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The highly anticipated ninth season of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) will commence on Thursday (October 19), offering cricket enthusiasts an enthralling spectacle of T20 cricket. With 57 action-packed matches scheduled, the tournament will culminate with the grand final on December 2, promising an exciting season for cricket fans.
Sydney Sixers to take on Melbourne Stars in the opener
The WBBL 2023 will open with a thrilling clash between the Sydney Sixers and the Melbourne Stars at the iconic North Sydney Oval. The game marks the beginning of what promises to be a gripping season of cricket. However, the Sydney Sixers, who are captained by Australian cricket superstar Ellyse Perry, will miss her services in the opening encounter.
Reason behind Ellyse Perry’s absence
Perry, the star all-rounder and captain of the Sydney Sixers, will miss the opening game as she has been handed a one-match suspension for a slow over rate in the final of the previous edition. Despite her disappointment, Perry accepted the penalSty, which was imposed at the end of the last season.
During the last season, the Sydney Sixers were found to be lagging behind in the over rate during the final match against the Adelaide Strikers, as well as in two regular season matches. The slow over rate in the final marked the third strike for captain Perry, resulting in an automatic one-match suspension, a penalty that the club acknowledged at the time.
Also READ: WBBL 2023 – Squads, Broadcast and Live Streaming details – When & Where to Watch in India, Australia, US, UK, Canada & other countries
Perry’s reaction
Perry acknowledged the subjectivity in assessing over rates, particularly in high-pressure situations, and expressed disappointment over her one-match suspension. Though, she accepted the consequences, emphasizing her commitment to learning and following the rules.
“It’s a really hard subjective measure sometimes to understand where time is gained and lost. A large part of that is my management of the group in those high-pressure games. That’s something I can definitely learn from. It’s a bummer to miss the first game, but I was very much aware of the rules, and it is what it is,” said Perry as quoted by cricket.com.au.
Ashleigh Gardner to lead Sydney Sixers in Perry’s absence
In Perry’s absence, Ashleigh Gardner will step up to lead the Sydney Sixers against the Melbourne Stars on Thursday night. Gardner took over the vice-captaincy role last season, and this upcoming game will mark her first as the leader of the Sixers. Perry will return to her captaincy role for the second match when the Sydney Sixers face the Sydney Thunder on Sunday.
