BBL 2017, Match 22 Preview: Perth Scorchers aim to retain the top spot on the table

Two of the most attractive sides of this edition’s BBL, Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Renegades, are set to lock horns at the WACA, Perth. Both sides have been playing some amazing cricket and as a result, they find themselves in the top half of the table. A win here for either side will earn them the top spot on the ladder and both of them deserve it equally.

Both these sides have great balance, which is indeed reflecting on their performances. Skipper Adam Voges was delighted with the return of Michael Klinger, who clearly is proving his worth. Youngster Ashton Agar is also doing a great job up the order. Although they lost to Brisbane in their previous game, they haven’t lost their momentum.

This clearly is a high-profile clash between two high-profile sides. There will be no dearth of quality, entertainment, and drama on Monday evening. Whilst the main focus for both these sides will be to earn the top spot, they should also ensure they don’t lose their form.

Playing Combinations

Perth Scorchers

English all-rounder David Willey and Michael Klinger will be opening the innings together for the Scorchers. Hilton Cartwright needs some runs to keep his place and accompanying him in the middle order are Turner, Voges, and Agar. Jhye Richardson has been sensational with the ball, so has been Andrew Tye. Joel Paris and David Willey are the other fast bowling options, with Agar being the lone spinner.

Probable XI: Adam Voges (c), David Willey, Michael Klinger, Joel Paris, Ashton Turner, Ashton Agar, Hilton Cartwright, Andrew Tye, Jhye Richardson, Josh Inglis (wk), Tim David

Melbourne Renegades

Marcus Harris and Aaron Finch form a decent opening pair, with Cameron White coming in at three. They have some explosive players in the middle order like Nabi, Brad Hodge, and DJ Bravo, who are real match-winners. In the lower middle, they have some big names like Tom Cooper and Tim Ludeman. Brad Hogg has been performing well this season and accompanying him in the bowling department are Nabi, Richardson, Bravo, and Wildermuth.

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

Focus will be on

Ashton Agar (Perth Scorchers)

No matter how talented he is, fortune has shown him the cold shoulder on many occasions. Ashton Agar remains to be one of the key influences in the Scorchers side. He is batting at number 3 on occasions and is not disappointing his skipper. Even with the ball, he’s bowling tight lines at good pace, by which he’s completely restricting runs.

Mohammad Nabi (Melbourne Renegades)

Mohammad Nabi stole the limelight with a scintillating performance last game. He will once be the key both bat and ball for the Renegades. Although this is his first season in the Big Bash, he has adapted quite well to the Australian conditions. His experience is coming to good effect and his contribution to the Renegades has been outstanding thus far.

StatAttack

108.50 – Cameron White has the best batting average in the tournament as it stands.

14 – With 14 wickets after his name, Andrew Tye is currently the highest wicket-taker in the tournament.

For more news and updates from the Big Bash and around the world, keep tracking Crictracker.