2018-19 Big Bash League – Sydney Thunder vs Perth Scorchers Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Sydney Thunder vs Perth Scorchers taking place? Wednesday, 2nd January - 08:15 (UK)
Where is Sydney Thunder vs Perth Scorchers taking place? Spotless Stadium
What is the expected weather for Sydney Thunder vs Perth Scorchers? 25-27c with some cloud but rain highly unlikely
What channel is Sydney Thunder vs Perth Scorchers on? Channel 7 & Fox in Australia & BT Sport 2 in the UK
Where can I stream Sydney Thunder vs Perth Scorchers? BT Sport subscribers can stream the match online via the BT Sport website
Where can I get tickets for Sydney Thunder vs Perth Scorchers? http://www.sydneythunder.com.au/tickets
THE STATISTICS
HEAD-TO-HEAD
All-time meetings: Sydney Thunder W2, Perth Scorchers W5
Last meeting: Sydney Thunder beat Perth Scorchers by 3 runs
THE TEAM NEWS
SYDNEY THUNDER
Coach: Shane Bond
Captain: Shane Watson
- After a bright start which saw Sydney Thunder win their opening two matches, they have now lost their last two games in high scoring matches with Hobart Hurricanes and most recently against defending champions Adelaide Strikers on Monday where they fell 20 runs short of their 175/4.
- The reliance on their top four batsmen remains huge but arguably that burden has fallen on the top three as Joe Root has yet to really get going having only scored 62 runs in his first four innings for Thunder.
- The bowlers are under some pressure to improve also having conceded 196 against the Hurricanes and 175 to the Strikers, and that will be vital against the Scorchers whose batting line-up has unquestionably been their weakness so far.
PERTH SCORCHERS
Coach: Adam Voges
Captain: Ashton Turner
- The Scorchers' tough start to the season continues as they have won just one of their first four matches and this is something of a must-win game already for them against a team that is above them in the Big Bash ladder.
- The return of Cameron Bancroft against the Hurricanes did not solve their batting woes as he lasted just three balls and was out for two runs but ultimately it was their struggles at the top of the order once again that cost them and they desperately need to find an opening pair that can find some form.
- Will Bosisto was given a chance at the top of the order against the Hurricanes but he was out for a first ball duck so they could change it around once again with David Willey a candidate to be given a chance with Michael Klinger.
THE PREDICTION
It is difficult to like the Scorchers at the moment such is their poor form with the bat. Sydney Thunder have lost their last two matches but their batsmen have been in good form on the whole. That said, they have lost their spark in the last two matches and they will have a tough time against this quality Scorchers bowling attack. The big question here is whether the Scorchers’ batsmen can take advantage of a fairly average Thunder bowling attack and post a big enough score that their bowlers can work with. If they can, then they just about have the edge in this one.
