The Sydney Sixers enter the 12th edition of the Women’s Big Bash League, running from 29th October to 5th December 2026, as one of the competition’s most accomplished sides but with an unfamiliar question hanging over their top order. Led by Ashleigh Gardner, the Sixers finished second in WBBL 11 with 13 points from 10 games, six wins, three defeats and a washout, before falling 11 runs short against Sophie Devine’s Perth Scorchers in the Challenger on 11th December 2025.
Two-time champions and three-time runners-up, the Sixers possess an elite all-round core in Gardner, Ellyse Perry and Amelia Kerr, but Alyssa Healy’s retirement and Maddy Darke’s injury have created a rare vulnerability behind the stumps and at the top of the order.
Sydney Sixers squad for WBBL 2026
Caoimhe Bray, Maitlan Brown, Erin Burns, Alice Capsey, Lauren Cheatle, Sarah Coyte, Sophia Dunkley, Ashleigh Gardner, Elsa Hunter, Amelia Kerr, Grace Lyons, Frankie Nicklin, Eva Ragg, Ellyse Perry, Courtney Sippel
Sydney Sixers SWOT Analysis
Pre-Season Build-up
Peter Clarke takes over as head coach after Matthew Mott’s move to the Sixers’ men’s programme. Clarke arrives with momentum, having guided the NSW Breakers to last season’s WNCL final in his first campaign in charge, and he inherits a squad that filled all eight permitted list spots before the embargo period.
The most significant change is Healy’s retirement from all cricket, which removes a generational opener and wicketkeeper. Maddy Darke was recruited from the Perth Scorchers on a multi-year deal to help fill that void, but a stress fracture will rule her out of the entire WBBL 12. ACT Meteors keeper Grace Lyons has been signed in her place, while Alice Capsey offers another potential keeping option after joining from the Melbourne Renegades.
Sophia Dunkley’s return strengthens the batting group after her standout maiden season in magenta, while experienced bowler Sarah Coyte arrives from the Renegades and Eva Ragg completes the list following her involvement with the Sydney Thunder in this year’s T20 Spring Challenge.
Strengths: Lethal All-Round Core
The Sixers’ greatest asset is a trio capable of influencing matches with bat, ball and leadership. Amelia Kerr brings balance as a genuine all-rounder, with 1,027 WBBL runs at a strike rate of 117.37 and an average of 23.88, alongside 84 wickets at 20.63 and an economy of 6.67. Her leg-spin can control the middle overs, while her batting adds flexibility through the order.
Ashleigh Gardner enters her second season as Sixers captain after an exceptional WBBL 11, where her 19 wickets at 14.94 and an economy of 7.67 made her the joint leading wicket-taker alongside Georgia Wareham. She is already the Sixers’ leading wicket-taker with 121 scalps at 22.04, and her 2,750 runs at a strike rate of 120.40 underline her value as a power-hitting all-rounder.
Ellyse Perry remains the heartbeat of the side. The highest run-scorer in Sixers history amassed 412 runs at 51.50 and a strike rate of 141.09 in WBBL 11, including a century and two fifties. With 5,101 WBBL runs at an average of 49.04, Perry’s experience, consistency and ability to anchor or accelerate make her indispensable.
Areas of Concern: Question Marks Over the Opening Slot
Sophia Dunkley is likely to open again after scoring 354 runs at 39.33 and a strike rate of 125.08 last season, but her partner at the top remains unresolved following Healy’s departure. Perry is expected to move to No. 3, leaving Amelia Kerr and Elsa Hunter among the candidates to open alongside Dunkley.
Kerr offers experience and versatility, though opening would represent a significant role change. Hunter, meanwhile, has 861 T20I runs for Malaysia but only 41 WBBL runs from five innings, making her an unproven option at this level. Getting the opening combination right will be crucial to giving Perry and the middle order stable platforms.
Opportunities: Another Chance for Caoimhe Bray to make her mark
Caoimhe Bray has a major opportunity to establish herself as a long-term Sixers asset. The 17-year-old has already taken 18 WBBL wickets at 21.22 with an economy of 7.20, including a four-wicket haul, while contributing 60 runs at a strike rate of 120. With additional responsibility likely in a transitional squad, Bray can use WBBL 12 to showcase her all-round potential. Her 37 runs from three innings in the recent T20 Spring Challenge suggest growing confidence, and consistent performances could make her an important bowling option alongside Lauren Cheatle, Maitlan Brown, Sarah Coyte, and Courtney Sippel.
Threats: Lack of Frontline Wicket-Keeping Options
The absence of Healy and Darke leaves Grace Lyons as the only frontline wicketkeeper in the squad. The 21-year-old is yet to make her WBBL debut and scored 65 runs in four innings for the ACT Meteors in the T20 Spring Challenge, with a best of 40.
That inexperience could prove costly in high-pressure knockout scenarios, particularly if injuries or form issues force a change. Alice Capsey, who recently developed her keeping skills with England, provides a backup, but relying on a part-time option would disrupt a batting order already adapting to Healy’s absence. Capsey’s 784 WBBL runs and 43 wickets make her a valuable X-factor, yet her primary value should remain as an all-rounder rather than a specialist keeper. The Sixers have the star power to challenge for a third WBBL title, but their season may depend on how quickly their new opening pair settles and whether Lyons can handle the keeping burden.
Sydney Sixers schedule for WBBL 2026
30th October 2026 (Friday): Match 3: Vs Brisbane Heat. Allen Border Field, Brisbane. 1:40 PM IST.
1st November 2026 (Sunday): Match 7: Vs Hobart Hurricanes. Drummoyne Oval, Sydney. 1:40 PM IST.
6th November 2026 (Friday): Match 12: Vs Melbourne Stars. Junction Oval, Melbourne. 1:40 PM IST.
8th November 2026 (Sunday): Match 15: Vs Sydney Thunder. North Sydney Oval, Sydney. 8:10 AM IST.
12th November 2026 (Thursday): Match 20: Vs Melbourne Renegades. Junction Oval, Melbourne. 1:40 PM IST.
15th November 2026 (Sunday): Match 23: Vs Melbourne Renegades. North Sydney Oval, Sydney. 5:30 AM IST.
17th November 2026 (Tuesday): Match 25: Vs Adelaide Strikers. Karen Rolton Oval, London. 1:40 PM IST.
21st November 2026 (Saturday): Match 30: Vs Perth Scorchers. North Sydney Oval, Sydney. 10 AM IST.
26th November 2026 (Thursday): Match 35: Vs Melbourne Stars. North Sydney Oval, Sydney. 1:40 PM IST.
28th November 2026 (Saturday): Match 38: Vs Sydney Thunder. Drummoyne Oval, Sydney. 1:40 PM IST.
I am Yash Tailor, and I believe work should be driven by passion. Therefore, after completing my Engineering, I chose to work in the Cricket industry, my passion. My goal is to reach a stage where I truly enjoy what I do and give my best to every task with energy and purpose.