New Big Bash League rules under a microscope in the opener

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New Big Bash League rules under a microscope in the opener

New Big Bash League rules under a microscope in the opener

December 10, 2020  Authorbaji55

In the Big Bash League opener, Sydney Sixers batsman Jordan Silk expects a boundary blitz when controversial new power-play rules are enforced.

At Blundstone Arena on Thursday night, the defending champions battle the Hobart Hurricanes.

The six-over power play was trimmed to four overs in one of the three rule changes of the season, which were slammed by some past players.

The batting side is now expected to nominate from the 11th onwards two overs of fielding constraints.

The Sixers have Australian stars Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon on their books, but before the end of the tournament, they will not be available. However, Sean Abbott is absent from international duty as well.

Silk claims that after winning five matches straight to take the title, the side took lessons from last year.

The Hurricanes, who were knocked out last season in the first round of the finals, could field as many as six debutants from the club.

Among the fresh faces in the 14-man squad are one-time Test player and former Melbourne Stars batsman Peter Handscomb and South African import Colin Ingram.

In the absence of Matthew Wade, Handscomb was given the reins briefly.

With Ben McDermott, who was expected to bat at No.3, called up for Australia A's pink-ball tour game against India starting Friday, Hobart's batting stocks for the opener took a hit.