BBL 7, Match 38, Preview: Scorchers face Strikers in a dead rubber

It is a dead rubber as both the Perth Scorchers and the Adelaide Strikers have already made it to the semi-final of the tournament.

Published - 24 Jan 2018, 22:53 IST | Updated - 24 Jan 2018, 22:53 IST

2 Min Read

The Match 38 of Big Bash League (BBL) 7 is a dead rubber as both the Perth Scorchers and the Adelaide Strikers have already made it to the semi-final of the tournament. However, they would still like to finish the league stage on a high and walk into the knockouts with some positive momentum.

The Scorchers will be hosting this game and they have had an unbeaten record at home this season. They have played 4 games at the WACA and have won all those games rather comprehensively and will certainly be the favourites tomorrow as well.

Talking about the away record of the Adelaide Strikers, they also have played superbly well on the road and have suffered just one defeat away from home in 4 outings. So they will be backing themselves to put on a good performance tomorrow even though they are at a venue which is the Scorchers’ fortress.

Playing Combination

Perth Scorchers

The good news for the Scorchers is that Jhye Richardson is back. The right arm quick was called up to the Australian squad for the ODI games against England, but he has been released now and is available for selection for tomorrow’s game.

Richardson will bring some more sting into an already stingy pace battery of the Scorchers that also includes the former Aussie fast bowler Mitchell Johnson. Apart from the return of Richardson, there shouldn’t be any more changes in the Scorchers’ XI.

Predicted XI: Adam Voges (C), Ashton Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Tim Bresnan, Hilton Cartwright, Tim David, Mitchell Johnson, Michael Klinger, Jhye Richardson, Ashton Turner, Sam Whiteman

Adelaide Strikers

As far as the Strikers are concerned, they will once again take the field without their regular skipper Travis Head. The left-hander had joined the squad for the last game, but now has been recalled to the Australian ODI outfit and will be absent tomorrow. Colin Ingram will take over the leadership duties, while Kelvin Smith will replace Head in the XI.

Also because this game doesn’t carry a lot of importance in terms of the result, the Strikers have decided to rest one of their premier fast bowlers Peter Siddle and have included Wes Agar in the squad. Siddle has been instrumental for the Strikers this season and they probably want to keep the veteran afresh for the crunch semi-final clash.

Predicted XI: Colin Ingram (C), Alex Carey, Wes Agar, Jono Dean, Rashid Khan, Ben Laughlin, Jake Lehmann, Michael Neser, Billy Stanlake, Kelvin Smith, Jake Weatherald

Focus will be on-

Jhye Richardson (Perth Scorchers)

Jhye Richardson caught a lot of eyes on his ODI debut for Australia as he cranked up some real pace and was able to move the ball as well. He gets a bit of shape early on with the new ball and with his speed, poses a real challenge for the top order batters. His confidence will be up after the way he performed for the national team and he will be steaming in tomorrow. The Scorchers’ fan will be anticipating a fiery spell from the young man.

Colin Ingram (Adelaide Strikers)

Ingram is a very experienced player when it comes to T20 cricket as he plays in a lot of leagues around the world in different conditions, but he hasn’t had as good a time featuring for the Strikers in BBL 7 as he would have liked to. The left-hander has been getting regular starts, but barring a couple of occasions, he hasn’t been able to go long. He will bat at 3 tomorrow and with the captaincy responsibilities on his shoulders as well, he will want to make a significant contribution.