January 11, 2024

Steve O’Keefe Announces Departure from BBL After Current Season

With 94 wickets, O’Keefe is third in Sixers BBL history and has a strong average of 23.4.

In what could be the final chapter of his remarkable 19-year cricket career, Sydney Sixers veteran Steve O’Keefe has all but confirmed that the current Big Bash League (BBL) season will be his last. The 39-year-old, who had previously joked about retirement in 2022, now feels his cricketing journey is fulfilled.’ O’Keefe suggested that the upcoming Sydney Smash might be his farewell appearance at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

With the Sixers currently sitting third in the BBL standings and aiming for a top-three finish to secure a home final, O’Keefe noted that much depends on the outcome of the crucial match on Saturday, January 13. This game marks a reunion with former Test teammates Steve Smith and David Warner—who play for the Sixers and Thunder, respectively—and adds a sentimental touch to what could be O’Keefe’s final performance at the hallowed SCG.

“It will be very hard to play on next year so this could be my last game at the SCG. It’s not 100 per cent confirmed, and I’ll make sure the right people know that at the right time. I’ve had a great time playing it and now the expectation around your training and your body, committing to cricket 12 months of the year is probably something that’s a bit past me at the moment. I feel really fulfilled with what I’ve done career-wise and very, very happy. I’ve had a lot of fun this year and am certainly still enjoying it,” O’Keefe said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

O’Keefe Bows Out with Impressive Career Stats

Steve O’Keefe leaves with some great stats: with 94 wickets, an economy rate of 6.69, and an outstanding average of 23.40, he has the third-highest wicket total for the Sixers in BBL history.  Although he has taken just three wickets in six games this season, his economy rate remained tight at 6.65 runs per over. O’Keefe expressed confidence in the future of the Sixers’ spin department, praising the talents of Todd Murphy and Joel Davies. His statistical achievements underscore his significant contribution to the team.

Tom Curran’s Roller-Coaster BBL 2023 Season Cut Short by Injury

11 Jan 2024

The injury, sustained during the Sydney Sixers’ clash against the Melbourne Stars last Saturday, has brought an early end to Curran’s BBL season.

In a dramatic twist, England all-rounder Tom Curran’s Big Bash League (BBL) stint with the Sydney Sixers has been cut short due to a knee injury. The injury occurred during the Sixers’ match against the Melbourne Stars last Saturday, ending a turbulent BBL season for Curran. The Sydney Sixers have issued a statement indicating that the full extent of his knee injury is still unclear.

Curran is set to return to England for further evaluation. His BBL journey faced challenges earlier this season, including a heated exchange with an official and a controversial incident where he ran through the pitch with spikes before the game against the Hobart Hurricanes on December 11. Despite these setbacks, Curran’s performances on the field were significant before this unfortunate injury.

“Sydney Sixers international recruit Tom Curran has been ruled out for the remainder of the BBL|13 season, sustaining a knee injury in the Sixers’ last match against the Melbourne Stars on Saturday,” Sydney Sixers said in a statement.

Tom Curran’s Antics Lead to Three-Match Suspension

Despite the Sydney Sixers’ appeal, the Big Bash League upheld Tom Curran’s suspension, sidelining him for three critical matches against the Melbourne Stars, Sydney Thunder, and Brisbane Heat. The 28-year-old all-rounder, who showed remorse during the appeal, was reinstated for play on January 3. BBL General Manager Alistair Dobson highlighted the importance of respecting umpires, acknowledging Curran’s regret while reaffirming the league’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the game.

“Umpires are part of the lifeblood of cricket and it is essential they are respected and appreciated by players at all levels of the game. We acknowledge the remorse Tom’s shown following the appeal and look forward to seeing him back in Sixers colours,” Dobson said as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.

“Tom has been a long-time contributor to the BBL and is a clear fan-favourite and someone we hope will continue to play an integral role in the competition moving forward,” he added.

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