Cricket hots up in Sydney early this year with Australia’s men and women lined up for blockbuster internationals. And the Women’s Big Bash League also gets underway, setting the scene for plenty of pitch action in the Harbour City.
Australia’s women are starting their T20 campaign on a high after winning the World Cup in London
Australia Women T20 series
World champs in our backyard
Fresh from lifting the T20 World Cup in England in July, Australia’s women return home to face 2024 world champs New Zealand in a three-match T20 series at North Sydney Oval in October.
New captain Sophie Molineaux will lead the way after the retirement of Alyssa Healy and the Australians are set to feature a mix of household names like Ellyse Perry and Beth Mooney, alongside rising stars Phoebe Litchfield and Lucy Hamilton.
Healy, who will spend the summer as a key part of Fox Cricket’s comprehensive coverage in the commentary box, is former skipper of the T20 team, leading them to 19 wins from 25 games.
Healy told CL the Aussies were set for a big series, singling out Hamilton for praise.
“I think we will see a highly confident side after their recent T20 World Cup success,” Healy said.
“There’s a nice blend of experience and exciting youth to light up North Sydney Oval.
“I’m hugely excited by Lucy Hamilton. The young fast bowler has taken to intentional cricket with ease and will continue to impress as she learns more about her game and the international game as a whole.”
Australia Women v New Zealand T20 series
North Sydney Oval
18, 20 and 22 October
Watch on Fox Cricket / Kayo / Channel 7
Tickets: Ticketek or cricket.com.au
The Aussie men’s Test team after their Ashes victory last year against England at the SCG
Australia Men T20
Australia and the old enemy
After a disappointing T20 World Cup earlier this year where they were eliminated in the Group stage following embarrassing losses to Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, the Aussie men are in a rebuilding phase.
Key to that team refresh is a five-match series (21 November to 2 December) against England, with a blockbuster Sunday night showdown at the SCG on 29 November the highlight for Sydneysiders.
Watch for fan favourites Mitch Marsh and Adam Zampa to potentially be joined in the Australian squad by Jack Edwards and Joel Davies after both made their senior national team debuts earlier this year.
While the T20 team is yet to be announced, selectors may be looking for some new blood, particularly after the Test team’s unexpected first Test loss to Bangladesh in August.
Healy was excited by the prospects of West Australian allrounder Cooper Connolly. “After a stellar 18 months or so, Connolly is one to watch,” Healy said.
Australia Men v England T20
29 November at the SCG
Watch exclusively on Fox Cricket and Kayo
Tickets: cricket.com.au
Thunder boasts Aussie stars Litchfield and Voll. They will be looking to improve on their 7th place last year
Sixers and Thunder chasing
WBBL Hurricane
The Women’s Big Bash League remains the world’s premier domestic T20 competition, with many of the game’s biggest names returning this summer.
Sydney’s two teams, the Sixers and Thunder, will be chasing the title won last season by the Hobart Hurricanes.
“The Hurricanes’ powerful batting lineup and restrictive bowling attack make it tricky for opposition teams. I daresay they’re the favourites,” Healy told CL.
Despite Healy’s retirement, the Sixers remain loaded with talent, led by skipper Ash Gardner, the indomitable Perry and prodigy Caoimhe Bray. After finishing second in last year’s regular season before falling in the semi-finals, they’ll be eager to claim a third WBBL title.
Thunder, the pride of Sydney’s west, feature Australian team stars Litchfield and Georgia Voll on their roster and will be aiming to improve on last year’s seventh-place finish.
The two Sydney Smash clashes between the archrivals are always the first circled on the calendar and this year isn’t any different.
Healy said while the Hurricanes were the team to beat once again, both Sydney teams were in the mix.
“My heart says the Sixers, but there’s something about this young Thunder team that’s exciting to watch,” she said.
“They didn’t quite have the season they would have liked last year so will no doubt be keen to amend that.
“The Sydney Smash games will be a fun watch with both sides stacked with international and Aussie greats.” Having observed teen sensation Bray from close quarters since she debuted as a 15-year-old, Healy can’t contain her excitement.
“Caoimhe is just a young kid living her dream, yet with a calm head on her shoulders when it comes time to execute her skills. She’s a genuine all-rounder with an outstanding personality that’s always fun to watch.
“Anika Learoyd from the Thunder, too, should be full of confidence after continuing to impress in state cricket and Australia A form. She’s a powerful striker and dynamic in the field.” Pick a side!
WBBL Sydney Highlights
1 November Drummoyne Oval Double header featuring Thunder v Brisbane Heat and the Sixers v Hurricanes
8 November North Sydney Oval Sydney Smash (enter our giveaway to win one of four passes)
28 November Drummoyne Oval Sydney Smash
Watch: Fox Cricket / Kayo / Channel 7
Tickets: Ticketek or cricket.com.au
FREE MATCHES
If you’re looking for a budget friendly option to get your cricket fix, Australia’s premier domestic competitions – the Women’s National Cricket League, Sheffield Shield and One Day Cup – kick off from September. Entry to watch NSW play at Cricket Central at Sydney Olympic Park and the SCG is free.
TICKET GIVEAWAY!
Club Living has 4 passes to giveaway to the Summer Session double header: Sydney Sixers v Sydney Thunder and Perth Scorchers v Melbourne Stars at North Sydney Oval.
Watch some top cricket and enjoy a food and beverage festival in collaboration with Good Time Sport Co, from 1:40pm, on Sunday 8 November.
Follow us on Instagram @clublivingmagazine and tell us who is your favourite team and why by 30 September