2018-19 Big Bash League – Melbourne Stars vs Perth Scorchers Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Melbourne Stars vs Perth Scorchers taking place? Wednesday, 9th January - 08:15 (UK)
Where is Melbourne Stars vs Perth Scorchers taking place? Melbourne Cricket Ground
What is the expected weather for Melbourne Stars vs Perth Scorchers? 14-16c with cloud but no rain expected
What channel is Melbourne Stars vs Perth Scorchers on? Channel 7 & Fox in Australia & BT Sport 2 in the UK
Where can I stream Melbourne Stars vs Perth Scorchers? BT Sport subscribers can stream the match online via the BT Sport website
Where can I get tickets for Melbourne Stars vs Perth Scorchers? http://www.melbournestars.com.au/tickets
THE STATISTICS
HEAD-TO-HEAD
All-time meetings: Melbourne Stars W6, Perth Scorchers W6
Last meeting: Perth Scorchers beat Melbourne Stars by 13 runs
THE TEAM NEWS
MELBOURNE STARS
Coach: Stephen Fleming
Captain: Nic Maddinson
- The Stars have been in fine form after losing their opening two games as they have responded by winning three in a row as their bowlers have set a good platform by restricting the opposition, and they have successfully chased down targets in all three of those matches.
- The Stars have been dealt a major blow by the news that Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Peter Handscomb and Adam Zampa have all been called into the Australian ODI squad and will now miss the next three matches for the Stars at a crucial time of the tournament.
- Nic Maddinson will captain the side in Maxwell’s absence as he has now recovered from a broken arm but will have to find some form immediately to try replace the absent quartet, while young leg-spinner Tom O’Connell also comes into the weakened squad.
PERTH SCORCHERS
Coach: Adam Voges
Captain: Ashton Turner
- Perth Scorchers' season goes from bad to worse as they have now lost five of their six matches this season and are firmly rooted to the bottom of the BBL08 ladder, and their batting unit has not surpassed 147 in any of their matches so far this campaign.
- After having lost their three matches, they will now have to overcome the absence of Mitch Marsh, Jason Behrendorff and Jhye Richardson who all depart for international duty with Australia and they are replaced by Usman Qadir, Sam Whiteman and youngster Aaron Hardie who come into the squad.
- On paper, their starting line-up is arguably less weakened than the Stars due to the international call-ups but the batting line-up was failing with or without Marsh so that is unlikely to see much of a difference unless they can find some form quickly.
THE PREDICTION
Call-ups to the Australia one-day international squad are starting to kick in now the test series is complete so more BBL teams will be impacted and both of these are. The Stars are significantly weakened without the in-form Stoinis especially, and they already lost Lamichhane last week. They have a fragile look about them now and they need the likes of Dwayne Bravo to really step up. The Scorchers are typically a proud team and should be motivated to get a win despite their miserable start. There is still enough time but that is running out if they are to get back in contention. They too are weakened, but less than the Stars and they should snap their three-match losing run here.
