One-time champions Australia started their ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 journey on Wednesday (February 11) with their Group B match against Ireland, where the skipper Mitchell Marsh missed the fixture. Here, we will know the reason for his missing the tournament opener. 

Ahead of their tournament opener at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Australia got a major blow as Mitchell Marsh wasn't in their starting XI, while Travis Head came to toss. At toss, Australian stand-in captain Head won the toss and chose to bat first.

Watch: Drama in SA vs AFG T20 WC 2026 last over takes clash to super over

Mitchell Marsh suffering internal testicular bleeding

Earlier this week, Aussie captain Mitchell Marsh got a blow to the groin, and due to this injury, he has missed their tournament opener. While he was in pain and discomfort that restricted his movement, the scans confirmed internal testicular bleeding. Cricket Australia (CA) also confirmed that the all-rounder needs a period of rest and rehabilitation, while his return to the tournament is yet to be confirmed.

The BBL 2025 Final between Sydney Sixers and Perth Scorchers will take place at Optus Stadium, Perth on Sunday. The Sydney Sixers won the challenger match by 57 runs against the Hobart Hurricanes, successfully defending the target of 198 runs. Steven Smith was the standout performer for Sydney Sixers, scoring a match-winning 65 runs off 43 balls.

On the other hand, the Perth Scorchers beat the Sydney Sixers in the qualifier match, successfully defending the low total of 148 runsl Their immense success in the history of the BBL makes the two teams the best rivals ever. The Perth Scorchers have won the title five times in the past, and the Sydney Sixers have won three times.

Also Read: WPL 2026: RCB-W vs DC-W Dream11 Prediction 15th Match Fantasy Cricket Tips, Probable Playing XI

SCO vs SIX Match Details

• Match: Perth Scorchers vs Sydney Sixers, Final 

• Date: 25th January 2026

• Time: 1.45 PM IST

• Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth

• Live Streaming: FanCode

SCO vs SIX Weather Report

SCO vs SIX Pitch Report

Perth Stadium provides fast bowlers with ample support early in the innings, with real pace and bounce from the moment the floodlights go on. The average first-inning scores at this venue are 150-160 runs

Top Batters to Watch – SCO vs SIX

• Finn Allen (SCO): 430 runs in this tournament

• Aaron Hardie (SCO): 334 runs in this tournament 

• Josh Philippe (SIX): 268 runs in this tournament 

Top Bowlers to Watch – SCO vs SIX

• Jack Edwards (SIX): 18 wickets in this tournament 

• Cooper Connolly (SCO): 15 wickets in this tournament 

• Ben Dwarshuis (SIX): 16 wickets in this tournament 

SCO vs SIX Recent Form

SCO vs SIX Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1: If SCO Bat First

• Powerplay Score: 40–45

• Predicted Total: 145–155

• Match Result: SIX to win

Scenario 2: If SIX bats first

• Powerplay Score: 45–50

• Predicted Total: 165–170

• Match Result: SIX to win

Who Will Hit the Most Sixes?

Who Will Hit the Most Fours?

SCO vs SIX Predicted Playing XIs

Perth Scorchers 

Mitchell Marsh, Finn Allen, Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis(w), Aaron Hardie, Ashton Turner(c), Laurie Evans, Jhye Richardson, Joel Paris, David Payne, Mahli Beardman.

Sydney Sixers

Daniel Hughes, Steve Smith, Josh Philippe(w), Moises Henriques(c), Lachlan Shaw, Jack Edwards, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, Mitchell Starc, Ben Manenti

SCO vs SIX Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win Today?

Based on current form, team balance, and superior bowling strength, the Sydney Sixers are the favourites to win this BBL match. Steve Smith, Josh Philippe and Mitchell Starc are expected to be the key performers.

SCO vs SIX Match FAQs

The BBL 2025 qualifier between Perth Scorchers and Sydney Sixers will take place at Optus Stadium in Perth on Tuesday. The Perth Scorchers have won their last three league matches to secure a Qualifier spot. The Scorchers ended the group phase with a record of 14 points from 10 matches and are currently playing exceptional cricket.

Despite their slow start to the season, the Sixers have shown improvement in recent weeks, with five wins from their previous six games. Josh Philippe has been their primary batsman, achieving 240 runs in nine outings at an average of 27 and a strike rate of nearly 150

Also Read: BBL 2025-26 Match Qualifier 1: SCO vs SIX head-to-head, pitch report & predicted playing XIs

SCO vs SIX Match Details

• Match: Perth Scorchers vs Sydney Sixers, Qualifier 

• Date: 20th January 2026

• Time: 2.00 PM IST

• Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth 

• Live Streaming: FanCode

SCO vs SIX Weather Report

SCO vs SIX Pitch Report

The early overs will be dominated by fast bowlers. However, as the game progresses, the pitch will settle down and become more favourable for batting.

