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Former Australian cricketer Mark Waugh has urged Sydney Sixers to take a hard, unsentimental look at their playing XI ahead of the BBL|15 Challenger, suggesting that underperforming big names cannot be carried into high-pressure knockout matches. According to Waugh, the Sixers’ batting unit needs a significant reshuffle if they are to keep their title hopes alive, even if it means leaving out a global star like Babar Azam.
Mark Waugh highlights Sydney Sixers’ over-reliance on Steve Smith
Speaking in a video shared by the Big Bash League on X, Waugh pointed out that the Sixers’ batting has been overly dependent on Smith, with very few consistent contributions from the rest of the top order. He stressed that knockout games demand multiple match-winners rather than a single pillar holding the innings together. He also referenced Sam Curran, noting that the English all-rounder had rescued the side on occasions but is no longer available, leaving a clear void in form and balance.
“I think they need a bit of tough love and a rejig in their batting because, right now, it’s almost entirely reliant on Steve Smith. Sam Curran got them out of a tight spot in another game, but he’s gone, and at the moment, there aren’t many players in form. So, I’m looking at bringing in either Daniel Hughes or Jordan Silk,” said Waugh.
Waugh on why Sixers should drop Babar Azam
Waugh’s comments are backed by statistics from Babar’s BBL|15 campaign. The Pakistan batter managed 202 runs from 11 innings, averaging 22.44 with a strike rate of just over 103. In a tournament where quick scoring at the top is often decisive, Waugh believes these numbers fall short of what is required from an overseas opener in crunch matches.
“Unfortunately, I’m going to have to drop Babar Azam. I know he’s world-class, but at the top of the order, he hasn’t delivered consistently enough. When you’re thinking about winning this tournament, you need your openers firing, and so far, he just hasn’t done it,” added Waugh.
Looking ahead to the Challenger, Waugh floated several options to freshen up the Sixers’ batting combination. He suggested promoting skipper Moises Henriques as an opener or drafting in domestic specialists like Daniel Hughes or Jordan Silk, both of whom have proven their worth in Australian conditions.
“For a new opener, you could go with Moises Henriques or bring in either Hughes or Silk. That’s the way I’m thinking,” Waugh explained further.
Babar departs for international duty
In any case, Babar will not feature in the Challenger after being recalled to Pakistan’s national camp. The Sixers confirmed his departure via social media, stating that he had left the tournament due to upcoming international commitments with Pakistan. Sydney Sixers now face Hobart Hurricanes in the Challenger, with the winner earning a place in the final against Perth Scorchers. As the pressure peaks, Waugh’s message is clear: reputation alone cannot guarantee selection when a championship is on the line.
Also WATCH: Babar Azam’s heartwarming reaction after Steve Smith drops Nathan McSweeney’s catch in BBL|15
