Sports

Wayne Clark’s BBL Preview: Scorchers vs Renegades

Scorchers vs Renegades (Optus Stadium)
Monday 28th January, 6.15pm WST

It may well be all over for the Scorchers with regards to playing finals, but they will definitely have a say in which teams will contest them. The Renegades sit in the four, but a loss could see them easily drop back into the ruck and it will be no easy task for them at Optus Stadium.

The Melbourne wicket they have played on all year has been slow and helped the spinners – they can expect the opposite in Perth. Aaron Finch will be the key and will appreciate the ball coming onto the bat. Cameron White (117 runs) has been disappointing, but Harper (232), Cooper (200), Christian (156) and Nabi (172) have provided the consistency to see the Renegades sitting in finals contention. Will they adapt to the quicker wicket is the question? They’re all experienced players and after seeing the success of visiting teams chasing down large targets at Optus, they will go into the game with confidence.

The Scorchers have been disappointing on all fronts. Batting hasn’t been consistent enough and their attack, which have prided themselves on restricting a team whatever the target, would be extremely disappointed in their collective performance this series.

Ashton Turner had a rare failure on Thursday night, but Shaun Marsh showed why he is regarded as one of the world’s best shorter form players. Mitch Marsh looked good and he could be a key in this game. Hilton Cartwright was another who looked good early but failed to convert his start.

If one goes on where they are on the table it’s the Renegades, but I’m going to stick with the Scorchers and hope they can show their supporters what they are really capable of.

Tips

Winner: Scorchers ($1.73)

Scorchers Most Runs: Mitch Marsh ($4.50)
Renegades Most Runs: Tom Cooper ($4.50)

Scorchers Most Wickets: Andrew Tye ($3.50)
Renegades Most Wickets: Dan Christian ($7.50)

Odds correct as at 1.30pm, 25th January 2019.

Market Market