MM Report
SYDNEY: Former Australia batsman Mark Waugh said the Sydney Sixers might need to rethink their top-order combination ahead of the Big Bash League knockout match scheduled for January 23, suggesting that Babar Azam could be left out of the playing XI for the must-win fixture.
Speaking during television commentary on the Hobart Hurricanes’ knockout clash against the Melbourne Stars, Waugh questioned whether the Sixers’ current batting setup was delivering the urgency required in high-pressure games. He said the side might benefit from a more explosive option at the top of the order, particularly in matches where fast starts often set the tone.
Waugh was careful to acknowledge Babar’s pedigree and technical quality, describing him as a class player. However, he pointed to what he saw as inconsistent starts and a scoring rate that did not always match the demands of the format, especially in knockout cricket where momentum can be decisive.
He suggested that this pattern could place additional pressure on the middle order, with the Sixers appearing increasingly reliant on Steve Smith to accelerate the scoring and compensate for slower beginnings. In such circumstances, Waugh argued, the balance of the batting lineup became a tactical issue rather than a reflection of individual talent. With the Sixers facing a do-or-die contest, his comments reflected a broader debate around selection strategy in T20 cricket, where teams are often forced to weigh experience and class against the need for power and tempo at the top of the innings.
