Sydney to Hobart yacht race, Sydney Thunder, Sydney Sixers part of Christmas sporting feast

They are stars of the BBL but these cricketers got a taste of a big bash of a different kind when they hitched a ride on a Sydney to Hobart mauler chasing victory in the famous classic.

The cricketers aboard the supermaxi Willow before the Sydney to Hobart. Pic: Supplied

When the Sydney to Hobart fleet starts its rock and roll racing south on Boxing Day, all-rounder Hayden Kerr will be preparing to take the field.

When the majority of the fleet is romping across Bass Strait, Chris Green will be warming up for Sydney Thunder.

And while both enjoyed their salt water training ride on the Sydney to Hobart overall contender Willow, owned and skippered by Jim Cooney, they admit they are at their best back on terra firma.

“That was awesome. I’ve never had an experience like that before,’’ Kerr said after his cross training session.

"It was a bit unstable. I think I am probably more comfortable on firmer ground.’’

Up, up and away. The pair get a birds eye view of the supermaxi. Pic: Supplied

Green said his biggest concern on the ocean racer was not getting hit on the head, while finding similarities between sailing and cricket.

“The Willow crew threw us straight into the deep end. I’m six four foot and there are a lot of moving parts. I didn't want to break anything or hit my head,’’ he said.

The cricketers were put to work on the Sydney to Hobart racer. Pic: Supplied

“It was: interesting to see how many variables there are, how they adapt on the fly. T20 is also high pressure and you have to slow it down in your head as well. I saw that on the boat.’’

While 1000 plus Australian and international sailors test themselves in the famous bluewater classic, our top cricketers will be on the pitch in three big BBL games in Sydney in a post Christmas feast of sport.

The Sixers are playing the Melbourne Stars at the SCG on Boxing Day just hours after the race begins at 1pm on Sydney Harbour.

Jim Cooney’s Willow is a contender for the overall honours.

Thunder then meet Brisbane Heat at Sydney Showground Stadium on December 27 with the Sixers back at the at SCG on December 28 against the Renegades.

The Sixers got the job done in Thursday night’s rain-affected match, beating the Hurricanes by six runs for their first win of the season.

“It was a brilliant win and at a really good time for us leading into a few home games,’’ Kerr said.

“We always have confidence and the belief was there. But the results were just not going our way. We are in the business of winning and this shows the hard work pays off.’’

Green is hoping Thunder can taste success against Brisbane Heat.

The players doing some cross training ahead of their post Christmas matches.

“We have had a disappointing start to the tournament but we are growing in confidence ,’’ he said.

“I personally hate loosing but there are positives we can draw on.

“Against Heat we know we have to be on our A game and apply what we have learned and back our ability.

“I think the biggest positive has been our bowling. I think from a batting point of view it;s about having more consistent partnership in the middle.

“Those are the fundamentals of T20 cricket.’’