Historically the whipping boys of the Big Bash, the Sydney Thunder have won just three games in their three year history, and have finished bottom of the group table in every year of the BBL since its inception. This year, some ambitious signings have been made, and it looks as though the franchise’s owners have finally woken up to the necessity of having some quality Australians in the team, as well as just some big-name overseas players (Martin Guptill, Chris Gayle and Azhar Mahmood have all featured in the past three seasons). Will it be enough to finally haul them off the bottom, and maybe even into the play-offs?

Last Season

Despite the signing of Australian legend Mike Hussey, the Thunder still started last season in a poor way; having failed to win a game in the whole of the 2012/13 season, they were beaten in their first six games, which included some humiliating defeats along the way. The nadir came against the Hobart Hurricanes, when, having seen Jason Floros and Dirk Nannes flayed around the park by Ben Dunk (96), as the hosts racked up 167-5 in their 20 overs, the Thunder were dismissed for a pitiful 94 all out, an innings in which only Andrew Tye scored at a strike-rate of above 100, as he managed seven runs from six balls.

However, a week later, the side finally ended an embarrassing 19-match losing run, which had dated back to December 2011, with an impressive nine-wicket win against Melbourne Renegades. The Renegades won the toss and chose to bat first, but the Thunder set the tone for their win from the first over, in which dangerman Aaron Finch was dismissed second ball. The Renegades’ innings never got going, and some impressive bowling by Gurinder Sandhu (3-21) and Ajantha Mendis (2-15) saw the hosts make just 104 all out. In response, Tillakaratne Dilshan (46) and Usman Khawaja (46*) were measured in their approach, and they reached the target with 9 wickets and 51 balls remaining. This proved to be their only win of the season, as the Thunder racked up another wooden spoon.

258 runs for Mike Hussey and 10 wickets for Gurinder Sandhu were the only positive statistics of the season for the Thunder, as a lot of their squad players failed to fire.

2014/15 Overseas Players

Looking forward to playing for Sydney Thunder in Big Bash this year. I am sure it gonna be a lot of fun pic.twitter.com/jTjYPIbz22 — Jacques Kallis (@jacqueskallis75) June 12, 2014

Undoubtedly the biggest news for Thunder fans this close-season was the announcement that the side had completed the signing of South African all-rounder and Test Match great Jacques Kallis on a two-year contract. Despite his international retirement, Kallis has been staying in shape and has been on the golf course regularly maintaining his eye for a ball and fitness ahead of the new season.

The 39-year-old’s record in international cricket speaks for itself both with the bat and the ball; in T20Is, his batting average of 35.05 is one of the highest around, and with the ball, an economy rate of just 7.23 speaks volumes of his control. His presence in the field, alongside Mike Hussey, ensures that the Thunder have two of the most experienced players around, who should be able to marshall the troops well.

England and @Middlesex_CCC batsman @Eoin16 has rejoined Big Bash franchise Sydney Thunder. http://t.co/s2YfrdoDLhpic.twitter.com/M1rG1BYCNw

— England Cricket (@ECB_cricket) October 20, 2014

The second overseas player for the Thunder has a vast experience in global T20, having appeared for Middlesex, Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore in his career, as well as captaining England on several occasions. Eoin Morgan’s presence in the Thunder’s middle-order is sure to add some firepower, and he will be of great use for any young players in the squad with his wealth of experience. His indifferent form for England in the ODI series in Sri Lanka is a cause for concern, but he will be hoping to prove the doubters wrong with a good run for the Thunder.

(NB: Craig Kieswetter had signed a contract to be a third overseas player, but had to withdraw after failing to recover full vision following an eye injury)

One to Watch

Aiden Blizzard has played Twenty20 cricket for a number of teams over the years, without ever really settling down at a club. The list of his teams – Adelaide Strikers, Canterbury, Hobart Hurricanes, MCC, Mumbai Indians, Rajshahi Division, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria – is certainly extensive, but, at 30 years of age, he needs to find a home team, and will be hoping that he can do that with the Thunder.

An aggressive opening batsman, his partnership at the top of the order is likely to be with Usman Khawaja, with Hussey, Kallis and Morgan in next, and he will look to cause the fireworks in an otherwise orthodox top four. His T20 strike-rate of 137.28 is admirable, but his average of 23.18 should be better, and he will be looking to improve it over the course of the tournament.

Who Else?

The Thunder’s total squad is as follows: Michael Hussey (c), Ahilen Beadle, Aiden Blizzard, Pat Cummins, Jake Doran, Chris Green, Chris Hartley (wk), Nathan Hauritz, Daniel Hughes, Jacques Kallis, Usman Khawaja, Josh Lalor, Andrew McDonald, Eoin Morgan, Dirk Nannes, Kurtis Patterson, Gurinder Sandhu, Chris Tremain.

Whilst the batting line-up is undoubtedly strong at the top of the order, the Thunder’s bowling is reliant on all-rounders McDonald and Kallis, and off-spinner Nathan Hauritz all firing. Gurinder Sandhu and Pat Cummins are both seamers who will have to step up to the plate this year, especially as Dirk Nannes’ famed pace and death bowling are fading.

Despite the batting order looking good on paper, Hussey and Kallis have both not played much cricket in the last year, and Morgan is out of form; if things don’t go their way from the start, it could be another tough season for the Thunder.

Predicted Finish: 8th

Fixtures:

21st December 2014: Brisbane Heat (H)

27th December 2014: Sydney Sixers (H)

30th December 2014: Melbourne Renegades (A)

1st January 2015: Perth Scorchers (A)

9th January 2015: Hobart Hurricanes (H)

12th January 2015: Adelaide Strikers (A)

17th January 2015: Melbourne Stars (H)

22nd January 2015: Sydney Sixers (A)

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