The Sydney Thunder will take to the field for the first time since star import Fazalhaq Farooqi was sacked, when they face the Brisbane Heat in a must-win clash on Tuesday night.
The proud Sydney club have endured a BBL campaign from hell in just four games, and currently sit last on the ladder with only one win.
There was drama pre-tournament with David Warner’s botched bid to potentially be named Thunder captain despite his lifetime Cricket Australia ban.
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And then the squad hit a record low in one of the most embarrassing T20 displays of all time, as they were all out for just 15 against the Strikers.
They lost skipper Jason Sangha – likely for the remainder of the tournament – in a cruel injury blow, as he broke his collarbone while fielding in the loss to the Melbourne Renegades.
But the drama didn’t stop there with revelations Farooqi – one of the side’s best in trying times, had been sent home to Afghanistan after alleged harassment towards female cricketing staff.
Tuesday’s clash with the Heat, the first of back-to-back matches against the Brisbane outfit, will be the Thunder’s first since Farooqi’s shock departure was made public.
Teammates are still reportedly in the dark over why the 22-year-old was handed his marching orders after four games.
Despite CA beginning an investigation into an incident from December 15, Farooqi was able to play in the Thunder’s next three games before the call was made last Friday to send him home.
While the Thunder’s woes are well documented, the Heat head into the Sydney Showgrounds clash in a similar form slump – also with just one win this campaign.
They’ll be without James Bazley (hamstring soreness) for the match up with the Thunder, with Spencer Johnson joining the 13-man squad.
‘Tidy up a few areas of attitude…’ | 01:00
TEAMS
To be announced at the toss
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