Thunder find calm after lengthy storm

One of the biggest concerns when the KFC Big Bash League was established was the ability, or not, for teams to create a genuine, and long-term, fan base.

Cricket - so often perceived as one for the traditionalists, as a sport which placed such high value in records accumulated over decades of achievement, and one that revelled in nostalgia - was breaking into new territory. 

Its success relied on a new target audience no one was quite sure even existed. It was a gamble. 

For two of the country's biggest states steeped in cricketing history, Victoria and New South Wales, the task was that much larger. 

They weren't just creating a new team under a different banner, they were being sawn in half and split in two. 

Inevitably when two teams are borne from one city, a seemingly equal split is never actually that. One is stronger, the other the outcast. 

Quick Single: Thunder may receive timely finals boost

Manchester United versus Manchester City. Real Madrid versus Atlético Madrid. New York Yankees versus New York Mets. Melbourne Stars versus Melbourne Renegades. Sydney Sixers versus Sydney Thunder. 

One team gets the iconic sporting venue, the traditional fan base, the high quality players, as well as the media attention and prestige to go with it. 

At least Melbourne's second BBL team were savvy enough to be in on the joke, ‘renegade' meaning ‘to desert or betray an organisation'. 

For the Sydney Thunder, it has been a long and rocky road. 

With the BBL now in its fifth year, the lime green team finished last in the first three seasons, climbing to the heady heights of second-last in the tournament's fourth edition last season. 

Now, at the fifth time of asking, they are on the cusp of the semi-finals. 

The Sixers, arch rivals and big brother extraordinaire, won the inaugural BBL. 

They now languish at the foot of the table, their season disrupted by injuries and the unavailability of star players called away for national duty. 

Revenge is sweet. 

Revenge in the Sixers' own back yard, the SCG, is sweeter still.  

For Thunder captain Mike Hussey, aka Mr Cricket, the turnaround has been building for some years - its emergence coming first off-field and now, finally, on it.

"There are lots of factors," said Hussey, having scored 41 in a Thunder innings that involved not one, but many hefty contributions from different players with both bat and ball. 

WATCH: Hussey farewells the SCG in style

"We had to get the off-field stuff sorted out first and I think that Nick Cummins [the Thunder's CEO] has done a great job with that."

By New Years Eve the Thunder had cantered to three wins from three, just two wins less than they had mustered in total across the previous four seasons. Already both Cummins and South African head coach Paddy Upton were being singled out as instigators of the revival. 

"That's really important - you get the backroom staff doing things properly first. I think that that's been excellent and then it was a case of getting things right on the field," Hussey said.

"We've tried to develop a culture of a good work ethic. Obviously bringing good players to the club and developing players, but also good characters - that's been a big focus in the philosophy as well. 

"We've got some really good people around. Hopefully we've got something that can have sustained success for a while."

Culture and longevity - these are the key ingredients for Hussey, who has publicly stated that this season's BBL will be his last, in Thunder attire or otherwise. 

That might be the case on the pitch, but as with the other elder statesmen of the team, Watson and Kallis included, Hussey is in it for the long haul.

"I'd like to stay involved," said Hussey, when asked of his intention to play a part in the future of the club. 

"I've been talking to Nick Cummins about hopefully being involved, not in any specific role but making sure that we're getting the right people in the right seats, and hopefully just keep the club going forwards.  

"That's what it's all about. I'd hate to leave and things go backwards. I'm very confident that they won't. We've got some good things in place."

In the BBL's sister tournament, the Rebel Women's Big Bash League, the two top of the table teams aren't the ones with the big name superstars, but those that have shown strength in depth, relying not on one but many players to perform. 

In return they have achieved a consistency that their rivals have lacked, and became the first two teams to qualify for the semi-finals.

"We've got match-winners all the way through with bat and ball," agrees Shane Watson, who had previously enjoyed stints with both the Sixers and Brisbane Heat before being drafted into the Thunder by Cummins. 

WATCH: Watson blasts another Big Bash fifty

"To be able to get the calibre of players that we've got means that we've got a really good environment and it's going to continue to go that way. So it's an exciting time for the people in and around."

After the Melbourne Stars demolition of the Perth Scorchers last night, the Thunder will have to wait until Monday's match between the Melbourne Renegades and Adelaide Strikers before they are sure of a finals spot. 

Still, Watson is sanguine about the Thunder's season, semi-finals or not. 

"In the end it will be a big improvement," said Watson. 

"We are only going to continue to get better with the quality of players that we have and that we continue to attract as well. 

"So no matter what, it's been an exciting ear and it's going to continue to be that as well."