There is a double header of action in the Big Bash League on Saturday and it begins with the Melbourne derby as the Stars host the Renegades in front of what is anticipated to be a large crowd at the MCG.
Melbourne Stars lost their opening two matches but they finally got off the mark for the season in their last game when they touched off the Sydney Sixers. They did similar last season starting poorly but recovering to make the playoffs so this isn’t unchartered territory.
The Renegades won their opening match although it was only against the Brisbane Heat so it wasn’t the greatest form guide in the world. Since then they have lost to the Sydney Sixers and more recently were given a bit of a tonking by the Perth Scorchers.
Kevin Pietersen missed the match against the Sixers for the Stars but he is back in town now and will surely come straight back into the side. Tom Triffitt is expected to make way with Peter Handscomb reclaiming the gloves. Scott Boland has been called away but John Hastings has recovered from injury and should come back.
Melbourne Renegades have brought new signing Ben McDermott into their squad for Nathan Hauritz. That means that Xavier Doherty is likely to offer the spin option after he was left out of the match against the Scorchers last time out. All eyes will be on Chris Gayle to see if this is the night he arrives at the party.
The Stars might only have won one match in this tournament so far but there is no doubt in my mind they should have two wins to their name because they literally threw the match with the Thunder away.
In contrast the Renegades’ record looks about right to me and I’m not surprised at that. I’ve mentioned all season long how they lack quality with the ball and until they find that quality and depth they are going to struggle unless Finch or Gayle do something remarkable, which they have in their locker.
You can’t rely on a Gayle blitz even though they come along from time to time. Once again we’ve got a side with a bowling strength against one with a bowling weakness and again I’ll take the stronger bowling. Even with the bat the Stars have Kevin Pietersen and Glenn Maxwell who have the ability to cancel out any Finch or Gayle fireworks so this looks a good spot for the Green men in the first Melbourne derby of the campaign.
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