Wayne’s Preview – Scorchers v Hurricanes

Posted on January 31, 2018June 7, 2018 | Posted by Wayne Clark

What a semi-final this should prove to be with both teams very deserving of reaching the final with consistent team performances throughout the qualifying games. Each team will miss key players due to international duties but both will be confident of victory.

The Hurricanes lose the competitions leading run scorer in D’Arcy Short, but the inclusion of Tim Paine will counter that to a large degree. The Scorchers lose Ashton Agar, but gain both Marsh brothers, which can only add to their overall strength. Agar though, leaves the Scorchers with no specialist spinning option and as we have seen in this competition, spinners have proven very successful and necessary.

With the Scorchers probably opting for an all pace attack it puts tremendous pressure on Johnson, Kelly and Richardson to gain early in-roads into the ‘Canes batting line-up. It will be important to get Bailey and McDermott (in my opinion the keys to a big total) to the crease early. The Hurricanes have been very reliant on their top four and this game will prove no exception.

The Scorchers batting will definitely be strengthened by the return of Shaun Marsh (if declared fit) and Mitch Marsh. With the opening partnership after the 10 qualifying games averaging only 15, Shaun’s importance is evident.

Jofra Archer has been a sensation in the series and his ability to get the early breakthrough will be vital for the chances of the visitors. It will then be of interest to see if Rose and Boyce can have the same influence as in previous games. Will the pitch at the new stadium benefit the spinners to the same degree as most eastern states wickets? It’s not the WACA and therefore it may give the visitors a little more confidence bowling and batting.

In what should be a very close encounter, I’m leaning in favour of the Scorchers. Their batting has depth and despite being a pace-based attack, their belief in winning from any situation and a parochial 50,000+ crowd should get them up.

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