SYDNEY DERBY TO KICK OFF FIFTH EDITION OF BIG BASH

The fifth edition of the Big Bash kicks off on Thursday with one of the biggest clashes of the entire tournament, the Sydney Derby.

The Sixers, last year’s beaten finalists, and Thunder renew their rivalry with the added incentive of contesting the Ryan Carters Trophy.

Carter, who is joined in the Sixers’ squad by Michael Lumb and former Outlaw Ed Cowan, set up his Batting For Change charity in a bid to assist the education of disadvantaged women in cricket-playing nations.

For each six hit during the competition by a number of star names, a donation gets made to the charity with the aim of reaching $120,000 by the end of the tournament.

The Sixers lead the head-to-head record 7-0 and the Thunder, joined by Nottinghamshire Assistant Manager Wayne Noon for the winter, will be looking to begin their tournament with a victory in front of home support at the Spotless Stadium.

Away from Sydney and Friday’s match sees the Melbourne Stars, who are captained and coached by former Outlaws Dave Hussey and Stephen Fleming respectively, kick off their tournament with a trip to Adelaide to face the Strikers.

Peter Siddle’s Melbourne Renegades travel to Brisbane Heat in Saturday’s only clash before a double-header on Sunday sees the Sixers take on Hobart Hurricanes and the Stars clash with the Thunder.

Darren Sammy and Dan Christian, who both joined the Outlaws for white ball stints during the 2015 season, line up together with the Hurricanes.

The final team to play their first game of the season is the reigning champions, Perth Scorchers, who have Australian Test star Adam Voges in their ranks.

With numerous current and former Outlaws across the eight sides, the Australian T20 tournament will have a certain Nottinghamshire feel over the coming weeks. 

England are returning to the scene of their Ashes triumph in 2016 for Royal London One-Day Internationals against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Don't miss the opportunity to watch some of the best players in the world go toe-to-toe in the unique surroundings of Trent Bridge and secure your seats now.