Top Batters to Watch – SCO vs SIX

• Finn Allen (SCO): 382 runs in this tournament

• Aaron Hardie (SCO): 317 runs in this tournament 

• Mitchell Marsh (SCO): 311 runs in this tournament 

Top Bowlers to Watch – SCO vs SIX

• Jack Edwards (SIX): 15 wickets in this tournament 

• Cooper Connolly (SCO): 13 wickets in this tournament 

• Joel Paris (SIX): 11 wickets in this tournament 

SCO vs SIX Recent Form

SCO vs SIX Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1: If SCO Bat First

• Powerplay Score: 40–45

• Predicted Total: 150–155

• Match Result: SIX to win

Scenario 2: If SIX bats first

• Powerplay Score: 45–50

• Predicted Total: 160–170

• Match Result: SIX to win

Who Will Hit the Most Sixes?

Who Will Hit the Most Fours?

SCO vs SIX Predicted Playing XIs

Perth Scorchers 

Finn Allen, Mitchell Marsh, Cooper Connolly, Aaron Hardie, Ashton Turner (c), Laurie Evans, Nick Hobson, Jhye Richardson, Luke Holt, David Payne, Mahli Beardman.

Sydney Sixers 

Steven Smith, Babar Azam, Josh Philippe(w), Moises Henriques(c), Jordan Silk, Lachlan Shaw, Jack Edwards, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott, Mitchell Starc

SCO vs SIX Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win Today?

Based on current form, team balance, and superior bowling strength, the Sydney Sixers are the favourites to win this BBL match. Finn Allen, Mitchell Marsh and Ashton Turner are expected to be the key performers.

SCO vs SIX Match FAQs

HEA vs SIX Big Bash League Match Preview:

The Brisbane Heat will take on the Sydney Sixers in the 40th match of BBL 2025-26 at The Gabba, Brisbane. As the tournament progresses, the race for the top four is intensifying. The Heat is coming off a 3-run victory against the Hobart Hurricanes and is holding fifth place in the standings.

On the other hand, the SIX head into this game after a 5-wicket win over the Sydney Thunder. In the last match, they chased down a massive total of 189 with 5 wickets remaining. SIX has secured the fourth position in the points table, one step above HEA. Both teams will be looking to win today's match to strengthen their claim for a spot in the top four.

HEA vs SIX Recent Performance:

HEA vs SIX Big Bash League Match Details:

• Series/Tournament: Big Bash League 
• Match: HEA vs SIX Match 40
• Date: 18 Jan. 2026
• Match Start Time: 1:45 PM IST
• Stadium/Venue: The Gabba, Brisbane, Australia
• Live Score: cricketwinner.com
• Live Streaming: JioHotstar.

HEA vs SIX Head-to-Head Stats:

(Last 10 Matches)

HEA vs SIX Pitch & Weather Report:

As reported by AccuWeather, the weather is expected to remain cloudy with high chances of rain. The temperature will hover around 24.9°C. Based on previous stats, the average score at this venue ranges between 157 and 169 runs. The pitch offers a little assistance to pacers.

The Gabba, Brisbane, Australia Stats: 

The Gabba, Brisbane pitch offers a little bit of movement and bounce because it has a bit of grass on the surface. However, as the match progresses, the batter can play their shots freely. Winning the toss and opting to bowl first will be a wise decision on this surface.     

HEA vs SIX Dream11 Prediction Playing 11

Brisbane Heat (HEA) Probable 11:

Usman Khawaja, Jack Wildermuth, Nathan McSweeney, Matt Renshaw, Max Bryant, Marnus Labuschagne, Jimmy Peirson (WK), Michael Neser, Xavier Bartlett, Matthew Kuhnemann, Zaman Khan

Sydney Sixers (SIX) Probable 11:

Steven Smith, Babar Azam, Josh Philippe (WK), Moises Henriques, Sam Curran, Lachlan Shaw, Jack Edwards, Joel Davies, Ben Manenti, Sean Abbott, Mitchell Starc

HEA vs SIX- Top Picks from HEA

HEA vs SIX- Top Picks from SIX

Cricket Winner Player’s Insight:

• Jack Wildermuth (HEA) has been very impressive this season. He has managed to score 221 runs and claimed 9 wickets.
• Matt Renshaw's (HEA) ability to build an innings while maintaining a healthy scoring rate makes him a vital asset for the Brisbane Heat.
• Jack Edwards (SIX) has bowled impressively for SIX in this tournament. In the nine matches, he has already picked up 15 wickets.
• Josh Philippe (SIX) is currently at the top of the SIX run chart table. He has scored 232 runs so far with a strike rate of 149.68.

