More niggle set for Sydney Smash rematch
Sean Abbott has suggested there could be more niggle in the rematch between Sydney's two BBL teams, after the feisty encounter between the Sixers and Thunder.
The Sixers' seven-wicket win at Sydney Showground Stadium on Sunday lifted the men in magenta to first above Perth, and dropped their defeated local rivals one spot to fourth.
The Thunder and Sixers will clash in their second Sydney Smash of the season on Saturday week at the SCG.
Sixers paceman Abbott, who was player of the match with a magnificent effort of 3-9 from his four overs, said there had been some niggle between the two teams in front of a crowd of almost 21,000.
He suggested some of it had to do with the Sixers not starting the final over of the Thunder innings in time and therefore losing one fielder outside the circle.
"Maybe some of their boys trying to make sure our innings runs a bit late so we're bowling with four (outside the circle) there at the end, and one or two other things," Abbott told Fox Cricket.
"There was a bit of niggle out there tonight too, so it shapes up for an interesting game back home at the SCG for round number two against them.
"We'll just see how the next game goes. I'm sure there will be a bit more."
Both Sydney teams have a home game next against second-placed Perth Scorchers, who are just one point behind the Sixers with two games in hand.
The Sixers and Thunder will each look different for their games against the Scorchers, after losing key players to the ILT20 and regaining some stars from the Australian Test team.
The Sixers' James Vince and Chris Jordan and Thunder's Alex Hales all played their final BBL match of the season last night.
Their departures will be offset by the return of Steve Smith and Nathan Lyon for the Sixers and David Warner's long awaited return to the Thunder.
Abbott acknowledged the importance of the Sixers getting Smith and Lyon back, but said they would miss their departing English imports.
"I think 'Moey' (Sixers captain Moises Henriques) mentioned Smithy is an absolute pest in the group chat, so whilst he's not here physically he's certainly there on the group chat helping us along," Abbott said.
"But we're missing two class players in CJ (Jordan) and Vincey, not just for what they bring on the park, they've obviously performed quite well.
"But especially being a fast bowler CJ, at the top of our run ups, in the nets, he offers so much to the younger guys.
"But in saying that, we get two pretty world class players coming in as well."
The Sixers don't play again until January 15, a much needed break after contesting seven games in 14 days, winning five and logging a no result and one loss.
