Sydney Thunder bowling first in BBL derby
Rob Forsaith |
Sydney Thunder have opted to bowl in the BBL derby at Showground Stadium, where the speed of a COVID-19 test result will determine whether Shadab Khan debuts for Sydney Sixers.
The Thunder, fresh from a big win over Brisbane Heat that was inspired by English paceman Saqib Mahmood’s haul of 4-22, named an unchanged XI.
The Sixers have called up debutant Todd Murphy, a young Victorian offspinner, to replace Chris Jordan.
Pakistan legspinner Shadab has been named as an X-factor substitute for the Sixers.
“We’re not actually sure if we’re going to see him (Shadab) tonight yet,” Sixers skipper Mosies Henriques said at the toss.
“We’re still waiting on one last COVID test to come in.
“So if we get confirmation before that 10-over mark, then we’ll bring him into the game.”
The Sixers, chasing a third straight BBL title, signed Murphy and Shadab after tweakers Steve O’Keefe and Ben Manenti suffered injuries.
TEAMS
Sydney Thunder: Alex Hales Matt Gilkes, Jason Sangha, Sam Billings, Alex Ross, Daniel Sams, Ben Cutting, Nathan McAndrew, Chris Green (capt), Saqib Mahmood, Tanveer Sangha.
Sydney Sixers: Josh Philippe, James Vince, Moises Henriques (capt), Daniel Hughes, Jordan Silk, Dan Christian, Sean Abbott, Hayden Kerr, Ben Dwarshuis, Todd Murphy, Lloyd Pope.
AAP
