The Big Bash League returns from a two day sabbatical on Boxing Day when the defending champions continue their title defence as the Perth Scorchers take on the Brisbane Heat at the WACA.
A sold out crowd is expected to cheer on the home side in this match and they will be hoping to see Perth’s opening win of the season after they lost their first match against Adelaide last week.
The Scorchers had their Test stars available for that match so they would have been extra annoyed to have lost but Shaun Marsh has been dropped from the Test team so it remains to be seen whether he has been released to play here. Adam Voges, Mitch Marsh and Nathan Coulter-Nile definitely miss out but Jason Behrendorff is back.
The Heat are also looking for their first win having been well beaten in their opening two matches of the season. They lost to the Melbourne Renegades in their opening match and the Hobart Hurricanes were too good for them in their second.
Brisbane might have been hoping to have Joe Burns available for this match but he’s been included in the Australia side for the Test match so that won’t happen. Mark Steketee could return to the starting line up to give the Heat some pep with the ball – much needed pep at that.
The match betting doesn’t really interest me because both sides are searching for their first win of the season and there might be a few nerves especially if this one gets tight. I do think the Scorchers will win the game but I’m not sure I want to back them at the prices especially as I’m on them outright.
One bet I do like though given how the Heat play is over 34.5 boundaries. As a rule these boundaries can be hard to find but the Heat bat deep but look weak with the ball. Perth have plenty of boundary hitters in their ranks and if their bowlers are slightly off again they will concede boundaries so I like the overs here.
Back Over 34.5 boundaries for a 4/10 stake at 1.83 with William Hill
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