Last Updated on 1 month by Charbel Coorey
BBL 2021/22 Match 3: REN vs STR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | REN vs STR Dream11 Prediction Today | Melbourne Renegades vs Adelaide Strikers Key Players | Docklands Pitch Report
Usually the first game of a new season is a chance to find some rhythm. A loss isn’t the end of the world, but something to learn from for the upcoming matches.
However, this match has a sense of importance to it. Adelaide Strikers, who made the playoffs last season, are without Travis Head and Alex Carey due to Australian duty. So, a slow start to the season might be too difficult to come back from without the presence of two of their best players. So, the onus is on the experienced Jake Weatherald and Jono Wells to lead the way, with the bowling attack, led by Rashid Khan, to keep the Melbourne Renegades in check.
The Renegades too have their challenges to overcome. After Big Bash glory in 2019, the Renegades have endured two bottom-placed finishes in a row. They come into this tournament with a young batting lineup that has to show consistency throughout the campaign, but with James Pattinson on board, there is hope that their bowling attack can put a stranglehold on opposition teams.
However, Aaron Finch has been ruled out in a blow to the Renegades. Whether they can overcome this will be interesting to see.
Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
Melbourne Renegades:
- With Finch out, James Seymour could open. He scored a Sheffield Shield century last month.
- Jake Fraser-McGurk is one to watch this season. The youngster did not get dismissed in both of his matches vs Strikers last season (29* and 11*).
- Mohammad Nabi’s all-round experience will be crucial to the Renegades’ hopes. Nabi has scored 134 runs in five innings vs Strikers at an average of 44.67 and strike rate of 131.37. He also has taken three wickets.
- Nabi also has a solid record on this ground. He has scored 270 runs in nine innings at an average of 38.57 and strike rate of 122.73.
- Kane Richardson has the most wickets of any bowler in T20s at Marvel Stadium (15 innings, 21 wickets, avg. 21.05, econ. 7.75). He also has taken nine wickets in six games vs Strikers, but will want to bring his economy rate of 9.52 down.
- Welcome, James Pattinson. The big quick has been in terrific form in domestic cricket, and he will be key for the Renegades. He has taken 13 wickets in 10 matches at Marvel Stadium (avg. 25.00), and has eight scalps in four matches vs Strikers.
- Cameron Boyce will be key on what could be a slow pitch. He takes 1.08 wickets per match at Marvel Stadium (14 in 13 matches), so he will be looking to build on that. Against Strikers, he has six wickets to his name in four matches at a fine economy rate of just 5.88.
Adelaide Strikers:
- Jake Weatherald will be crucial in the absence of Head and Carey. The left-hander has scored the most runs in Strikers-Renegades matches, with 277 at an average of 30.78 and strike rate of 143.52.
- Jono Wells has the third-most runs in Strikers-Renegades matches. The middle order batsman has scored 170 runs at an average of 34.00 and strike rate of 121.43. He will also be key.
- Matt Short has a half-century in four matches vs Renegades (total of 109 runs, avg. 36.33, SR 147.30).
- The brilliant Rashid Khan has an outstanding record against the Renegades. He has taken 13 wickets in eight matches at an average of 12.62 and economy rate of 5.13. Plus, he has taken four wickets in his two games at Marvel Stadium (econ. 5.13).
- Peter Siddle has taken seven wickets in six matches vs Renegades (avg. 20). Wes Agar, who is often a big wicket-taker, has a similar record (five matches, six wickets, avg. 19.56).
Stats and Facts
- Head-to-head: Matches 14, Renegades 5, Strikers 9.
- Sam Harper will also be key in the absence of Shaun Marsh. He averages just 15 vs Strikers and 21.62 in 14 matches on this ground. Can he turn these numbers around?
- Rashid Khan could also be used as a pinch-hitter in the batting lineup. His 48 runs vs Strikers come at a strike rate of 192.00.
Possible Playing 11
Melbourne Renegades have named their squad. Aaron Finch, however, is out. James Seymour will likely open. Kane Richardson will captain the team.
Melbourne Renegades: 1. James Seymour, 2. Sam Harper (wk), 3. Mackenzie Harvey, 4. Jake Fraser-McGurk, 5. Mohammad Nabi, 6. Jono Merlo, 7. Will Sutherland, 8. James Pattinson, 9. Kane Richardson (c), 10. Cameron Boyce, 11. Reece Topley/Zahir Khan
Adelaide Strikers have named their squad for this match. Peter Siddle will lead the side, while George Garton is expected to play an important role.
Adelaide Strikers: 1. Jake Weatherald, 2. Harry Nielsen (wk), 3. Matt Short, 4. Ryan Gibson, 5. Jon Wells, 6. Liam Scott, 7. Rashid Khan, 8. Peter Siddle, 9. George Gargton, 10. Wes Agar, 11. Daniel Worrall/Daniel Drew
Marvel Stadium Docklands Pitch Report and Weather
Marvel Stadium has often been one of the slowest pitches in the Big Bash. However, there were higher scores on this ground last season, with an average first innings score of 168.63 in eight matches. The teams batting first and second won four games each.
Weather isn’t an issue due to the roof. There is rain around in Melbourne today, but it won’t impact the match.
Dream11 Prediction
Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time.
Option 1:

Option 2:

Fan2Play Prediction
Base team:
- Wicket-keepers: Sam Harper
- Batsmen: Aaron Finch, Jake Weatherald
- All-rounders: Mohammad Nabi, Matt Short
- Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Kane Richardson
Match Prediction
A match that can go either way. The Strikers’ bowling attack perhaps gives them a slight edge, but they need enough runs to compete. This one could come down to actually batting first and getting 160-170 on the board.