Wayne Clark’s BBL Preview: Scorchers vs Thunder

Posted on January 23, 2019January 23, 2019 | Posted by Wayne Clark

Scorchers vs Thunder (Optus Stadium)
Thursday 24th January, 6.40pm WST

An important game for both teams – Sydney Thunder started the tournament well but need this win to consolidate a position in the top four; whereas the Scorchers need a win to stay in the competition.

The Thunder slipped up against the Renegades and the “no contest” against the Heat could prove costly. The question to ask is how reliant are they on Shane Watson (289 runs)? He’s been a one-man-band lately, though Callum Ferguson seems to be coming into good form. If these two fall early, it, in my opinion, leaves them very vulnerable; especially on a pacey, bouncy wicket at Optus Stadium. Devecich, who replaced Butler, strikes it well but looks a bit hit-and-miss and with Green and Sams coming in at five and six, it doesn’t fill one with a lot of confidence.

Jason Behrendorf should be back for the Scorchers, and with Nathan Coulter-Nile and Matt Kelly, the pressure will be on the visitors early. Add the guile of Andrew Tye (12 wickets) and it could be difficult for the Thunder to score freely.

With both Marsh’s back in the line-up, the Scorchers batting is looking a lot more solid and they will be confident of chasing any score set. Bancroft (191), Turner (302) and Cartwright (129) round off a solid top order, which may mean Michael Klinger misses out.

Despite several key players missing, I’m very confident the Scorchers, with the advantage of the home ground, can win the game!

Scorchers to win!

Tips

Winner: Scorchers ($1.65)

Scorchers Most Runs: Ashton Turner ($5)
Thunder Most Runs: Callum Ferguson ($4.20)

Scorchers Most Wickets: Andrew Tye ($3)
Thunder Most Wickets: Chris Jordan ($4)

Odds correct as at 1pm, 23rd January 2019.

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