Scorchers vs Stars (Optus Stadium)
Sunday 3rd February, 6.15pm WST
Last home game for the Scorchers and hopefully they can upset the Stars and give their loyal supporters something positive to take from a disappointing season! Will Michael Klinger be given the opportunity of a deserved farewell appearance in front of a home crowd he has given so much pleasure to over many seasons? Let’s hope so…
The Stars are fighting for a finals spot and have hit form at the right time of the series. Marcus Stoinis has been sensational lately with bat (312 runs) and ball (14 wickets). With the assistance of Dunk, Handscomb, Maxwell and Maddinson, they are always capable of the unexpected. Their bowling attack has plenty of options. They used eight bowlers in their last innings with Zampa (8 wickets), Stoinis (14) and Bravo (14), providing the key. Overseas replacement Liam Plunkett (11 wickets) will appreciate the conditions of the Optus Stadium pitch.
For the Scorchers to win they will look to an inconsistent top order to show their true ability. The Marsh brothers, Turner, Bancroft, Cartwright and hopefully Klinger are all talented and will be keen to repay faithful fans with plenty of entertainment. Having limited spinning options, the pressure will again be on Counter-Nile, Behrendorf, Kelly and Tye to carry the burden of restricting an unpredictable Stars batting line-up.
I’m going to put my faith in a Scorchers victory. They owe it to their fans and we know the ability is there!
Tips
Winner: Scorchers
Scorchers Most Runs: Shaun Marsh
Stars Most Runs: Peter Handscomb
Scorchers Most Wickets: Andrew Tye
Stars Most Wickets: Liam Plunkett