HEA vs SIX Captain & Vice-Captain Choices:

HEA vs SIX Fantasy Team Suggestion:  

HEA vs SIX Dream11 Prediction Expert Advice 

HEA vs SIX Dream11 Prediction Probable Winners:

SIX is expected to win this match. The Sydney Sixers won four games in a row, and with the return of Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc and Sam Curran, they looked a more balanced side.

HEA vs SIX Match 40 FAQ

Who is likely to win the HEA vs SIX match today?

Sydney Sixers (SIX) is expected to win this match.

Who is ahead in head-to-head stats?    

Sydney Sixers

Who are the top fantasy picks for the HEA vs SIX Dream11 team?

Josh Philippe, Jack Wildermuth, Xavier Bartlett, Babar Azam, Matt Renshaw and Jack Edwards

What is the pitch report for this match?

The surface is balanced, and we can expect an average score range between 157 and 169 runs.

Australian legend Steven Smith created a new Big Bash League record on Friday (January 16) during the BBL 2025-26 match between Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder, as the right-handed batter slammed four consecutive sixes to record the most runs in an over in the competition’s history. 

While Sydney Thunder scored 189/6 in 20 overs, after Sydney Sixers sent them to bat first at Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney. David Warner’s 10th T20 century (110 not out off 65 balls) was the main reason that Thunder managed the challenging total. 

Watch: Steve Smith smashes Nathan McAndrew for 107-meter six during BBL 2025/26

Steven Smith scored 32 runs in an over of Ryan Hadley

In reply, Sixers openers Steven Smith and Babar Azam had a century partnership. In the 12th over, when the Sixers were batting at 109/0, Steven Smith went for the powersurge. While Ryan Hadley returned for his second over in a new spell, Smith welcomed him with four consecutive sixes. Smith hit the first six over deep backward square leg, guided the next six over long on, hit the third six over deep backward square leg, and the next one launched over deep square leg.  

Most runs in an over in BBL history

On the fifth ball, Smith played a cut at fine, which resulted in a four. Later, it was revealed to be a front foot no-ball. The next ball was a wide one, as the free hit stayed. While Smith didn’t run the fifth ball that travelled to the long on, he grabbed a double on the last ball, as the Sixers earned 32 runs in that over, where Smith scored 30 runs. 

32 RUNS OFF ONE OVER!

Steve Smith hit four sixes in a row in this wild over at the SCG. #BBL15 pic.twitter.com/fSPEaw3Xoo

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 16, 2026

Smith and Babar Azam had a 141-run partnership in 12.1 overs, as Babar was dismissed for 47 off 39 balls on the first ball of the 13th over, the very next ball after the Sixers scored 32 runs in an over. Meanwhile, Smith completed his fifth T20 century in 41 balls, as he scored 100 in 42 balls with the help of five fours and nine sixes. 

Although the Sixers lost some wickets lately, they comfortably chased down the target in 17.2 overs after losing five wickets. 

The 37th BBL 2025 match between the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder will take place at Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney on Friday. The Sydney Thunder have won just two matches and they have been eliminated from this season. They won their last match by four wickets against the Melbourne Renegades, successfully chasing down the target.

On the other hand, the Sydney Sixers currently stand in the fifth position in the points table with four wins. Their last match was abandoned due to rain. The Sixers have two matches left to play this season and both of them are crucial for them as the Heat, Adelaide Strikers, and Melbourne Renegades are within a chance of making it to the playoffs. 

Also Read: BBL 2025-26 Match 37: SIX vs THU head-to-head, pitch report & predicted playing XIs

SIX vs THU Match Details

• Match: Sydney Sixers vs Sydney Thunder, 37th Match 

• Date: 16th January 2026

• Time: 1.45 PM IST

• Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground 

• Live Streaming: FanCode

SIX vs THU Weather Report

SIX vs THU Pitch Report

Both batters and bowlers can benefit from the balanced pitch at Sydney Cricket Ground. Over the last two matches, the average first innings score has been around 155-160 runs.

