Big Bash Match Previews & Tips – 4th & 5th January

After a strong start to the competition the Melbourne Stars have now lost 3 in a row and are in danger of dropping out of the top 5.

They were cruising in their run chase at 3 for 112 when these two teams met on Jan 2 before losing 6 for 26 to slump to 9/138.  Eventually falling 21 runs short of the Hurricanes total.  Glenn Maxwell was again the shinning light for the Stars with a match high of 70.

That win took the Hurricanes to second place on the BBL table and a win here can move them into the top spot.  So they too have plenty to play for.

However the Stars will be desperate to win to avoid slipping further behind.  They will regain Adam Zampa who returns to the side after serving a one match suspension and will have an extra batter after they were forced to sub Nic Maddinson out with a rolled ankle 5 overs into the game on Saturday night.

Backing the Stars in the head to head market.

The Heat have won 2 of their past 3 matches (it should of been 3 from 3) and are now a realistic chance of making finals with the imminent return of Chris Lynn.

Englishman Joe Denly has joined the Heat squad and fills a void at number 3 in the Heat order.  The Heat have looked unstable at times and I think he can anchor the innings and give the rest something to bat around.

The Thunder are ticking along very nicely and currently sit on top of the table.  Alex Hales is in rare form with the bat and is a crucial wicket for the Heat if they are to get the points against the Thunder.

An important factor here is that this is only the Thunders 2nd game away from Canberra this season.  The Gabba wicket is much quicker and bouncier than Manuka Oval and whilst the Thunder batters will likely enjoy batting on it, it is a different challenge for their bowlers.  Especially for the spinners Sangha and Green who they rely heavily on to keep the game tight through the middle overs.

I think the Thunder have been priced as if the game was at Manuka (Canberra) and therefore the Heat represent value here at $2.25.

The Melbourne Renegades and Adelaide Strikers will meet for the first time this season on Tuesday evening.

The Renegades are having another season to forget and suffered another heavy loss to the Scorchers in Perth in their last game.

The Strikers have some issues of their own and will be looking to avoid 3 losses in a row.  They have lacked consistency with the bat and have been heavily reliant on Alex Carey and Jono Wells in recent times to resurrect their innings after the loss of early wickets.

Despite the Renegades recent form Adelaide look poison odds here at $1.68.  The Renegades still have a number of world class players in their side and the addition of Prestwidge has sharpened up their bowling stocks.

Backing the Renegades at the price.

Hobart Hurricanes v Melbourne Stars – 1.5 Units | Melbourne Stars @ $2.00

Brisbane Heat v Sydney Thunder – 1 Unit | Brisbane Heat @ $2.25

Adelaide Strikers v Melbourne Renegades – 1.5 Units | Melbourne Renegades @2.25

Overall: – 10.43 Units

*Please note the maximum outlay on a single outcome is 2.5 units