Jack Edwards Rallies Sydney Sixers: 'No Time to Be Shy' Ahead of BBL Challenger Final Against Hobart Hurricanes

Sydney Sixers allrounder Jack Edwards has issued a rallying cry to his teammates ahead of their crucial BBL Challenger final against defending champions Hobart Hurricanes at the SCG. After a disappointing collapse against Perth Scorchers in the Qualifier, Edwards insists there's no room for timidity if the Sixers want to reach the BBL decider.

The Perth Setback: 'We Stuffed It Up'

The Sixers' path to the final hit a significant roadblock at Optus Stadium on Tuesday night. Despite restricting the Scorchers to a modest 146 on a challenging surface, the Sixers crumbled to 99 all out in their chase. At 63 for 3 in the ninth over, they appeared well-positioned before a catastrophic collapse of 7 for 36 ended their hopes of a direct route to the final.

Edwards himself was part of that collapse, bowled for a duck while attempting to create room against Cooper Connolly. The frustration was evident, with cameras capturing Steven Smith's visible disappointment at the non-striker's end. Smith, who had faced just three balls in the powerplay, was later dismissed by rising star Mahli Beardman for 37—a rare failure following his exceptional scores of 100 off 42 balls and 54 from 40 earlier in the tournament.

"Yeah, we stuffed it up a bit, but we don't want that to take away from the game we want to play tomorrow night. If it requires us to chase 190 or 200 we've got to play fearlessly, so there's no reason to go shy now."

Mitchell Starc's Availability Boosts Sixers' Hopes

In encouraging news for Sydney supporters, the Sixers are confident Mitchell Starc will be available for the Challenger final despite landing heavily on his left shoulder during the Perth match. The Australian quick was able to complete his spell at good pace, suggesting the injury is not serious.

Starc's presence in the bowling attack adds significant firepower to a Sixers side already boasting impressive bowling depth, and his availability could prove decisive against a Hurricanes batting lineup that will be eager to set a challenging total.

Beyond Smith: Edwards Emphasizes Collective Responsibility

While Steven Smith has been the Sixers' standout performer this season, Edwards stressed the importance of the entire squad stepping up when called upon.

"Every game throws different challenges your way. Steve might get out early this game and we've got to step up. We started the season slowly but then turned it around and got the momentum going our way for when Steve did join us. Everyone stood up at different times and I'm sure that will happen again tomorrow night."

Hobart captain Ben McDermott offered a wry observation on Smith's form:

"One thing that is in our favour is that he is probably due to fail at some point."

Edwards' Breakout Season: From Non-Bowler to Team of the Tournament

One of the most remarkable storylines of the BBL season has been Jack Edwards' evolution as a bowling allrounder. Having not bowled in his first four BBL seasons, the 26-year-old has emerged as the Sixers' leading wicket-taker with 17 wickets at an average of 17.64 and an economy rate of 7.89—performances that earned him a place in the team of the tournament and an Australia call-up for the T20Is in Pakistan.

"I think I've gotten better year on year. I've only really been bowling in the Big Bash for the last three seasons. Moises [Henriques] has asked some different roles of me this year. It's been nice to be thrown in those challenging positions."

Edwards credited his bowling development to working alongside seasoned campaigners including Trent Copeland, Jackson Bird, Chris Tremain, Sean Abbott, and Ben Dwarshuis. His batting instincts have also proved valuable on the bowling crease.

"I'm a batter when I was younger, so I kind of know what they're thinking a little bit. And having Moises at mid-off as the captain, he's been a massive help for me, he's always backed me and challenged me to get better."

Joel Davies: The Young Spinner Making Waves

Alongside Edwards, 22-year-old left-arm spinner Joel Davies has been a revelation for the Sixers. With 12 wickets at an average of 12.58 and an exceptional economy rate of 5.80, Davies has shown composure beyond his years.

"I think the thing that stands out is his composure for such a young guy. He doesn't seem flustered at all at times. He's bowled to some big names and some tough overs and has just taken it head-on… it seems like he's played a lot more games than what he has."

The Sixers' young middle order, featuring Lachlan Shaw (who has already represented Australia A) and Davies alongside Edwards, has shown promise despite the Perth setback. Edwards himself has struck at an impressive 182.53 this season.

Hurricanes Face Fitness Concerns

Hobart Hurricanes, who secured their spot in the Challenger final with a Knockout victory over Melbourne Stars, face their own anxieties heading into the match. Captain Nathan Ellis missed the Stars fixture with "hamstring awareness," while key allrounder Chris Jordan is nursing a calf niggle that may have been aggravated during the knockout game.

"Obviously we'll see with Nelly and Chris how they pull up and then they'll undergo testing tomorrow. We'll just see how we go. I'm not too sure of the guys' status. Hopefully we get our best team out there, that's all I really care about. If they're no good, they're no good."

What Lies Ahead for Jack Edwards

Regardless of how the Sixers' season concludes, Edwards' future looks bright. His IPL auction success—earning an AU$495,000 deal with Sunrisers Hyderabad—underscores his rising profile in T20 cricket. He will head straight to Pakistan when the BBL season ends for the three-match T20I series in Lahore, having briefly been part of the ODI squad earlier in the Australian summer.

Looking Forward: SCG Showdown

The Challenger final at the SCG represents a second chance for the Sixers after their Perth disappointment. With home advantage, the potential return of a fully fit Starc, and the fearless mentality Edwards is advocating, the Sixers will fancy their chances against a Hurricanes side dealing with injury concerns to key players.

For the defending champions Hobart, the task is clear: contain Smith, exploit any remaining nerves in the young Sixers middle order, and book their place in back-to-back BBL finals. The winner advances to the decider, while the loser's season ends.

As Edwards put it, there's no time to be shy. In knockout cricket, fortune favors the bold.