Top Batters to Watch – SIX vs THU

• David Warner (THU): 323 runs in this tournament 

• Josh Philippe (SIX): 231 runs in this tournament 

• Matthew Gilkes (THU): 220 runs in this tournament 

Top Bowlers to Watch – SIX vs THU

• Jack Edwards (SIX): 14 wickets in this tournament 

• Daniel Sams (THU): 12 wickets in this tournament 

• Ben Dwarshuis (SIX): 11 wickets in this tournament 

SIX vs THU Recent Form

SIX vs THU Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1: If THU Bat First

• Powerplay Score: 35–40

• Predicted Total: 140–155

• Match Result: SIX to win

Scenario 2: If SIX bats first

• Powerplay Score: 40–50

• Predicted Total: 155–170

• Match Result: SIX to win

Who Will Hit the Most Sixes?

Who Will Hit the Most Fours?

SIX vs THU Predicted Playing XIs

Sydney Sixers

Steve Smith, Babar Azam, Josh Philippe (wk), Moises Henriques (c), Sam Curran, Lachlan Shaw, Jack Edwards, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Mitch Starc, Sean Abbott

Sydney Thunder 

Matthew Gilkes, Sam Konstas, Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings, Daniel Sams, David Willey, Cameron Green, Nic Maddinson, Tom Andrews, Ryan Hadley, Wes Agar

SIX vs THU Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win Today?

Based on current form, team balance, and superior bowling strength, the Sydney Sixers are the favourites to win this BBL match. Steve Smith, Babar Azam and Josh Philippe are expected to be the key performers.

SIX vs THU Match FAQs

The Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 is heading into its final phase, and all eyes will be on the Sydney Derby as Sydney Sixers host Sydney Thunder in Match 37 on Friday, January 16, at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground. With the last spot for the knockouts still undecided, the Sixers cannot afford a slip-up. A defeat could end their campaign, making this a virtual qualifier for Moises Henriques’ side. Determined to keep their playoff hopes alive, the Sixers will aim to approach the match aggressively and leave nothing to chance.

See Also: 5 Indian cricketers you didn’t know featured in the Under-19 World Cup ft. Cheteshwar Pujara

Sydney Thunder, in contrast, enter the clash with nothing to lose, having already been eliminated from playoff contention. The side will welcome the return of captain David Warner, who missed the previous game in which Sam Billings led them to a rare victory over Melbourne Renegades. Despite being out of the race, Thunder will be motivated to make life difficult for the Sixers and spoil their chances. While the match holds no immediate stakes for them, the team will aim to play with pride and challenge the Sixers on home turf.

BBL 2025-26, Match 37, SIX vs THU: Live Streaming Details

BBL 2025-26, Match 37, SIX vs THU: Probable Playing XI

Sydney Sixers

Steven Smith, Babar Azam, Josh Philippe (WK), Moises Henriques (C), Sam Curran, Lachlan Shaw, Jack Edwards, Mitchell Starc, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Sean Abbott

Sydney Thunder

Matthew Gilkes, Sam Konstas, David Warner (C), Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings (WK), Nic Maddinson, Daniel Sams, David Willey, Chris Green, Tom Andrews, Wes Agar

While Melbourne Cricket Ground is ready to host the usual Boxing Day Test, Australian stand-in captain for the last two Tests Steven Smith revealed the bowling combination for the fourth Test of the series.

It is going to be the last Test of 2025, while the hosts Australia have already secured the five-match Ashes Test series by winning the first three matches of the series. The visitors England will play the remainder of the Test series to get back some respect, while the Baggy Greens are ready to continue their domination, despite missing some of their key players.  

See Also: Shreyas Iyer to return in home ODI series against New Zealand? Know batter’s latest fitness update

We're going to be playing four quicks, no spinner: Aussie stand-in captain Steven Smith

Regular Aussie captain Pat Cummins and experienced off-spinner Nathan Lyon have been ruled out of the series due to injuries. One day before the beginning of the Melbourne Test, the Australian stand-in skipper Steven Smith clarified that they would go with four fast bowlers and no spinner for the upcoming match. The reason for the pace-heavy team is due to the condition of the pitch, where the green grass is furry.  

Smith said, "We landed on a 12. I want to just take a look at the wicket tomorrow. We're going to be playing four quicks, no spinner." 

