BBL 2022-23 | Sydney Sixers - SWOT Analysis
The Sydney Sixers team [Source: Twitter]
One of the most awaited events in Australian cricket is right around the corner - The Big Bash League. Australia's biggest franchise tournament is all set to begin on 13th December. Eight teams will battle it out across 61 games. Sydney Sixers will feature in the tournament in the second match against the Adelaide Strikers.
A name to live up to, Sydney Sixers have created a legacy in the BBL. Winning the title 3 times, the second most among all the teams. They won the inaugural title and went on to become the favourites among fans. They also competed in the Champions League Twenty20 tournament. Sixers were the runner ups in the last edition of the tournament.
Strengths
The Sixers have one of the deepest batting lineups, with big names featuring - Moises Henriques, Josh Phillipe, Steve Smith and James Vince. One of their biggest strengths is the Windies burly hitter Carlos Brathwaite.
The team has a lot of talent in the bowling department too. Hayden Kerr ended the last edition of the tournament as the second highest wicket-taker with 25 wickets. Sean Abbott, an allrounder, has also been phenomenal with the ball. He scalped 19 wickets in the last season.
Ben Dwarshuis and Steve O'Keefe follow in line as one of the best bowlers in the tournament. Mitchell Starc, who did not participate in the tournament last year is one of their best picks.
Names like Nathan Lyon, Jason Holder, Josh Hazlewood and Tom Curran feature in the team.
Weaknesses
Although the Sydney Sixers have had one of the most successful campaigns in the BBL, there are a few concerns that may haunt the team in the upcoming season. The team has relied on their top order more than they should have.
History has witnessed that as soon as the top order collapses the middle-order fails to perform, leading to either a low score total or an inability to chase.
The team also struggles in death overs. Even though the franchise has a vast pick of bowlers, they lack a death over specialist. Chris Jordan is the only option for the death overs. And the past records have shown how badly the team needs a death over specialist.
Opportunities
A few of the members have been performing brilliantly since the past two BBL seasons. Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Jordan Silk and Josh Philippe have been consistently performing the franchise tournament.
This year, the tournament offers them an opportunity to continue their successful stint in the tournament and possibly drive the team to title victory.
Windies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite, who didn't perform as well in the last season was one of the stars in the season before that. This year is an opportunity for Brathwaite to make a blistering comeback.
Threats
Although the team is well balanced on paper. We have witnessed that the lineup is over-reliant on the openers, leading to a collapse underneath. If the all-rounders fail to perform once again in this tournament and are dependent on the top-order it could be a cause of concern.
The Sixers have a big legacy to live up to and being the fan favourites they have a lot to lose. Many players have been doing well in the past seasons. Sixers always end up in high-octane matches and crumbling under pressure could lead to derailment. It will be very important for the team to get their combination just right.
 "Gargi Raut")
