Sports

Wayne’s Preview – Scorchers v Hurricanes

Two rounds remain and it’s tight at the top.  A home final beckons for both sides and the pressure will be on at the Furnace.  A win for the Scorchers nearly ensures a home final, a win for the Hurricanes keeps their dream alive of hosting at Bellerive.

The clash between Darcy Short and Mitchell Johnson will be a highlight.  The Scorchers attack has continued to impress with Bresnan proving an able replacement for Tye, Paris improving each game after injury and Agar providing balance to a very confident line-up.  Of course, Short (493 runs) has dominated for the Hurricanes but Bailey, Christian, Wade and danger man McDermott (220) have all had their moments and have belief despite the loss against the Strikers.

Hopefully, Sean Marsh will play to bolster the top order; if not more pressure will be on Klinger to get back into the runs.  Cartwright (226), Turner (200) and Voges (back after suspension) have been in very good form but they will again face tough competition from a confident Hurricanes attack.  Archer (14 wkts) has been exciting, Christian reliable in clutch situations and spinners Rose, Boyce and Short are capable of breaking partnerships, while still putting a halt on run-rates.

The Hurricanes have improved constantly as the season has progressed but they will have to be at their very best to overcome the confidence and home advantage the Scorchers possess.  Individual performance can turn games, but the team ethos and belief of the Scorchers has been the difference in many a game in BBL07.

Scorchers for me in a classic.

  Winner Wicket Most Runs
Scorchers Scorchers Paris Cartwright
Hurricanes   Archer McDermott