A spot in the top four is up for grabs in the first of the two Big Bash League matches on Wednesday when the Melbourne Stars play host to the defending champions Adelaide Strikers in one of the bigger matches of the campaign thus far.
Both teams have had up and down campaigns to date but are nicely positioned to make it into the semi-finals if they can put together a run of form over their final five matches. They will be hoping that begins here in the new venue of Moe.
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Melbourne Stars
When you look at the record of the Melbourne Stars you could be lulled into thinking they have been extremely inconsistent but actually when they have had their main players with them they are actually unbeaten in four matches, which is a good run of form, and should give them plenty of confidence and belief that they can finally go all the way this term.
It took a couple of games for the Stars to settle in without a host of big players who they released ahead of this season. Combinations didn’t come automatically but things fell into place and either side of the ODIs they have looked like the team to beat in this competition. They must now press down the hammer and make sure that they don’t suddenly fade away having got themselves into a good position.
Adelaide Strikers
The defending champions go into this match off the back of successive defeats and three losses in their last four outings, so that is a run they need to end and turn around as soon as they can if they are going to make it through to attempt to defend the title. A win here moves them into the top four though so there is no need to panic, but they do need to be aware of the situation.
If there is something for the Strikers to be concerned about it is that their batting has suddenly started to labour. They have only passed 155 once in their last four matches and the match they won in that spell was against the Stars, but when Melbourne were missing their ODI players, so there is the possibility that the form of that win doesn’t hold too much sway.
Team News
Not surprisingly the Melbourne Stars have named an unchanged squad from the win last time out. It would also be no surprise if they pick the same XI which featured in that match now that Glenn Maxwell, Adam Zampa and Marcus Stoinis are back in their ranks.
The Adelaide Strikers have made one change from the defeat to the Hobart Hurricanes. They have recalled Wes Agar who comes in for Michael Cormack. Travis Head remains away preparing for the Test match for Australia.
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Betting
The Melbourne Stars were my pick for this tournament before a ball was bowled and they remain that. I’ve seen nothing when they have been at full strength to suggest they are not one of the best sides in the tournament and I think they can take care of an Adelaide Strikers side whose batting is far too unreliable for my liking.
The Stars have plenty of different options with the ball and then with the bat they have a good thing going at the minute. You sense there is even more to come from them with the bat too if ever they are forced to bring it out so at 5/6 I have to say the Melbourne Stars look good value against the inconsistent defending champions, who could still be smarting from their loss on Monday.
Tips
WON – Back Melbourne Stars to beat Adelaide Strikers for a 4/10 stake at 1.83 with BetVictor
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