The Australian stand-in skipper further commented on the present situation of the pitch by quoting, "10 mils of grass, quite furry, quite green. So, I dare say it's going to offer quite a bit. Particularly, I think tomorrow [will be] similar conditions [to] today, quite cold and overcast. So, yeah, I dare say there's going to be quite a bit of movement in that surface."

The maximum temperature for the first three days is expected to be 26 degrees, as the forecast is cooler for the Test match.  

In the second Test of the series, which was a day/night pink-ball Test at the Gabba in Brisbane, Australia went with four fast bowlers, while the experienced spinner Nathan Lyon was benched. Although Lyon returned to the third Test, his injury forced him to miss the last two Tests of the series. 

It's certainly nothing to do with Todd's skill: Steven Smith

The 25-year-old off-spinner Todd Murphy has replaced injured Lyon for the last two Tests of the series. However, Smith is unlikely to use Murphy for the Melbourne Test, only due to the seam-friendly pitch this summer. 

The opening day of the Ashes 2025-26 was full of action, as the pacers dominated on the pitch. Australian stand-in captain Steven Smith also failed on the first day as the English pacer Brydon Carse dismissed him. 

After England were bundled out for only 172 runs in the first Test of the series at Perth, the hosts Australia got a similar test, as the Aussie batters have struggled to score runs. 

Watch: Brydon Carse dismisses Usman Khawaja on 2 during 1st Ashes 2025/26 Test in Perth

Steven Smith batted at no.3

Stand-in skipper Steven Smith came to bat at number three, as the debutant opener Jake Weatherald was dismissed for a duck on the second ball of the innings. Due to spending much time out of the field during England’s rapid bundle out first innings, experienced opener Usman Khawaja had to wait more than 10 minutes before coming to bat. As Weatherald was dismissed early in the innings, Khawaja was still unable to bat, so Smith had to come to bat early.  

Australia took 28 balls to open the account, while already losing a wicket, as the account opened with a single from Steven Smith. The hosts started the third session of the opening day at 15/1, but both Labuschagne and Smith lost their wickets cheaply. 

Brydon Carse dismissed Steven Smith

After Jofra Archer took his second wicket of the match by dismissing Labuschagne for nine runs, the stand-in captain Steven Smith lost his wicket for 17 runs off 49 balls with two fours as Brydon Carse won that battle. 

It was the tight line, as the delivery got an extra bounce to surprise Smith. That delivery found a top edge to carry on the slip, and Harry Brook took a good catch at the second slip. It was a big wicket for England, as Australia were struggling at 30/3.  

A THIRD WICKET FOR ENGLAND 🙌

Steve Smith is OUT and Australia are wobbling! ❌

📺 Watch #TheAshes LIVE on TNT Sports and discovery+ pic.twitter.com/ZiH9yxoNhs

— Cricket on TNT Sports (@cricketontnt) November 21, 2025

Australia’s selection committee has decided to drop their young opening batter, Sam Konstas, for the opening Ashes 2025/26 Test against England at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Tasmania opener Jake Weatherald was handed his first international call-up in the 15-member squad, as Manus Labuschagne, dropped from the Caribbean series, is set to be recalled to the XI having made a stunning start in the domestic season for Queensland. 

Jake Weatherald had earned his place after scoring 1391 runs at an average of 53.50 at a strike rate of 68.65 opening the batting for Tasmania and the Australia A in the last 14 months. Cameron Green and fellow all-rounder, Beau Webster, have been named in the squad although it remains to be seen whether both will be part of the same eleven.

See Also: [WATCH] Yashasvi Jaiswal celebrates century in Ranji Trophy 2025-26 ahead of home Test series against South Africa

“I don't think there's any one innings, but there's been a good consistency, I think, in the way that he approaches his batting. I think he's in a really clear place. We don't see any sort of shifting innings to innings from the way he goes about it. So that says to me that he's someone who has a clear understanding of the way they want to play.” Austraia’s chairman of selectors, George Bailey, expressed.

Steve Smith to lead Australia in opening Ashes 2025/26 Test un Perth

Steve Smith will lead the side in the absence of Pat Cummins, who has been battling with a lumbar stress injury but will continue to train with the national side in Perth. Usman Khawaja is the only one of the squad who won’t play the upcoming Shield round. His adductor strain has made him a doubt for the opener.

Josh Inglis has been included as the reserve wicket-keeper and can also fill the role of the reserve batter having played as a specialist bat in three Tests this year. He will play in the fourth Shield game for WA against Queensland at the WACA from November 11.

Australia’s squad for first Ashes 2025/26 Test in Perth

Steven Smith (captain), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster