We are back down to one match in the Big Bash League on Tuesday as the reigning champions Melbourne Renegades take to the field of play once more. They host the Hobart Hurricanes in what is becoming a clash which could determine the outcome of the wooden spoon.
It goes without saying that this hasn’t been the season either of these teams were hoping for when it started but that is what they have delivered. Neither of these two will be around when the postseason begins, but one can make their campaign look a little more respectable here.
Melbourne Renegades
It took them an absolute age for them to get their first win, and in true London bus style, ironically for a team who wear red, once one came along a second one followed soon after. The current champions know they won’t be successfully defending their title but they could pick up a third straight win, which at the very least would suggest that the hard work they have put into this campaign went in the right place.
The key to the turnaround to the Renegades has been their batting. They are now delivering for the full 20 overs and posting scores that are challenging, and perhaps more importantly, taking momentum into the second innings with them. All too often this term they have gone well for long periods but faded fast and given up the baton to their opponents. You get the impression we’ll see a good end to the campaign from them.
Hobart Hurricanes
I wouldn’t say this season was ever going to plan for the Hobart Hurricanes but I think it is fair to say it has nosedived quite dramatically. We all know the reasons for that, and injuries are always unfortunate, but it might suggest they were not strong enough in the first place. It is hard to see what options they have with regards to finishing the season with a flourish. Just seeing where their next win is coming from is tough.
In theory, the Hurricanes should be decent enough with the bat. I wouldn’t say they are the best side in the competition or anything like that, but their top five all have international recognition when everyone is available. Where they are clearly lacking is with the ball, and that is something that will need to change. Going into next season they either need to find some options to move forward with in these last few matches, or acquire some in the off season.
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Team News
The Melbourne Renegades have made the one change to their squad for this match with seamer Joe Mennie making way. He has been replaced by the all-rounder Nathan McSweeney although you would think the Renegades would be unchanged.
Despite four defeats in their last four completed matches, the Hobart Hurricanes have named an unchanged squad for this match. The simple truth to the matter is that they probably don’t have many other options.
Betting
The league table might not yet show it but I believe the Melbourne Renegades are the better of the two sides and I believe that this match will showcase that. Although the Renegades are below their opponents in the table, they are the ones on the up having won their last two matches, compared to the slump that the Hobart Hurricanes have got themselves into, and I expect that form to play itself out here.
When these two sides met in Hobart, the Renegades were in a great position 13 overs into their innings, but then collapsed as they did so often in the first half of the campaign. The three big performers for the Hurricanes in that match were D’Arcy Short, James Faulkner and Riley Meredith and none of them will be available here. The Renegades are finally playing like we would expect them to and I think they win this one.
Tips
Back Melbourne Renegades to beat Hobart Hurricanes for a 4/10 stake at 1.83 with Betfair
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