THE EXCITEMENT and big hitting brilliance of the Big Bash League is set to return to the Coffs Coast next week, when the Sydney Sixers take on the Brisbane Heat on Wednesday, 3 January at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium.

This summer’s game is a rematch of last season’s Challenger Final, which the Heat won by four wickets before losing to the Perth Scorchers in the Final.

Both the Sixers and Heat had won their first two matches they had played to start the current season before NOTA went to print.

The two teams were scheduled to play off on New Year’s Day at The Gabba, before facing off two days later in Coffs Harbour.

Last season’s BBL match in Coffs Harbour saw the Sixers have a 59-run win against the Adelaide Strikers, highlighted by Steve Smith’s phenomenal innings of 101 from 56 balls.

This season’s match will be the fourth time the Sixers have played in Coffs Harbour, having also played against the Adelaide Strikers in 2023 and 2020, and the Perth Scorchers in 2022.

Sixers opener Josh Philippe will be playing in Coffs Harbour for the fourth time, and could not wait to get back and have a bash in front of a passionate Coffs crowd.

“I think we always have good support and a good fan base up there, it’s a nice change and we always enjoy coming up to Coffs,” he said.

“It’s a beautiful batting wicket which generally has a lot of runs, so hopefully I can get a score up there.”

Philippe highlighted the importance of the Sixers taking the Big Bash to a regional area such as Coffs Harbour.

“It’s nice to spread cricket around NSW, and not all games we play are sell outs, so it’s great to come to Coffs Harbour and play in front of a packed crowd and give people in regional areas a chance to see us.”

Wednesday night’s match between the Sixers and Heat gets underway from 6.05pm.

By Aiden BURGESS