There are not many dead rubbers in the Big Bash League at any stage let alone with two weeks of the regular season left but we have one on Tuesday when the Melbourne Stars host the Sydney Sixers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Although both sides won their previous match they both know they can no longer make it into the semi-finals so the only thing that will be at stake in this contest is pride.
Melbourne Stars
A wretched season got a little better for the Melbourne Stars in their previous match when they saw off their city rivals in the second Melbourne derby of the season. In that match they did everything they have not been able to do so far in the campaign. They put up a decent score with the bat and they created some early pressure with the ball.
I’m sure there will be people asking where that sort of performance had been in their opening five matches but these things can’t always be turned on and off like a tap. The important thing for them is that they replicate that and try to build on it as they look for a fast finish which might set up something to take into next year.
Sydney Sixers
The season has pretty much been a write off for the Sydney Sixers but they had a glimmer of life in their previous match against the Sydney Thunder and they will be looking to build on that so that they also have something positive to take with them into their next campaign. If they can win out they would feel good about themselves again.
The key to the win over the Thunder last time out was the Sixers’ batting. It is fair to say that they have not really got going with the bat this season but they batted extremely well in that victory and if they can continue to bat like that then they have the bowling attack to keep themselves very competitive even with no competitive element to their matches.
Team News
The Stars have named an unchanged squad for the match and they could also have the same starting XI out too unless they want to bring Luke Wright back in if he is fit to return.
The Sydney Sixers have followed suit and they have also named an unchanged squad for this fixture. They may well go in unchanged as well unless they want to rotate any players for any reason.
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Betting
I like the Sydney Sixers here. Going into the season I liked their chances but injuries and other issues with key players not to mention international call ups have really hampered them but they have a number of their major players back now and two different overseas players have really freshened things up.
The Melbourne Stars played well last time out but they might have caught the Melbourne Renegades at the right time and I need to see more from them before I trust them again. If one of Maxwell or Pietersen doesn’t fire you worry for this Stars side so I like the Sixers who look much stronger with bat and ball than in the early matches.
Tips
WON – Back Sydney Sixers to beat Melbourne Stars for a 4/10 stake at 2.10 with William Hill
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