Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey

Melbourne Renegades vs Perth Scorchers Preview + Dream11

It is the perennial underachievers against perennial finalists.

Melbourne Renegades begin their campaign with arguably the toughest test, coming up against one of the BBL08 favourites, Perth Scorchers. The Renegades, who finished in the top four for the first time in five years last season, will be looking to immediately lay down a marker against a well balanced side. The absence of Aaron Finch and Marcus Harris to Australian Test duty is a blow, but there is enough experience in their line up to give the Scorchers a challenge. Can the Renegades step up?

Perth Scorchers have finished in the top four in all seven editions of BBL. They are the most consistent side, with the most titles (three), and possess such a squad that two or three different final XIs would still be very good ones. Mitchell Marsh leads the side in the quest for a fourth title, and will be looking to get their tournament off and running away from home. Will the Scorchers prove too good?

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Key to a Melbourne Renegades win

As mentioned, the absence of Finch and Harris is a blow, but the Renegades still possess good experience in their batting line up. The likes of Tim Ludeman, Cameron White, Tom Cooper and Dan Christian have a crucial role to play in overcoming a quality Scorchers attack, paving the way for a strong total. The Scorchers possess bowlers that can deliver in all three stages of the innings, so partnerships, especially at the top, is crucial to the Renegades’ cause.

Also, can the Renegades get into the Scorchers’ middle order quickly? The Scorchers possess plenty of allrounders, which can be considered as an opportunity for the Renegades to target. Usman Khan Shenwari, Kane Richardson, Cameron Boyce and Mohammad Nabi represents a decent core bowling unit, and need to keep chipping away at a long Scorchers batting lineup.

Key to a Perth Scorchers win

What can decide the game is Renegades v Scorchers in the powerplay overs. The Renegades’ batting stocks have taken a hit, which opens the door for a fine Scorchers attack to take advantage, especially in the early overs. Jason Behrendhorff, who missed the whole of last season with injury, will be of welcome return, and will be crucial at the top. With the likes of David Willey, Andrew Tye, Nathan Coulter-Nile and Jhye Richardson (as well as Marsh and Turner), the Scorchers have a plethora of options to turn to in each stage of the innings to keep the pressure on the Renegades.

However, the batting is a potential opportunity for the Renegades to exploit. How well will Michael Klinger go? Will David Willey be sent up the order? What can Josh Inglis and Sam Whiteman, if selected, deliver? Given the strong Scorchers attack, if they get enough runs on the board, a Scorchers victory will be very likely.

Also read: Five Pakistani players who could do well in BBL.

Predicted Playing XIs

Melbourne Renegades have named their 13-man squad, with the fortunes of the top order key to their success.

Melbourne Renegades: 1. Tim Ludeman (wk), 2. Kelvin Smith, 3. Cameron White, 4. Tom Cooper (c), 5. Dan Christian, 6. Mohammad Nabi, 7. Jack Wildermuth, 8. Chris Tremain, 9. Cameron Boyce, 10. Kane Richardson, 11. Usman Khan Shenwari

Perth Scorchers have also named their 13-man squad. Their squad looks so strong on paper that any of those 13 can make the final side.

Perth Scorchers: 1. Michael Klinger, 2. David Willey, 3. Hilton Cartwright, 4. Mitchell Marsh (c), 5. Ashton Turner, 6. Josh Inglis (wk), 7. Ashton Agar, 8. Nathan Coulter-Nile, 9. Andrew Tye, 10. Jhye Richardson/Usman Qadir, 11. Jason Behrendhorff

Dream11

A decent day yesterday for Dream11. Today, with the excellent Scorchers squad, it is a big challenge. Below is my Dream11 side with a few pointers.

• Marvel Stadium in Melbourne has historically been a good ground for spinners. Cameron Boyce, Ashton Agar and Mohammad Nabi make my side.
• Jason Behrendhorff will be key in the powerplay overs. I predict he will get the better of the Renegades top order. AJ Tye will be key at the death. 
• Tom Cooper and Tim Ludeman are key players at the top for the Renegades. Cameron White is as well, but will he handle swing well?
• David Willey could open both the batting and bowling, and is an excellent T20 player. He is my captain.
• Ashton Turner is one to watch out for with his all-round capabilities. 

Stats and Facts

• Melbourne Renegades have never beaten Perth Scorchers (eight matches).
• Perth Scorchers have won seven of their past 10 T20 matches. Melbourne Renegades have won five.
• Perth Scorchers have made the finals in each of the seven BBL editions.

Prediction

Just like one of the favourites, Adelaide Strikers, won well yesterday, I expect Perth Scorchers to do the same.

The bowling attack of the Scorchers looks mighty strong, and will prove too much for the Renegades line up missing Aaron Finch and Marcus Harris.

Thanks for reading!

Also read: Alex Carey and Rashid Khan have started very well! My six big BBL08 predictions.

Melbourne Renegades vs Perth Scorchers Preview + Dream11