2018-19 Big Bash League – Melbourne Renegades vs Adelaide Strikers Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Melbourne Renegades vs Adelaide Strikers taking place? Thursday, 3rd January - 08:15 (UK)
Where is Melbourne Renegades vs Adelaide Strikers taking place? GMHBA Stadium, Geelong
What is the expected weather for Melbourne Renegades vs Adelaide Strikers? 34-36c with glorious sunshine all day
What channel is Melbourne Renegades vs Adelaide Strikers on? Channel 7 & Fox in Australia & BT Sport 2 in the UK
Where can I stream Melbourne Renegades vs Adelaide Strikers? BT Sport subscribers can stream the match online via the BT Sport website
Where can I get tickets for Melbourne Renegades vs Adelaide Strikers? http://www.melbournerenegades.com.au/tickets
THE STATISTICS
HEAD-TO-HEAD
All-time meetings: Melbourne Renegades W4, Adelaide Strikers W5
Last meeting: Melbourne Renegades beat Adelaide Strikers by 5 wickets
THE TEAM NEWS
MELBOURNE RENEGADES
Coach: Andrew McDonald
Captain: Tom Cooper
- After winning their first two matches of BBL08, the Renegades have now lost back-to-back matches including the New Year’s Day derby clash with Melbourne Stars in which their rivals comfortably overcame their 148/9 total batting first with 15 balls to spare.
- They have made one change to the squad for this match as Joe Mennie returns at the expense of Andrew Fekete but the starting eleven is relatively settled and could well remain unchanged as they play the first of two matches in Geelong.
- They played one match in Geelong last year where they hammered the Sydney Sixers by eight wickets so that will give them confidence but they will need their key batsmen like Cam White and skipper Tom Cooper to find some form quickly as they continue to struggle.
ADELAIDE STRIKERS
Coach: Jason Gillespie
Captain: Colin Ingram
- The Strikers battled back to beat Sydney Thunder last time out after two consecutive losses to move them back in the group of teams clustered on four points in the ladder and that match signalled the return to form of skipper Colin Ingram who hit 75 in a total of 175 which the Thunder fell 20 runs short of.
- Despite the death of his father a couple of days ago, Rashid Khan will play once again for the Strikers to honour him and the Afghan spinner will aim to continue his superb start to BBL08 despite the sad news.
- They will have to do without Peter Siddle however as he returns to duty with the Australian Test team which is a major blow as he continues to be key for them with his economical bowling so Wes Agar comes into the squad for him in what is the only change to the squad.
THE PREDICTION
Both of these teams have two wins from four matches each and they will be looking to kick on here in Geelong. Apart from one abysmal performance against the Scorchers, the Strikers have produced three strong and consistent displays but they have already lost one match against the Renegades. That match on December 23rd in Adelaide looked to be in the Strikers’ control for most of the match until a stunning partnership between Nabi and Christian. While the duo will be confident facing them again, the Strikers had the edge in so many other areas of that match and they could avenge that loss here.
