Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
Hobart Hurricanes vs Perth Scorchers Preview + Dream11
Tasmania served up arguably game of the tournament so far on Friday. We are in for another game of the tournament contender just 48 hours later with perennial achievers Perth Scorchers in town for a big clash in Launceston.
Hobart Hurricanes now sit pretty as the only undefeated team in BBL08 after Melbourne Renegades capitulated vs Sydney Sixers. Sydney Thunder pushed them all the way on Friday, but the Hurricanes held their nerve to nail a big chase. D’Arcy Short has two fifties in three games in BBL08, Matthew Wade is in fine form, and the Hurricanes’ middle order packs a punch. Will they make it four from four?
This game is also significant as Cameron Bancroft makes his comeback to professional cricket. His nine month suspension for ball tampering is over. Perth Scorchers will welcome back his services with open arms, as they are in need of greater consistency with the bat, especially at the top. The Scorchers got their BBL08 campaign up and running with a comfortable win against Adelaide Strikers on a spicy Optus Stadium pitch, but will they crash the party in Launceston?
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Key to a Hobart Hurricanes win
Matthew Wade and D’Arcy Short have been central to Hobart Hurricanes’ excellent start to BBL08. They have provided strong starts to enable the rest of the lineup to play with greater freedom. Against a good Perth Scorchers attack, a strong start is crucial given the risk of exposing the middle order too early. With the likes of Ben McDermott, George Bailey and James Faulkner, the Hurricanes pack some punch in the middle order, and can maxmise this strength with another solid opening stand.
Uncharacteristically, though, Jofra Archer was off the mark against Sydney Thunder, which was undoubtedly the key in Hobart having to chase nearly 200. Archer will be key in exposing a Perth lineup not at its best yet, with support from Riley Meredith, Clive Rose, James Faulkner and Johan Botha, who have all shown promising form. However, the fielding must improve, with the Hurricanes embarrassing at times in front of their own fans. The Hurricanes have it in them to create chances, and must take them against good opposition.
Key to a Perth Scorchers win
The Scorchers leveraged off their strength – bowling – to blow Adelaide Strikers away on Boxing Day. However, conditions aren’t expected to be as seamer friendly in Launceston, so significant onus is on the batsmen to have a good outing. Cameron Bancroft will make his return with his nine month suspension over, and will be challenged to hit his straps straight away. More is expected also of Michael Klinger who has started BBL08 slowly, as well as the likes of Will Bosisto, Ashton Turner and Hilton Cartwright in giving the Scorchers a big total.
But, in conditions that won’t be as seamer friendly as Perth, what can the Scorchers attack offer? The battle between Jason Behrendhorff and the Hurricanes’ opening pair could be crucial to the result, as well as how effective the remaining members of the pace attack are in executing their skills to keep the Hurricanes side as quiet as possible. This is arguably the game that the Scorchers can announce their arrival in BBL08, and it will be a big challenge.
Predicted Playing XIs
Hobart Hurricanes have named an unchanged squad. They will also likely name an unchanged XI.
Hobart Hurricanes: 1. Matthew Wade (c & wk), 2. D’Arcy Short, 3. Alex Doolan, 4. Ben McDermott, 5. George Bailey, 6. Simon Milenko, 7. James Faulkner, 8. Johan Botha, 9. Jofra Archer, 10. Clive Rose, 11. Riley Meredith
Cameron Bancroft comes into the Perth Scorchers squad and could take the gloves. Sam Whiteman is also a chance of playing after missing the last match with illness.
Perth Scorchers: 1. Cameron Bancroft (wk), 2. Michael Klinger, 3. Will Bosisto, 4. Ashton Turner (c), 5. Hilton Cartwright, 6. David Willey, 7. Ashton Agar, 8. Nathan Coulter-Nile, 9. Jhye Richardson, 10. Andrew Tye, 11. Jason Behrendhorff
Dream11 Prediction
Stars on show in both sides. Below is my Dream11 Team with a few pointers.
- Hobart Hurricanes’ opening pair will come up against the strong Perth attack, and I believe it is a risk picking both Wade and Short. Wade makes my side as picking Bancroft over him is a risk given his lack of cricket.
- Matthew Wade scored 71 off 45 balls in his last game vs Scorchers.
- D’Arcy Short is the big player to miss out. Will it be his off day against the Perth Scorchers’ attack? I think so.
- Michael Klinger is due runs, and might benefit from the slower Launceston track.
- Ashton Agar, David Willey and James Faulkner will be key on the slower track.
- Jason Behrendhorff has been in fine form in the powerplay overs. AJ Tye’s variations could suit the Launceston pitch. Jofra Archer is the Hurricanes’ star bowler, and is always in with a shout for wickets.
Stats and Facts
- Hobart Hurricanes are the only undefeated team in BBL08 (three wins).
- Hobart Hurricanes knocked Perth Scorchers out of BBL07 with a huge win in the semi final.
Prediction
What a fine clash this promises to be.
Perth Scorchers are still indeed one of the favourites for the BBL08 title, and I back them to take this one out in a close match off the back of their bowlers.
Thanks for reading!
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Hobart Hurricanes vs Perth Scorchers Preview + Dream11
