The second match in the Big Bash League double header on Wednesday sees two of the top three in the table in action when the Perth Scorchers host the Melbourne Stars in the pick of the two games over the course of the day.
Perth Scorchers are putting a nice run together at the right time, but they will be tested to the full here against a Melbourne Stars side who have looked ominously good throughout the tournament to date, and could have more to come.
Perth Scorchers
The Perth Scorchers have run into some excellent form at present, with three successive wins to propel them up to third place but this match is going to be a challenge on two fronts. Not only are the Melbourne Stars daunting opponents, but this will be the Scorchers’ third game in five days and they have had to do a lot of travelling in that time, so it wouldn’t be the biggest surprise in the world if they are unable to perform at their best.
The catalyst for their upturn in form has been their batsmen finding form and getting the job done. Their top five have all been in good touch and there is nothing like big top order runs in this format, especially when they come as aggressively as they do with the openers that they have. They have held their nerve together well with the ball recently too and they know how to win this competition so the Scorchers shouldn’t be ruled out.
Melbourne Stars
The Melbourne Stars have been quite brilliant this season and they look to be getting better as well which is a concern for the rest of the sides in the division. Their batting had been doing just enough in their matches but it exploded into life last time out when they piled up the runs and only lost one wicket. If that improvement continues here then the Scorchers are going to be in a bit of trouble, because the Stars are bang on it.
One of the big things about their batting improvement is that it hasn’t come at the detriment of their bowling resources or quality. If anything they are getting better with the ball too so right now you have to say the Stars are looking like tournament winners all ends up. They have looked this good before though and not delivered the title. That might not be good for the rest however as it is only likely to motivate the Stars further.
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Team News
The Perth Scorchers have made one change to their squad for this match with Jaron Morgan coming into it in replace of Liam Guthrie. You get the impression that it will be an unchanged XI lining up for the contest though.
The Melbourne Stars also make one change to their squad with former Perth Scorchers star Nathan Coulter-Nile returning to face his previous side. He comes in for Jonathan Merlo and is likely to go straight into the team as well.
Betting
I fancy the Melbourne Stars to win this match but they are pretty short and even though they could be absolutely shattered the Perth Scorchers merit respect in this game, especially in conditions which should suit them. The other thing to start to factor into the equation is potential complacency from the Stars players now that they are a fair amount clear of the rest of the competition. I will go for one bet though which comes in the side markets.
That comes in the sixes line where we have a requirement of 12.5. I fully expect that to be covered on a ground where we’ve seen all summer the wicket is in good nick and we knew all along that the straight boundaries are more than accessible. Both these sides have plenty of hitters in their ranks and they each have bowlers who pitch the ball up and could easily go the distance. We should be in for a quality match here and one of the reasons for that is the six hitting potential in it. I’ll play the over here.
Tips
Back Over 12.5 sixes for a 6/10 stake at 1.83 with Coral
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