Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey
READ: Renegades vs Stars Preview and Dream11 10th January 2020
It’s Melbourne Derby time. A rematch of the most extraordinary BBL Final there has been. If this one is as good as the recent Sydney Smash, then we are in for a fine Saturday.
But, since that Final, both sides’ fortunes have gone in the complete opposite direction. Melbourne Stars, star-studded and enjoying a winning run, sit at the top of the BBL09 table. Melbourne Renegades, champions and highly-rated, sit bottom with five losses out of five.
It is desperation time now for the Renegades. A match of this caliber can either turn a season around or send it further into turmoil, so it remains to be seen how the Renegades get up for this game.
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Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
- Aaron Finch enjoys the Melbourne showdown. He has scored 478 runs in 13 matches vs the Stars, at an average of 47.80.
- Marcus Stoinis, coming off a quality knock vs Thunder, averages 66 vs Renegades (264 runs). He was man-of-the-match in both league matches vs Renegades last season.
- Glenn Maxwell has been contributing with both bat and ball. Against Renegades, he has 300 BBL runs at a SR of 147.06.
- Dan Christian finding form? His excellent cameo (32* off 17) gave the Renegades a score of 150+ last game vs Sixers. He was man-of-the-match in last season’s BBL Final.
- Shaun Marsh in BBL09: 5 matches, 190 runs, average: 38.00.
- Beau Webster has been a good find for the Renegades this season. He has 148 runs at 74.00 in BBL, and can chip in with a few overs.
- Nic Maddinson has been out in the powerplay four times in five games.
- Tom Andrews: Value player? He averages 32 with the bat in 10 FC games, and took 2/22 with his left arm spin last game.
- Adam Zampa: Seven wickets in five games in BBL09.
- Kane Richardson has conceded just 6.05 runs per over in five BBL09 matches. He has eight wickets, and is a key bowler for the Renegades.
READ: Renegades vs Stars Preview and Dream11 10th January 2020
Head-to-Head
- Matches 16, Stars 11, Renegades 5.
- Stars won both league games last season, before Renegades won the BBL Final between the sides after a huge Stars collapse.
Key to a Melbourne Stars win
Marcus Stoinis and Nick Larkin worked well as a partnership two days ago in Sydney. However, the Stars’ propensity to lose wickets quickly came to the fore again – something they need to avoid against a familiar opponent. Can the top order, including Nic Maddinson (if picked), deliver a strong start that the likes of Glenn Maxwell can build on?
Also, even without Haris Rauf, the Stars possess a capable attack. Nathan Coulter-Nile has kept it tight, Dale Steyn is easing into his work and the leg-spinners will continue to provide a threat. If they get the better of the Renegades’ top order, one feels only one result is possible.
Key to a Melbourne Renegades win
Harry Gurney is back for this match after attending his brother’s wedding in the UK. However, the Renegades need much more from him after his poor start to the season, working well with Kane Richardson and Cameron Boyce in particular to keep the Stars’ batsmen in check.
Also, plenty rests on the Renegades top order. In a time of need, it is down to the experience of Aaron Finch and Shaun Marsh to lead the way, allowing the exciting Sam Harper and Beau Webster to play with freedom. Importantly, can Dan Christian have a big outing with bat and ball?
Possible Playing 11
READ: Renegades vs Stars Preview and Dream11 10th January 2020
Hilton Cartwright and Sandeep Lamichhane are back in the Stars’ 13-man squad. They replace Jonothan Merlo and Haris Rauf respectively.
There is a possibility that Cartwright could come in for the out-of-form Nic Maddinson.
Melbourne Stars: 1. Nic Maddinson/Hilton Cartwright, 2. Marcus Stoinis, 3. Nick Larkin, 4. Peter Handscomb, 5. Glenn Maxwell (c), 6. Ben Dunk, 7. Nathan Coulter-Nile, 8. Dale Steyn, 9. Adam Zampa, 10. Sandeep Lamichhane, 11. Daniel Worrall
Harry Gurney and Jack Wildermuth return to the Renegades’ 13-man squad. Joe Mennie and Marcus Harris are out.
Melbourne Renegades: 1. Sam Harper (wk), 2. Aaron Finch (c), 3. Shaun Marsh, 4. Beau Webster, 5. Tom Cooper, 6. Dan Christian, 7. Will Sutherland/Tom Andrews, 8. Cameron Boyce, 9. Richard Gleeson, 10. Kane Richardson, 11. Harry Gurney
Also read: Is cricket blogging something you are looking to pursue more of in 2020? Download my free E-Book for tips!
MCG Pitch Report and Conditions
Cool and windy conditions are forecast for Melbourne evening. This could help the spinners generate some drift in the air, and with an easy-paced pitch expected, this could give the bowlers a little edge.
Dream11 Prediction
READ: Renegades vs Stars Preview and Dream11 10th January 2020
Option 1:
Option 2:
READ: Renegades vs Stars Preview and Dream11 10th January 2020
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Match Prediction
A game like this can spur the Renegades on. However, it can also make them sink further.
We’ll know what the belief in the Renegades camp is like in this game. On current form, though, it is very difficult to go past the Stars.
Thanks for reading!
