The second match of the double header of action in the Big Bash League on Sunday comes from the Optus Stadium where the Perth Scorchers play their final home game of the campaign when they host the Melbourne Stars.
The Scorchers already know their fate this term. They will not be playing in the semi-finals come what may, but the Stars have three chances to pick up the one win their need to secure a spot in the knockout stages. The first of those comes up here.
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Perth Scorchers
It has been a surprisingly ordinary campaign for the Perth Scorchers and that really is a big thing for a team who have arguably been the strongest unit in the competition through the years. They took far too long to get going with the bat this season and then that had a detrimental effect on them with the ball and in the end it all parachuted to lead them to really struggle.
They were not helped with a bunch of international call ups that they might not have expected along the way, but there aren’t many teams who haven’t been inconvenienced by that as we’ve gone on. The extreme change in conditions from this ground to the ones they dominated on at the WACA has been another big influence on their struggles.
Melbourne Stars
The Melbourne Stars were my pick to win this competition right from the very start and I haven’t seen anything to suggest that I need to change my mind at this point. They are a side who need their big players available, but when they are around they are as dangerous a team as we’ve seen in the tournament and if they can propel themselves up to second place and host a semi-final they might take some stopping.
I think the Stars are the best balanced team in the campaign. Some teams have been good with the bat but a shambles with the ball this term while others have been the complete opposite of that. The Stars probably haven’t shone in either discipline but they haven’t shown many weaknesses when they have been at full strength either, which is very much to their credit.
Team News
Perth Scorchers stalwart Michael Klinger has announced that this will be his final season with the club and as such this will be his final home match in a Perth shirt. He comes in for Shaun Marsh while Nathan Coutler-Nile replaces Usman Qadir.
Melbourne Stars have made a positive change to their squad for the trip to the west. Jackson Coleman comes into the ranks in place of Tom O’Connell. Marcus Stoinis wasn’t picked for Australia in the end so he is available here.
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Betting
I fully expect the Melbourne Stars to win this match. I think they have the better balance to their side. While you have to respect the Scorchers bowling attack, it isn’t functioning to the levels we expect it to and in truth one or two batsmen or big performances aside they haven’t really got going in that department either.
There are genuine claims that when everyone is fit and available that this Stars batting line up is the best in the competition with absolutely no weakness from one to seven. That can be a big thing here, as can the fact that most of them have delivered in this tournament so far in decent form. Perth have been terrible this season and I think the Stars can compound their misery here.
Tips
Back Melbourne Stars to beat Perth Scorchers for a 4/10 stake at 1.73 with Sky Bet
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