The second leg of the double header of action in the Big Bash League on Thursday sees the defending champions Melbourne Renegades looking for their first win of the campaign when they front up to the Sydney Sixers.
Things have not hit crisis point for the Renegades just yet but they can’t afford another defeat if they can help it. Should the Thunder lose earlier in the day, the Sixers could go level with the top of the pile should they win this match, so that is an incentive for them for sure.
Melbourne Renegades
If you had said that the defending champions would play four matches this season and not win any of them, I would probably have called you a little mad, but that is the fate that has befallen them. With the extra spot in the playoffs this year, it isn’t a complete disaster that they have started this badly but you’ve got to think they will need to win seven of their last 10 matches and they could do with beginning that run here.
The problem that the Renegades have is that they haven’t really convinced with the bat or the ball and when they have gone well with one they have been horrendous with the other and vice versa. The time has come to at least put together consistent performances, whether that results in a win or not. They need to deliver a complete batting innings and then back it up with a strong effort for all 20 overs in the field.
Sydney Sixers
It has been an up and down campaign for the Sydney Sixers but ultimately with the help of a Super Over win in their previous match against the Sydney Thunder, they are ahead on the ledger and a win here would set them up very strongly for the second-half of the season. Defeat wouldn’t be the end of the world but if they are going to make the postseason and give themselves a better opportunity of the title, they will need to put some consistent results together soon.
Whenever the Sydney Sixers play I always think they are a batsman light. Tom Curran has overcome that for them in recent matches but I wonder if long term he is a profitable option in that regard. The positive side of the Sixers performances this season has been with the ball, where in the main they have controlled the opposition throughout. If that can continue then they have a good chance this season.
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Team News
The Melbourne Renegades have been forced into a change to their squad with Harry Gurney having headed back to England for his brother’s wedding. He is replaced by Tom Andrews although it is likely to be Joe Mennie who comes into the side.
The Sydney Sixers have been forced into a couple of changes with Sean Abbott out injured and Hayden Kerr not up to the mark. Steve O’Keefe is back from illness while Mickey Edwards is also picked again. Moises Henriques’ wife is close to delivering their child and he is on standby so could miss out.
Betting
I’m expecting a low scoring contest here, one which the Melbourne Renegades should really win with the injuries that the Sydney Sixers have but I would be much happier taking the team in red if they had Harry Gurney in their ranks. Their bowling could be a little light in his absence which is something of a concern it has to be said. I will take one bet though, and that comes in the form of another Englishman.
The performance line of Tom Curran for this match is 36.5 which looks a little on the low side when in four of the five matches he has played he has covered it with ease. In the last two matches in just batting and bowling alone he has made up scores of 63pts and 75pts. I’m not convinced the Renegades have the batting depth to keep his death bowling at bay and at the same time I don’t think the Renegades have enough death bowling to keep his batting in check. That makes me think he’ll cover this line.
Tips
Back T.Curran’s Performance – Over 36.5pts for a 4/10 stake at 1.83 with Bet365
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