The opening match of the new Big Bash League season sees the defending champions Adelaide Strikers beginning their title defence when they make the trip to Queensland to take on a Brisbane Heat side of whom much more is expected of this term.
Both teams will be eager to get off to a fast start and for each of them it will be about putting on a show and a ruthless performance to pick up that first win and ease the pressure for the many matches to come.
Brisbane Heat
It was not a good season for the Brisbane Heat last time. They have genuine excuses with the amount of injuries that they picked up but even then they had the personnel on the field of play to deliver much more than they did. That will be their test this season. Can their players below the very elite step up when the star names have off days or are missing for any reason?
It is hard to be a bowler for the Brisbane Heat because The Gabba is such a tough ground to defend but they have to find a way to not be chasing more than 180 regularly. That puts so much pressure on their batsmen it is untrue. Another thing they could do with doing is fielding better but they do carry one or two passengers and I never like that myself.
Adelaide Strikers
All eyes will be on the Adelaide Strikers not just in this match but over the course of the season as they defend their title. They had threatened deep runs in the competition for a couple of years but they took the big step last year and all interest will be on them to see whether they have kicked on again. If they have they could go close but if not they might find the going a bit tougher.
I think it is fair to say that the bowlers had the larger part in winning the title for the Strikers last season. They had a wonderful unit that all worked well together and is still intact for their title defence. If they can keep on putting up sizeable runs this season they are going to have to take a bit of beating as they bid to retain the title.
Team News
Brisbane Heat are all set to give debuts to Mujeeb Ur Rahman and James Pattinson with them having settled in well. Another man ready for his debut in the side is the powerful batsman Max Bryant. Chris Lynn and Brendon McCullum are expected to play.
Adelaide Strikers will be without Travis Head as they begin the defence of their title. Colin Ingram will lead the side in his absence. Alex Carey is around while Rashid Khan is in situ ready to get stuck in. Peter Siddle has been made available too.
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Betting
I’m expecting to see a decent opening match of the season. I say that because there is a women’s match prior to this one so the wicket should be good to cope with two matches. We know it is generally flat here and the outfield is lightning and the scores as such are pretty good most of the time.
I’m a little bit surprised that the boundary line for this one is only 38.5. There are some decent hitters of a cricket ball on show in this match and while there are a couple of decent spinners there is enough cannon fodder to go around the park. The boundaries are very hittable on this ground and with the tournament looking to get off with a bang I expect this line to be covered.
Tips
Back Over 38.5 boundaries for a 4/10 stake at 1.83 with William Hill
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