A Grand Final rematch will officially kick off Sydney Thunder’s KFC BBL|15 campaign as they name their 14-player squad to face the reigning champions, the Hobart Hurricanes, at Ninja Stadium, tomorrow night.
Captain David Warner has been ruled out of the season opener with injury leaving captaincy duties to veteran Chris Green.
Right arm bowler Charlie Anderson will come into the squad as the Local Replacement Player.
At just 20 years old, Anderson has already made an impact at List A level, taking five wickets in three matches and recording best figures of 3/37, with a solid bowling average of 27.20.
Thunder could also welcome four new debutants this season with international stars Shadab Khan and Reece Topley as well as emerging quicks Anderson and Ryan Hadley all named in the squad.
Sydney Thunder General Manager Trent Copeland said the squad is out seeking redemption after last year’s heartbreaking Grand Final loss by seven wickets to the Hurricanes.
“We try not to dwell too much on the past but last year’s loss in the Grand Final is going to act as fuel for us on Tuesday.
“It’s obviously not ideal to not have Davey but we’d rather be careful earlier in the tournament. I’m confident he’ll be right for our biggest game of the year, the Sydney Smash on Saturday.
“Charlie Anderson is one of the brightest young talents in the whole country, as we’ve seen with Australia A and NSW in recent times.”
Sydney Thunder squad v Hobart Hurricanes:
Chris Green (93) (C)
Charlie Anderson (10)
Cameron Bancroft (1)
Sam Billings (7)
Ollie Davies (9)
Matt Gilkes (22)
Ryan Hadley (34)
Shadab Khan (49)
Sam Konstas (5)
Nathan McAndrew (44)
Blake Nikitaras (29)
Daniel Sams (95)
Tanveer Sangha (17)
Reece Topley (24)
Head Coach: Trevor Bayliss
Thunder fans can watch the match live on 7, 7Plus, Fox Cricket and Kayo on Tuesday, December 16 from 7:15pm (AEDT).
Sydney Thunder BBL|15 Squad:
Wes Agar, Charlie Anderson, Tom Andrews, Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings (ENG), Ollie Davies, Lockie Ferguson (NZ), Matthew Gilkes, Chris Green, Ryan Hadley, Shadab Khan (PAK), Sam Konstas, Nic Maddinson, Nathan McAndrew, Blake Nikitaras, Aidan O’Connor, Daniel Sams, Tanveer Sangha, Reece Topley (ENG), David Warner
Sydney Thunder BBL|15 Home Fixtures (All Times AEDT):
Saturday, December 20 | v Sydney Sixers | ENGIE Stadium | 7:15pm
Monday, December 22 | v Brisbane Heat | Corroboree Group Oval, Manuka | 7:15pm
Tuesday, December 30 | v Perth Scorchers | ENGIE Stadium | 7:15pm
Saturday, January 3 | v Hobart Hurricanes | ENGIE Stadium | 7:15pm
Monday, January 12 | v Melbourne Renegades | ENGIE Stadium | 7:15pm
