Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey

Melbourne Renegades vs Adelaide Strikers Preview + Dream11

One sluggish pitch to another? Not quite.

BBL08 has been filled with slow pitches, and the move from Marvel Stadium to Geelong might be excellent timing for this one.

Melbourne Renegades meet the side they have already beaten in BBL08. Their win over the Strikers in Adelaide before Christmas was impressive, but they crumbled badly against the Sydney Sixers on a Marvel Stadium pitch where strike rotation was challenging but crucial. Then, they suffered a big loss on New Year’s Day against the Melbourne Stars. Will the Renegades get back to winning ways?

Adelaide Strikers indeed got back to winning ways after two straight losses. Their victory against Sydney Thunder on New Year’s Eve, while not perfect, was much needed to get their season back on track. Alex Carey and Colin Ingram were back in the runs, and the bowlers held their nerve in the final overs which was encouraging. Will they get revenge over the Renegades?

Key to a Melbourne Renegades win

The Renegades’ batting has been the central cause of their demise in their two defeats. The top order has been inconsistent, with the allrounders required to get the side out of tricky situations. The likes of Tim Ludeman, Cameron White and Tom Cooper are yet to fire like fans know they can, and the time is now to arrest the slide. A strong platform paves the way for a strong middle order to take advantage.

Also, the Renegades seamers, expect Usman Khan Shinewari, were ineffective at the MCG. They need to show their Marvel Stadium form in Geelong to get the better of the Strikers top order. With the likes of Kane Richardson, Jack Wildermuth and Dan Christian showing glimpses of good form in BBL08, fans can hope for an improved showing.

ALSO READ: My 2018 Test XI of the year!

Key to an Adelaide Strikers win

Rashid Khan is set to play against Melbourne Renegades. It is another example of his strong character, given the sad passing of his father just a few days ago. He was effective against the Thunder, supporting the likes of Peter Siddle, Michael Neser and Ben Laughlin really well. Will the Strikers attack cause more pain for the Renegades batting on what could be a slow track?

Also, of equal importance, can the Strikers batting lineup deal with the conditions effectively? Alex Carey and Colin Ingram, along with Jake Weatherald, will be key at the top, but can the middle order play with greater freedom than on display vs Thunder? Strike rotation will be crucial in Geelong, and it will help to have at least one set batsman at the crease throughout the innings.

Predicted Playing XIs

Melbourne Renegades have brought Joe Mennie into the 13-man squad.

Melbourne Renegades XI: 1. Sam Harper, 2. Mackenzie Harvey, 3. Cameron White, 4. Tom Cooper (c), 5. Mohammad Nabi, 6. Daniel Christian, 7. Beau Webster, 8. Jack Wildermuth, 9. Cameron Boyce, 10. Kane Richardson, 11. Usman Khan Shinwari

Peter Siddle is unavailable due to commitments with Australian Test team. Wes Agar comes into the Adelaide 13-man squad.

Adelaide Strikers XI: 1. Alex Carey (wk), 2. Jake Weatherald, 3. Colin Ingram (c), 4. Matthew Short, 5. Jono Wells, 6. Jake Lehmann, 7. Michael Neser, 8. Rashid Khan, 9. Cameron Valente, 10. Ben Laughlin, 11. Billy Stanlake

Dream11 Prediction

A good batting pitch is expected in Geelong, similar to the Sri Lanka T20I a couple of years back. Below is my Dream11 Team with a few pointers.

• Mackenzie Harvey has made a good start to his BBL08 campaign and offers good value.
• Cameron White is due for runs, just as Ben Laughlin is due for wickets, especially at the death.
• Rashid Khan is my VC, Alex Carey C.
• Dan Christian has top scored for the Renegades twice in the last three innings.
• Top order and middle order options key on what is expected to be a decent track.

Stats and Facts

• Both these sides have already met in BBL08. Melbourne Renegades won in Adelaide.
• Adelaide Strikers have won four of their last six matches against the Renegades.
• Rashid Khan has taken 13 wickets in his last seven T20 matches.

Prediction

Adelaide Strikers to win off the back of a strong top order showing.

Thanks for reading!

ALSO READ: My 2018 Test XI of the year!

Melbourne Renegades vs Adelaide Strikers Preview + Dream11