Scorchers vs Stars Semi Final Preview

Posted on January 21, 2016January 28, 2016 | Posted by Wayne Clark

Friday 22nd January – Melbourne Cricket Ground

Will this semi-final be a case of déjà vu? Both sides have made the semis each year of the Big Bash competition but the Scorchers have been successful in all four, whereas the Stars have lost them all…three to the Scorchers!  I’m sure the Scorchers’ boys will be reminding the opposition at some stage of the pressure the Stars are under to break the “choker” tag.  We must be aware that the last result between the two on Saturday night shows you just how unpredictable the 20/20 game can be.

The Stars will probably maintain an unchanged side, whereas the Scorchers will gain Paris, Behrendorf and may-well bring Harris back.  The batting effort of the Scorchers last game was disastrous and from ball one, they were tentative and showed lack of intent.  I can’t see this happening again.  The experience of Klinger and Voges will be important and Bancroft, Agar and Willey will approach this week with a totally different attitude.

The Scorchers bowling attack, which restricted the Stars to 146 last week, should be even stronger with the return of Paris and Behrendorf.  They will provide wicket-taking ability early and with Tye and Hogg, who do so well in restricting the opposition, the Stars batsmen will have to find something special to post a winning score.

The two imports of Wright (250 runs, 137.36 strike-rate) and Pietersen (187, 146.09 strike-rate) will be the key for the Stars batting; though Hussey could also be well suited by the MCG wicket.  Where the Stars may be lacking will be in their bowling depth.  A strange comment after they bowled out the Scorchers for 94 in the previous game, but I think the mind-set of the Scorchers will be much more positive from the outset especially Klinger and Voges who thrive in big games.

It will be tough, with a large parochial crowd adding extra pressure but I think in a close contest the Scorchers all-round strength and experience will prove the winner on the night.

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