Sydney Sixers vs Hobart Hurricanes – Big Bash League – Toss Report
The Hobart Hurricanes’ skipper, George Bailey, has won the toss and his side will bowl first against Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League clash, currently being played at the Sydney Cricket Ground, on December 26, 2012.
Hurricanes will be aiming to build on from their impressive win over Sydney Thunder, which came after two successive losses. However, Bailey has preferred to chase this time around, hoping to restrict the reigning champions to a manageable total.
The good news for them is the return to form of Ricky Ponting, who registered an impressive half-century during the 30-run win against the Thunder. The team welcomes back Jason Krejza after the off-spinner missed the previous clash. He replaces Evan Gulbis, despite the player having a fruitful outing with the ball.
The Sixers have struggled for consistency this season and need to win the current bout in order to put their campaign back on track. After winning the opening game against their cross town rivals, the team has suffered three straight losses, and sits second from bottom.
Their most recent defeat came against Adelaide Strikers where they were beaten by an easy 9-wicket margin. The Sixers managed just 135 in their allotted overs, before watching their opponents cruising to the total in 15.5 overs.
Despite a star studded outfit, the Sixers have failed to produce the goods with both, bat and ball. They have made two changes to the lineup from their last game, leaving out opener Daniel Smith, and replaced him with Kurtis Patterson.
Sri Lankan overseas player, Jeevan Mendis, has also been cut short from the playing XI, with his place taken up by Daniel Hughes. Both incoming players are also making their respective debuts for the franchise.
The pitch at the SCG is generally a good batting strip, but is expected to aid the spinners as well. Anything above 160 will be a good total.
Sydney Sixers’ Playing XI:
MJ Lumb, BJ Haddin*† , D Hughes, SPD Smith, MC Henriques, KR Patterson, SNJ O'Keefe, B Lee, JK Lalor, SP Narine, LW Feldman
Hobart Hurricanes’ Playing XI:
TD Paine†, AC Blizzard, RT Ponting, TR Birt, OA Shah, GJ Bailey*, JJ Krejza, XJ Doherty, B Laughlin, MG Hogan, DE Bollinger
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