By Tim Douglas 
The Sydney Sixers remain one of the BBL’s most consistent teams, built on stability and a strong core of experienced players. After falling short last season, they’ve retained most of their squad while making some key additions. They’ll aim to leverage their proven formula of combining seasoned campaigners with emerging talent as they chase another BBL title.
Sydney Sixers Squad Overview
Captain: Moises Henriques
Coach: Greg Shipperd
Batters:
- James Vince (ENG, top-order anchor)
- Josh Philippe (explosive opener)
- Jordan Silk (middle-order stabilizer)
- Daniel Hughes (experienced left-hander)
- Kurtis Patterson (top-order batter)
- Steven Smith (power-hitter, limited availability)
- Jack Edwards (young power-hitter)
Allrounders:
- Moises Henriques (captain, experienced finisher)
- Hayden Kerr (dynamic batting and seam bowling)
- Ben Dwarshuis (bowling allrounder)
Bowlers:
- Sean Abbott (wicket-taking seamer)
- Jackson Bird (experienced pacer)
- Mitch Perry (emerging seamer)
- Todd Murphy (lead spinner)
- Akeal Hosein (WI, left-arm spin allrounder)
- Jafer Chohan (ENG, legspinner)
- Ben Manenti (spin-bowling allrounder)
How They Stack Up
The Sixers have maintained their core while adding the spin talents of Akeal Hosein and Jafer Chohan to replace the retired Steve O’Keefe. James Vince returns as a reliable top-order presence, while Josh Philippe and Jordan Silk provide fireworks and stability.
Their seam attack remains strong, with Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, and Jackson Bird, though the lack of an express pacer could be a concern on fast tracks. Todd Murphy, now the lead spinner, will be crucial, especially with his impressive economy rate last season.
The Sixers’ depth in allrounders like Henriques, Kerr, and Dwarshuis gives them flexibility and balance across all departments.
Player to Watch: Todd Murphy
After taking over as the Sixers’ senior spinner following Steve O’Keefe’s retirement, Todd Murphy has shown great potential in T20 cricket. His economy rate of 6.15 in nine games last season was the best among bowlers with more than 10 overs. His ability to contain runs in the middle overs will be critical. However, balancing red-ball cricket commitments could become a challenge if he is selected for Australia’s Sri Lanka tour in January.
Strengths of Sydney Sixers BBL in 2024-25:
- Stability and Experience: Proven performers like Henriques, Vince, and Abbott provide a steady core.
- Allrounder Depth: Kerr, Dwarshuis, and Hosein offer flexibility with both bat and ball.
- Strong Spin Options: Murphy, Hosein, and Chohan cover a range of spin variations.
Challenges:
- Pace Attack Depth: No express pacer in the lineup could be an issue on faster tracks.
- Limited Overseas Availability: Hosein, Vince, and Smith will miss chunks of the season due to other leagues or international duties.
- Red-Ball Commitments: Potential losses of Murphy and Abbott for Australia’s Test assignments could disrupt the bowling lineup.
Availability Watch
- Steven Smith: Limited to four games between the India and Sri Lanka Test series.
- Todd Murphy: May miss the finals if selected for the Sri Lanka Test tour.
- Sean Abbott: Could join the Australian Test squad at times.
- Akeal Hosein: Available for six games after missing the first match, then departs for the ILT20.
- James Vince: Will play until he departs for the ILT20.
Prediction: Title Contenders or Playoff Hopefuls?
The Sydney Sixers’ experience, depth, and consistency make them strong contenders for a deep playoff run. If they can cover for key player absences and maintain balance in their pace and spin attack, another finals appearance — or even a title — is within reach.
Zainab Shafiq