2020-21 Big Bash League – Adelaide Strikers vs Melbourne Stars Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Adelaide Strikers vs Melbourne Stars taking place? Monday 11th January, 2021 – 08:15 (UK)
Where is Adelaide Strikers vs Melbourne Stars taking place? Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Where can I get tickets for Adelaide Strikers vs Melbourne Stars? Ticket information for BBL10 can be found on this link
What channel is Adelaide Strikers vs Melbourne Stars on in the UK? BT Sport
Where can I stream Adelaide Strikers vs Melbourne Stars in the UK? BT Sport subscribers will be able to stream the match live via the BT Sport website & app
THE LOWDOWN
ADELAIDE STRIKERS
- Adelaide Strikers were unable to make it back-to-back wins over Melbourne Renegades as they allowed their opponents to earn just their second success of BBL|10 in what could be a potentially damaging defeat for the Strikers.
- They now possess a losing record having won four and lost five of their nine matches to date and they are likely to come under serious pressure from the teams below them after they surprisingly struggled with the ball against the Renegades.
- Phil Salt (59) and Alex Carey (42) helped the Strikers to 177/7 and they would have believed that was more than enough to defend but Adelaide managed just four wickets in response as the Renegades chased down their total at the expense of the Strikers’ in-form bowling unit.
MELBOURNE STARS
- Melbourne Stars are now in a precarious position in BBL|10 and their star-studded roster can ill-afford many more losses if they are to make the finals after losing to Brisbane Heat in a rain-affected contest.
- The Heat took advantage as they made 115/3 off their ten overs which left the Stars needing 129 to win but the mid-game reduction aided Brisbane after they had made a blistering start with the bat.
- The Stars never really got going in reply with Andre Fletcher’s poor form continuing as he managed just 15 from 13 balls and despite a late cameo from Nick Larkin who produced 35* from 16, it proved in vain as the Melbourne side fell 17 runs short of their adjusted target.
THE PREDICTION
Melbourne Stars are in real trouble at the wrong end of the BBL|10 ladder and after losing four of their last five matches, there is a danger that they miss out on the finals. They were victim of the change in match conditions during their loss to Brisbane Heat but they did not bowl well enough in the early stages of that contest which ultimately cost them. Pakistan star Haris Rauf made his first appearance of the tournament but was whacked for 20 off his opening over and he will be eager to put in an improved effort in this important contest. Andre Fletcher could find himself out of the side after failing to get going in this competition with the Stars unable to carry him much longer. This is arguably a must-win game for the Stars against an inconsistent Adelaide Strikers outfit that also need the win. They were on the end of a shock loss to Melbourne Renegades last time out and while their bowling unit has more to offer than they showed in that contest, the Stars’ need to win coupled with some tweaks to their line-up could see them improve on their lacklustre run of form by coming out on top in this one.