Reigning Big Bash League (BBL) champions the Sydney Sixers have announced the re-signing of four players from last year’s winning squad, including wicketkeeper Brad Haddin.

Stephen O’Keefe, Moises Henriques and Josh Hazlewood will also return for the second BBL installment this summer along with new comers batsman Kurtis Patterson and fast bowler Josh Lalor.

Sixers top scorer, Haddin, and player of the year, Henriques, will ensure the batting stocks are strong with NSW captain and all-rounder O’Keefe also back for another crack at the trophy.

“We are looking to retain a number of players from our first season as well as add to some of the areas we thought we may have needed to,” general manager Stuart Clark said in a statement on Wednesday.

“These six guys represent what the Sixers embody; fun, fast, energetic and exciting.

“Our final squad will be a cracker and obviously we are looking to be the first BBL team to ever go back to back.”

The Sixers will finalise their playing roster in the coming week and are hopeful of retaining speedster Brett Lee, while West Indian spinner Sunil Narine looks set to join the men in magenta.

The Sixers will take on cross-town rivals the Sydney Thunder in the season opener on December 8 at the SCG.