The third match of the Big Bash League 2021-22 season sees two more sides embarking on the BBL 11 campaign when the Melbourne Renegades take on the Adelaide Strikers at the Marvel Stadium on Tuesday.
These two sides both had disappointing campaigns last season so they will certainly not be short of motivation to get their term underway in positive fashion. Hopefully that will lead to a real competitive match, which we haven’t really seen so far this season.
Melbourne Renegades
It has been very much feast or famine for the Melbourne Renegades over the last three seasons. They won the title three years ago but since then have propped up the rest in the two campaigns since then. Those two outputs have led to change at the top and it will be interesting to see if that works out. Aaron Finch has gone as captain with Nic Maddinson in to lead the side, although he is away with Australia A at present which isn’t ideal.
The one thing the Renegades are going to have to do better if they want to be competitive in this competition is to bowl better. They were one of the worst bowling teams last season, particularly at the death where they went for nearly 12 an over. They have addressed that with their signings and the addition of Reece Topley should certainly help in that regard. They have got rid of some of the elder members of their squad which weren’t contributing to the level of their reputation.
Adelaide Strikers
The Adelaide Strikers made the playoffs last season but were well beaten when they got there. Their immediate aim will be to finish higher than fifth in the table to give themselves a better opportunity when the playoffs come around. In order for that to happen they are going to need to bat better than they have been in recent seasons, although already they look like they are behind the eight ball in that regard with Australia depriving them of key players.
In Danny Briggs, Michael Neser and Phil Salt you get the feeling that the Strikers have lost three key players and although Fawad Ahmed and George Garton are two decent acquisitions, neither of them strengthen what was already a light batting unit. They are now going to need their top three to step up and score a lot of runs else the Strikers might be in trouble. The one thing they do have in their favour is a very strong looking bowling attack which is loaded with options.
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Team News
The Melbourne Renegades are going to be without Shaun Marsh and Nic Maddinson with the former injured and the latter away with Australia A. Aaron Finch was expected to miss the start of the tournament but he has been named in the squad. Despite that it is Kane Richardson who will skipper the side. Reece Topley could make his Big Bash debut.
Adelaide Strikers will be without their two gun batsmen Travis Head and Alex Carey, both of whom will be involved in the Test match on Wednesday. Peter Siddle will skipper the side while George Garton could make his Strikers debut.
Betting
I like the Melbourne Renegades here. I have to say long-term I don’t think much of these two sides at all but someone will win this one and I think the Renegades might be getting the Strikers at the right time. Adelaide look to have a huge hole in their batting unit with Travis Head and Alex Carey away and while they probably budgeted for the former to be missing, the latter has to be a huge blow because he’s one of the best in the competition over the last five years.
I wouldn’t say the Renegades are the strongest team with the bat but the inclusion of Aaron Finch is a bit of a game changer and with he and the likes of Sam Harper and Jake Fraser-McGurk they have plenty of batting ammunition. Adelaide look way too light with the bat and Rashid Khan aside their bowling strength is in the seam department unless Fawad Ahmed rolls back the years. The slower conditions inside Marvel suit spin more than seam and the likes of Mohammad Nabi, Cameron Boyce and Zahir Khan look an effective trio. Home sides have dominated the first two matches and while this might not be as comfortable as those I expect Melbourne to win here.
Tips
Back Melbourne Renegades to beat Adelaide Strikers for a 3/10 stake at 2.05 with William Hill
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