All eyes will be on Stadium Australia on the evening of Sunday 21 December when superstar all-rounder Jacques Kallis will make his long-awaited debut for the Sydney Thunder against the Brisbane Heat.
One of the biggest signings of this season’s KFC T20 Big Bash League, Kallis will join skipper Mike Hussey to kick-start the Thunder’s campaign against the experienced Heat.
The first ‘derby’ match will occur in round two, when the Sixers visit Stadium Australia for Sydney Smash 06, with the men in green looking for their first victory over their cross-town rivals.
After a visit to Etihad Stadium, where the Thunder recorded a resounding nine wicket victory last season, Mike Hussey will make his second return to Perth, with a mouth-watering match-up against current Big Bash Champions the Perth Scorchers on New Year’s Day at The Furnace.
The Thunder will then make their debut at their new home after Xmas when they take on the Hobart Hurricanes at Spotless Stadium on Wednesday 7 January.
Sydney Smash 07, will see the Thunder visit the SCG for a second crack at the Sixers on Friday 9 January, before a visit to Adelaide Oval to meet the Strikers on Monday 12 January.
The main draw will finish with a home match against the star-studded Melbourne Stars, back at Spotless Stadium on Saturday 17 January, with Finals to take place the following week.
Thunder General Manager Nick Cummins is delighted at the prospects for Thunder Nation fans: “We are very pleased with the schedule that will see the Thunder play three weekend games. It allows our fans with families the best opportunity to come and support the club in force. We’ve also found a great alternative venue to Stadium Australia in January in Spotless Stadium, I know that our fans will really enjoy the atmosphere at the same ground that hosts the GWS Giants so successfully. With a capacity of 25 000 and excellent facilities, it will provide a different feel for our fans and with matches against Hobart and the Stars at the venue, I am excited at what lies ahead this season.”
