A long-awaited return to the Big Bash for Nic Maddinson could be the spark the Sydney Thunder need to rejuvenate their BBL|15 campaign, as they take on the Hobart Hurricanes on Saturday night.
After overcoming a bout of chemotherapy for testicular cancer last off-season and a broken thumb that ruled him out of last summer’s tournament, the 34-year-old has been included in the Thunder’s 14-man squad for the must-win match at ENGIE Stadium.
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If Maddinson is named in Sydney’s final XI, it will be his first Big Bash match since Boxing Day in 2023, 739 days ago.
The home side has won just one of their first fives matches this season, with their season opener a loss to the reigning premiers in Hobart by four wickets last month. These two teams played in last summer’s BBL final, with the Hurricanes coming up trumps for their maiden Big Bash title.
Wes Agar has also been included in the Thunder’s squad, with Reece Topley (South African franchise commitments) and Blake Nikitaras (omitted) exiting the group.
As for the Hurricanes, who are coming off a 40-run loss to the Perth Scorchers on New Year’s Day, Will Prestwidge returns to their squad at the expense of uncapped batter Hugo Burdon.
The bat flip will take place at 6:30pm AEDT in Sydney, with the first ball to be bowled at 7:15pm local time.
Sydney Thunder 14-man squad: Wes Agar, Tom Andrews, Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings, Chris Green, Matthew Gilkes, Ryan Hadley, Shadab Khan, Sam Konstas, Nic Maddinson, Nathan McAndrew, Daniel Sams, Tanveer Sangha, David Warner (c)
Hobart Hurricanes 14-man squad: Rehan Ahmed, Nikhil Chaudhary, Nathan Ellis (c), Rishad Hossain, Chris Jordan, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Mitch Owen, Will Prestwidge, Billy Stanlake, Matthew Wade, Charlie Wakim, Tim Ward, Mac Wright
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