Big Bash Match Previews & Tips – 8th & 9th January

This is a rematch of Wednesday nights game.

The Strikers batted first and the Renegades were doing a good job with the ball until a late flurry of runs from Ryan Gibson and Jake Weatherald took the Strikers total to 171.  A total that I thought was very reachable on the batting friendly Adelaide Oval.

Aaron Finch’s run of bad luck continued – he was caught down the leg side for a duck.  However a 67 run partnership from youngsters Sam Harper and Mackenzie Harvey took the Renegades to a winning position at 1 for 67.

What followed was extraordinary, wicket after wicket tumbled and the men in red were all out for 111.

The Renegades are simply no longer a betting proposition but at the same time taking short odds Adelaide, a mediocre side at best, seems fraught with danger.

Electing to have a small bet on Alex Carey to make the most runs for the Strikers.  Carey has made 10 or more runs in 19 of his last 20 BBL innings.  He is ultra consistent and represents a touch of value at $4.

The Perth Scorchers come into this one with a full head of steam.  They demolished the top of the table Sixers on Wednesday night in front of a home crowd to make it three wins in a row.  Colin Munro again fired with the bat and Mitch Marsh closed the innings with a hard hitting 50.  That was terrific knock.

The Thunder were back in the winners stall against the Hurricanes on Thursday night.  Alex Hales again got them off to a flyer and Usman Khawaja down the other end made a return to form with 49.  He would have been frustrated that he was not able to convert that into a bigger score.  The Thunder subsequently lost quick wickets through the middle before the returning Alex Ross made an important 44.  Ben Cutting also in the runs with a handy 31 off 14.

In reply the Hurricanes made a fast start with the bat but a good spell from Nathan McAndrew removed both openers and the Hurricanes continued to lose wickets from there.  The Thunder running out 39 run winners and in doing so returned to the top of the table.

I think the market has this one right with the Scorchers a slight favourite.  A no bet game – happy to sit back and watch.

Adelaide Strikers v Melbourne Renegades – .5 Unit | Alex Carey Most Runs Adelaide Strikers @ $4 (Tab)

Starting Bank: 100 Units

Current Bank:  92.28 Units

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