We have another double header in the Big Bash League on Sunday with the action beginning at the Blundstone Arena in Hobart where the Hobart Hurricanes play host to the defending champions Perth Scorchers.
With matches beginning to run out this is a big game for the Hurricanes who need to win their last two to give themselves a strong chance of making the knockout stage. One win might do it but it would take an awful lot of results to go their way for them to qualify.
If they are to win this match Hobart will have to do it without their leading run scorer in the competition so far as George Bailey has now left to hook up with the Australia ODI squad. Michael Hill has replaced him in the squad. The likes of Tim Paine, Ben Dunk, Kumar Sangakkara and Dan Christian will have to step up in Bailey’s absence.
Perth Scorchers haven’t been the dominant force that they have been in previous years yet in this tournament but a win here will guarantee them a semi-final spot and they will be in pole position for a home game in the last four which could well be significant with their home record.
Perth will be without one of their star batsmen for this match with Shaun Marsh away with Australia from here on in. On the flip side they get their captain Adam Voges back which is a boost. Marcus Harris is probably favourite to open with Michael Klinger but David Willey being moved up the order can’t be ruled out. Joel Paris is also on international duty.
There is plenty on this match for both sides. Perth probably have the more freedom given that they look good for a semi-final spot but both will be eager for a win. The way Hobart have batted in this tournament you would have to think they are going to miss Bailey and with Perth being the better side and the Marsh loss balanced by the Voges return I’m fancying the Scorchers here.
I also like under in sixes. Bailey was a massive part of this Hurricanes batting line up and while they still have hitters on their side getting after this Scorchers attack isn’t easy. On the other side Perth have replaced a genuine six hitter in Shaun Marsh with Adam Voges who doesn’t hit many.
The likes of Tait, Boyce and Sammy aren’t going to go for many sixes either so asking for double figures in sixes looks a little high to me. The make up in sixes so far on this ground have been 11, 5 and 8 with the 11 against the Heat who are always involved in high scoring matches. All that says to me the line is a touch high at 9.5.
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