We take a look at Friday nights BBL Big Bash (21/12/2018) Week 1 match between Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Stars. We take a look at both teams odds and give our tips and value tips for the match.
When: Dec 21, Fri, 07:15 PM LOCAL
Where: Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Preview:
The Thunder might have already hit a six by adding English import Joe Root to the side during the offseason.
Joining fellow countrymen Jos Buttler, the pair form a troublesome trio with captain Shane Watson thrown in the mix. On the bowling side, Sydney remain one big question mark with Pat Cummins serving Test duty.
Compared to the Stars, though, Sydney look a much more complete side. Melbourne’s horror run of injuries sees them open the season without Nic Maddinson, Seb Gotch and Dan Worrall, leaving most of the work in the hands of veteran West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo and opening batsman Ben Dunk.
To make matters worse, the Stars haven’t beaten the Thunder since 2015, which leaves little faith ahead of what should be a bouncy pitch in Canberra. The Thunder’s 2-2 record as the favourite over the last 12 months is hardly convincing, but we should learn a thing or two about this eye-catching Sydney side on Friday.
Odds:
Tip: Melbourne Stars at $2.00
Value BET: Man Of The Match – Ben Dunk at $12.00
Teams:
Sydney Thunder squad
Shane Watson (c), Fawad Ahmed, Jos Buttler (England) Pat Cummins, Anton Devcich (New Zealand) Callum Ferguson, Ryan Gibson, Chris Green, Liam Hatcher, Chris Jordan (England), Usman Khawaja, Jay Lenton, Nathan McAndrew, Arjun Nair, Kurtis Patterson, Sam Rainbird, Joe Root (England), Daniel Sams, Gurinder Sandhu, Jason Sangha
Melbourne Stars squad
Michael Beer, Jackson Bird, Scott Boland, Liam Bowe, Dwayne Bravo (West Indies), Jackson Coleman, Travis Dean, Ben Dunk, Seb Gotch, Evan Gulbis, Peter Handscomb, Sandeep Lamichhane (Nepal), Nic Maddinson, Glenn Maxwell, Jonathan Merlo, Matt Parkinson (England)*, Marcus Stoinis, Daniel Worrall, Adam Zampa
*Odds correct at time of posting. Subject to change
