The Big Bash League is back from the latest ODI break on Friday and it is back with a bang as the table topping Brisbane Heat host the Melbourne Renegades who are desperately seeking a win which will give them a chance of making the semi-finals.
Brisbane Heat know they will play a semi-final whether they win or lose here but the Renegades have to win to have any chance of qualifying. They would then need one of Saturday’s results to go their way.
Brisbane Heat
The Heat were given a good lift after their defeat to the Perth Scorchers when they comfortably beat the Melbourne Stars last time out. To do that without their two best batsman was a credit to both the quality they have in their dressing room not to mention the team spirit and that should serve them well here.
The Heat don’t possess stacks of decent bowlers but the ones they do have are starting to get the job done with more consistency and that is all anyone can ask for. The task will be to keep it going for what they hope will be three more matches and it could yet be them regaining the crown ahead of some other more fancied sides.
Melbourne Renegades
Consistency has been a real issue for the Melbourne Renegades all season but they kept their campaign alive with a win in Adelaide last time out and they have to repeat that feat here if they are to stay in the competition. Anything other than a win and their season will be over so the pressure is right on them.
Their bowlers stepped up to the plate in Adelaide and the Renegades will need them to be at their best in this one if they are to get over the line. The spinners especially could be crucial if only to gain some sort of control in the middle overs. It might be that they come on early to try and deal with McCullum.
Team News
Brisbane Heat will welcome their captain Brendon McCullum back from suspension. He will take his place at the top of the batting order but the side remain without Chris Lynn. There was talk that Samuel Badree would be fit for this one but he isn’t. Tymal Mills has left to join up with England but Josh Lalor is fit.
Melbourne Renegades will go into this one without their wicket-keeper Peter Nevill after he failed a fitness test on the freak injury he picked up in the last game. Andrew Harriott has replaced him in the squad and should start here.
Betting
As with all the matches at the Gabba this season I’m reluctant to get too involved until we know the outcome of the toss and indeed who will be chasing. I’ve said all there is to say about this Gabba track this season so I won’t repeat myself but it is excellent for batting.
With that in mind I’m keen on the boundaries in this match. The line is at 37.5 which looks a little on the low side for this ground. There is plenty of power in both batting line ups to pepper the boundaries in what I anticipate to be a very high scoring match.
Tips
WON – Back Over 37.5 boundaries for a 4/10 stake at 1.83 with William Hill
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