Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
Melbourne Renegades vs Melbourne Stars Preview Dream11
A thriller yesterday. Finally.
Now, the Australian ODI players are back for both sides for the Melbourne Derby tonight. Could we have two fantastic games in two nights in a BBL08 tournament that has lacked them?
This one indeed has all the ingredients for a fine game, but will the pitch at Marvel Stadium allow for good cricket? One can hope.
Melbourne Renegades once again highlighted the pattern of their BBL08 campaign, thrashing the Sydney Sixers mid-week. That too was after their own 101-run loss to Brisbane Heat, after they smashed Brisbane Heat by eight wickets just a few days earlier. Kane Richardson in his post-match interview at the SCG highlighted the need for greater consistency, and they have a fine chance to lay down a marker against a side that has its stars back.
No pun intended, that side is Melbourne Stars. They welcome back four of their Australian big guns, and boy do they need them after three straight heavy defeats. Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Peter Handscomb and Adam Zampa will be welcomed with open arms as the season starts to reach its business end, with all of seven teams still vying for three finals spots, given the Hobart Hurricanes are just about there. The Stars’ form was very impressive before their players went on Australian ODI duty, and now they have the chance to bounce back and get their season on track.
Also read: My light hearted Australia vs India ODI Series Player Ratings
Key to a Melbourne Renegades win
At their best, the Renegades’ bowlers can rip through sides in this BBL08 tournament. They are the only team to beat Hobart Hurricanes so far, and dismantled both the Brisbane Heat and Sydney Sixers, both of whom have good players in their lineups. The Renegades have been mostly effective at Marvel Stadium this season, and will need to be against a Stars side possessing a good batting lineup. Kane Richardson, leading wicket taker in BBL08, will be crucial, along with the likes of Harry Gurney, Dan Christian, Jack Wildermuth and Mohammad Nabi in keeping the Stars batsmen quiet. Can the Renegades pick up crucial wickets in the powerplay to pile the pressure on a Stars middle order that will aim to be aggressive?
Also, will this be the platform for Aaron Finch to find his best form? He has struggled in Australian colours this season, but his one BBL08 innings yielded 43 runs, which is the minimum kind of return the Renegades will be hoping for at the top. Tom Cooper is hitting form, and he and Cameron White will be key, along with Marcus Harris and Sam Webster who have both shown good form at times for the Renegades. If the Renegades’ top order can set a strong platform, they have the resources in Mohammad Nabi and Daniel Christian to take advantage.
Melbourne Renegades vs Melbourne Stars Preview Dream11: Can Tom Cooper continue his good form?
Key to a Melbourne Stars win
Melbourne Stars have the resources now to challenge any side in BBL08. Marcus Stoinis, in superb form before leaving for ODI duty, will be vital at the top in setting a strong platform for the Stars. The men in green in recent games have struggled for a full batting performance, either starting well and finishing poorly, or starting poorly and finishing well, so the onus is on the top six to ensure that they counter a Renegades attack that has largely enjoyed Marvel Stadium this season. Can the likes of Ben Dunk, Glenn Maxwell and Dwayne Bravo ensure a strong night for the Stars, ideally off a strong performance from Stoinis?
Also, the Stars need to believe they can target an inconsistent Renegades lineup. Aaron Finch is out of touch, and Marcus Harris will be keen for more runs, along with Cameron White who has largely struggled in BBL08. The key for the Stars will be powerplay wickets, which forces the likes of Mohammad Nabi and Daniel Christian to have to play rebuilding knocks to get the Renegades out of trouble. Can Marcus Stoinis also deliver with the ball? What about Adam Zampa after a decent showing in the third ODI? Can Dwayne Bravo put on an improved showing? With Liam Plunkett and Jackson Bird showing some wicket taking form in BBL08, a cohesive bowling effort is crucial for the Stars.
Melbourne Renegades vs Melbourne Stars Preview Dream11: Dwayne Bravo will be a key player
Possible Playing 11
Aaron Finch returns for Melbourne Renegades, replacing Beau Webster in the 13-man squad.
Melbourne Renegades Possible Playing 11: 1. Aaron Finch (c), 2. Marcus Harris, 3. Cameron White, 4. Sam Harper (wk), 5. Tom Cooper, 6. Mohammad Nabi, 7. Daniel Christian, 8. Jack Wildermuth, 9. Cameron Boyce, 10. Kane Richardson, 11. Harry Gurney
As mentioned, four of Melbourne Stars’ ODI players are back.
Melbourne Stars Possible Playing 11: 1. Marcus Stoinis, 2. Ben Dunk, 3. Nic Maddinson, 4. Glenn Maxwell (c), 5. Peter Handscomb (wk) 6. Dwayne Bravo, 7. Evan Gulbis, 8. Liam Plunkett, 9. Adam Zampa, 10. Tom O’Connell, 11. Jackson Bird
Dream11 Prediction
Melbourne Renegades vs Melbourne Stars Preview Dream11Stats and Facts
- Melbourne Stars beat Melbourne Renegades easily on New Years’ Day.
- Stars have won nine of last 11 games vs Renegades.
- Melbourne Renegades have won three of their past four matches.
Match Prediction
Melbourne Stars, with their players back, look a good side.
I predict they will win this game and get back on track.
Thanks for reading!
Melbourne Renegades vs Melbourne Stars Preview Dream11
