After the Sydney Sixers, if there is another formidable line-up in the Big Bash, it is this team from the other part of Sydney. The Thunder as their name suggests wreath havoc on their opponents. They have some huge power hitters in their formidable batting line-up and they also have some handy leg spinners and few pin-point yorker bowlers. And yes they also bat very deep and have quite a few all-rounders in their side. And all of them are very good fielders. It takes a special effort to beat this Thunder Team.
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1. Alex Hales -
One of the finest opening Batsman England has produced in the modern times, Alex Hales can destroy any bowling line-up in the world. And when we say destroy we mean destroy. He can take the powerplay score to as much as 70 or 80 odd in 6 overs which almost makes it impossible for his opponents to come back into the game. This makes him a very formidable opponent especially when you are defending low totals.
2. Usman Khawaja -
The other brother of destruction, Usman Khwaja is Alex Hales’ opening partner. After Mathew Wade and Darcy Short, they are the most successful opening pair in the history of the BBL. They score at a rapid pace and sometimes way too rapid and kill the game at the start with the bat making it very easy for the rest of the batsman with the platform they have set.
3. Sam Billings -
Brilliant Wicket-Keeper, even more brilliant batsman and that’s Sam Billings for you, He is a bowler’s nightmare when he is on song and he can play shorts all around the wicket and he can become quite innovative too.
4. Alex Ross -
He was a crucial part of the Brisbane Heat set-up before he joined the Thunder set-up. He has become a better finisher as the years have gone by. He can play the role of a sheet-anchor and he can also hit the long ball too. He also has a lot of experience under his belt.
5. Daniel Sams -
As far as bowling all-rounders go, Daniel Sams is as good as they ever come. He can bowl consistently at 140+ and is also good with slower-balls and off cutters and someone who can bowl yorkers at will. With the bat he is someone who can hit the longest sixes and can damage the bowling line-up with a quick cameo.
read also: Sydney Sixers: An In-Depth Look Into Big Bash Teams
6. Ben Cutting -
Another player who had been a crucial player for the Brisbane Heat over the past few years before he joined the Thunder ine-up, Ben Cutting is one of the best finishers you will get in the modern era of the game. Boy he can strike a long ball and the best thing is that he does it so effortlessly and handsomely too. He is a brilliant fielder and is also very good with the ball with his mixed bag of tricks.
7. Chris Green -
He generally bowls at the start during the powerplay and is quite successful too. He is miserly with the ball and also picks up quick wickets. He is a part of the leadership team and is a very crucial member of this Sydney Thunder set-up. If push comes to shove, he can also clear the boundaries and strike a long ball if the situation demands. Having played in leagues all over the World, he also has plenty of experience under his belt.
8. Nathan McAndrew -
Nathan Mcandrew is the spearhead of this pace attack. He is a clever bowler who has a good mix of pace and slower deliveries and he is terrific when it comes to bowling short balls. While bowling to the lower middle order and the tail-enders he is your go to man.
9. Gurinder Sandhu -
Sandhu has also been a crucial member of the Sydney Thunder set-up over the years. He is as good as the pacy bowlers come. He is someone who will find help and movement from the pitch anywhere it is available and when-ever he comes to bowl, be it with the new ball or even at the death, Sandhu will always find some movement. When it comes to speed, he is right there with the best.
10. Tanveer Sangha -
He is one of the most exciting talents when it comes to spin-bowling in the BBL. Tanveer Sangha is young and a very exciting prospect for Australian cricket. He has various tricks up his sleeve and even though he is young, he already bowls with a lot of maturity and is not afraid to go toe to toe with any batsman. He is not shy of confidence and does not hesitate to pitch the ball up to any batsman. Certainly a player who will make his name in the game of cricket, Sangha adds a bit of mystery spin to this already impressive Sydney Thunder line-up.