There will be a big crowd at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday as the second Melbourne derby of the Big Bash League season takes place when the Renegades host the Stars in what is another big game for both sides.
A win over the Stars on New Year’s Day has meant that the Renegades have begun with two wins from three matches but that defeat combined with one to the Sydney Thunder since then has left the Stars with one win from three and needing victory here to get back among the playoff chasing pack.
Melbourne Renegades
Had it not been for the injury mid-match to Dwayne Bravo against the Perth Scorchers the Melbourne Renegades could hold serious claims for having three wins from three matches. They might not be being spoken about like other sides who have delivered more eye catching performances but the Renegades are quietly looking good.
In all three matches so far the Renegades have looked decent enough with the bat but they probably only need to be slightly above par given the quality of their bowling attack. They have without doubt the best spin duo in the competition and with some heavy artillery coming back in the seam department the Renegades are set for a big end to the campaign.
Melbourne Stars
After a really strong showing in their first match the Melbourne Stars have flattered to deceive in their last two matches. On each occasion a lack of batting depth has found them out a little bit but I guess that is what happens when you have the quality of personnel they do fitting them all in to the one line up is never going to be easy.
The other reason why they have dropped a couple of matches has been their death bowling. Surprisingly James Faulkner never bowled in the final four overs against the Sydney Thunder and the Stars paid the price so David Hussey might need to think about how he uses his bowlers better. A couple of them need to start performing stronger too.
Team News
The big news for the Renegades is that they have found a replacement for Dwayne Bravo. Thisara Perera has joined up for the rest of the competition and he is in the squad for this one. James Pattinson returns too. Cameron Stevenson and Nathan Rimmington make way for them.
Melbourne Stars have got Rob Quiney back for this match and given their lack of batting depth he is sure to come into the side. After a disaster of a final over it could be Ben Hilfenhaus that makes way for him.
Betting
Having Quiney back gives the Stars a bit more batting depth but I still don’t think it will be enough to overcome the Melbourne Renegades. The Renegades’ batting has got back to normal length with Thisara Perera joining up and with James Pattinson back their attack has got even stronger.
The Renegades were the side I fancied for the tournament right from the start and I’ve seen nothing to suggest this bowling attack is suddenly going to get carted. With the quality they have with the bat even money looks a cracking price on them here against a Stars side who are fast becoming overrated.
Tips
Back Melbourne Renegades to beat Melbourne Stars for a 4/10 stake at 2.00 with Winner Sports
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