars
Thursday January 9 @ MCG

vs. Perth Scorchers
Saturday January 11 @ SCG

vs. Adelaide Strikers
Wednesday January 15 @ Adelaide Oval

vs. Sydney Thunder
Friday January 17 @ SCG

PUT IT IN YOUR DIARY

Perhaps the most critical juncture in the Sixers’ season will come with a double-header against Brisbane Heat on either side of their New Year’s Day clash with Hobart Hurricanes. The away, then home Grand Final rematches represent a tough period of travel for the Sydney side. Local derbies against the Thunder take place on December 21 and January 17, with the latter being the Sixers’ last home game. They play both their first and final matches at the SCG.

SEASON PREDICTION

Ladder range: 1-4

The Sixers simply don’t miss finals. They have placed either first or second in the last five home-and-away campaigns, converting those results to two titles and four appearances in the Final. Their squad depth is terrific and has been settled for some time. Expect the perennial contender to do so again.