BBL 2017-18, Match 3, Preview: Hurricanes and Renegades look to start tournament on high

In the third match of Big Bash League (BBL) Hobart Hurricanes will take on Melbourne Renegades. Both the teams failed to qualify even for the semi-finals last time around and would be looking to perform much better this time. It is never easy to pick yourselves up after a bad season and these two teams need to make sure they do start off well this time.

Hobart Hurricanes were very disappointing last season as they finished second last only ahead of Sydney Thunder. Hurricanes would be banking on the experience of their captain, George Bailey to help them post a big total on the board. The former Australian captain is like a glue who holds the Hobart batting together.

Melbourne Renegades were unlucky to miss out on a semi-final berth last season. They were level on points with their city rivals Melbourne Stars who went through on the net run rate. The team lead by Australian opener would be determined to do a lot better this season in order to make it to the playoffs.

Toss: Melbourne Renegades won the toss and opted to field

Melbourne Renegades (Playing XI): Aaron Finch(c), Marcus Harris, Cameron White, Brad Hodge, Dwayne Bravo, Tim Ludeman(w), Jack Wildermuth, Mohammad Nabi, Tom Cooper, Kane Richardson, Brad Hogg

Hobart Hurricanes (Playing XI): D’Arcy Short, Alex Doolan, Ben McDermott, Matthew Wade(w), George Bailey(c), Daniel Christian, Jofra Chioke Archer, Cameron Boyce, Clive Rose, Tymal Mills, Aaron Summers

Playing Combination

Hobart Hurricane

Their batting is hugely dependent on Bailey who is capable of staying there till the end and guiding other batsmen. They will miss the services of Tim Paine who is on national duty. All round abilities of Daniel Christian is an asset to any team.

They have a decent bowling line up with likes of Tymal Mills capable of making early inroads in the opposition batting line up. Cameron Boyce can cause damage in the middle orders by chipping in with wickets in the middle overs.

Melbourne Renegades

They have a well-balanced team with a lot of quality in all the departments. Finch is one of the feared openers in the T20 format across the globe. Their middle-order comprises of experienced batsmen like Cameron White, and Matthew Wade. The fact they have an abundance of all-rounders gives them much-desired balance.

Likes of Dwayne Bravo, Thisara Perera can be match-winners on their day. James Pattinson and Nathan Rimmington are capable of breaking the back of opposition batting order by picking up early wickets. Xavier Doherty usually bowls at a miserly economy rate and keeps the run rate down in the middle overs. Sunil Narine is one of the best bowlers in this format.

Focus will be on

George Bailey

All eyes will be on former Australian captain when the teams come to the ground. Hurricane batting line up lacks a bit of quality, therefore they need their captain to perform if they want to post a good total on the board. Bailey has out of Australian set up for a long time now but he can build his reputation again by performing well in the Big Bash League.

Sunil Narine

He is one of the most feared bowlers in the T20 format all over the world. He has played T20 cricket in most of the leagues all over the world. His experience will come in handy for the Renegades who would be wishing that this spin wizard spins them to the Big Bash title.