The two sides many judges are calling the best in the Big Bash League meet in the second match on Monday when the Perth Scorchers host the Melbourne Renegades in what does look every bit of a heavyweight battle.
Top spot is on the line in the match with whoever wins being the first side to make it to 10 points for the campaign so we should get a competitive match. There is every chance this will be a play-off match later in the season so both will be out to lay a marker down.
Perth Scorchers
Perth tasted defeat for the first time in their previous match. In fairness they were rampaged by the Brisbane Heat powerhouses and that could happen to any side at any particular time. They had no Mitchell Johnson in their bowling attack either so there were excuses for the Scorchers but the truth is they had an off day.
You get the feeling their bowling attack will be fine here both because Johnson returns and also because they are in their own conditions and can go back to the order that has served them so well. The concern is over the batting line up. It has mixed and matched well enough so far in the competition but there is still the worry that if Michael Klinger fails they might do.
Melbourne Renegades
The red men have won four of their five matches this season but they will not need reminding that the one they didn’t win was against the Perth Scorchers. While that match may be used as revenge they do not need to worry too much because a couple of things have changed since then and changed in their favour too.
The main difference between the reverse meeting and this one is the sudden new found form of Aaron Finch. He was really the only one underperforming because the bowling attack has been in good form all competition. They have only conceded 160+ once in their five matches which stands them in good stead.
Team News
Perth Scorchers have brought Mitchell Johnson back from his rest and he will surely come straight back into the side. David Willey plays his final match of the season as do Andrew Tye and Jhye Richardson. All three head off on international duty.
Melbourne Renegades have brought Matt Short into their squad in place of Chris Tremain but it would be a surprise if they are not unchanged from the Melbourne derby win. Aaron Finch plays his final match of the season here.
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Betting
The Perth Scorchers won the reverse meeting between these two but the return to form of Aaron Finch since then makes me edge towards the Melbourne Renegades here. The Renegades are going very well with both the bat and the ball which sways me in their direction.
The Scorchers bowling attack should be in good order but I have concerns over their batting especially should Klinger fail early on. Although the Scorchers won the reverse meeting they made hard work of it and at this point in time the Renegades look to have the edge to me.
Tips
Back Melbourne Renegades to beat Perth Scorchers for a 4/10 stake at 1.73 with Ladbrokes
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