Sydney Thunder vs Sydney Sixers, 1st Match - Live Cricket Score, Commentary

Series: Big Bash League, 2015-16 Venue: Sydney Showground Stadium, Sydney Date & Time: Dec 17, 07:40 PM LOCAL

It's that time of the year again! Big Bash League (BBL) - Australia's premier domestic Twenty20 competition, returns for its fifth season, just in time as the selectors look to draft a probables list for next year's ICC World Twenty20 in India.

With an additional tinge of several international stars in the mix, BBL opens with a Sydney derby as underdogs Thunders square off against last year's runners-up Sixers on Thursday (December 17).

Gunning for a rare hat-trick of titles, reigning champions Perth Scorchers will begin their title defence against Adelaide Strikers on Monday.

Kevin Pietersen, Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene are among the bunch of international stalwarts who have signed up for the annual cricketing extravaganza, and are expected to be the center of attraction for the spectators and media alike. However, the powers that be, will keep a keen eye on the performances of the national players in the lead up to the limited-overs home series against India next month and the mega event scheduled for March-April 2016.