The third match of the Big Bash League campaign sees the Melbourne Renegades getting their season underway when they host the Sydney Thunder at Etihad Stadium on Thursday.
The defending champions have already played and lost this season when they went down in the Sydney Smash to the Sixers so they will be looking to avoid back to back defeats. The Renegades have been talked up this season and will be out to justify the hype.
Melbourne Renegades
Over the last couple of seasons the Renegades have been one of the most frustrating sides. They have had a fantastic batting line up but they just couldn’t take wickets and restrict the opposition which is why they missed out on the playoffs but with a star studded side they should have plenty of improvement in them.
That lack of bowling power was clearly recognised by the staff at the Renegades as they have gone out and recruited two of the best spinners in the world in this format of the game with Brad Hogg and Sunil Narine coming in which is why the men in red have been talked up so much this season.
Sydney Thunder
Those involved with the Thunder won’t need to look too far to see where they went wrong in the opening match. They had a bit of a top order collapse just after the powerplay and although some lusty blows towards the end of the innings got them up to something defendable they were never really ever back in the game.
Batting depth looked to be an issue for the Thunder heading into the season and that batting performance certainly won’t have eased those concerns so it is important that someone in their top four or five steps up and makes the big score that is needed to be comfortable in this competition.
Team News
The Renegades have included all three international spinners in their squad with Narine and Hogg joined by Xavier Doherty. Aaron Finch and James Pattinson are both in the squad too.
Sydney Thunder have reacted to losing their opening match but changing their squad and bringing in a couple of youngsters but it would be a surprise if they are not unchanged unless there is a late injury.
Betting
The Melbourne Renegades were my tip for the tournament long before a ball was bowled and I think this is a good opening match for them. We have to give respect to the Sydney Thunder’s bowling attack but I think the Renegades match them in that with their plethora of spin options.
Where the Renegades have an undoubted edge is with the bat where someone like Peter Nevill might not even bat in the top six. Aaron Finch, Cameron White, Tom Cooper and Dwayne Bravo are among the best in this competition with the bat so the Renegades look set for an opening win in my eyes.
Tips
WON – Back Melbourne Renegades to beat Sydney Thunder for a 4/10 stake at 1.73 with William Hill
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