Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
Melbourne Stars vs Hobart Hurricanes Preview Dream11
BBL08 is now past its halfway stage. The table is still very close, but in what is a concern for the tournament, a side hurt by Australian ODI duty takes on a side unaffected and flying high.
Melbourne Stars have struggled badly without Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell and Adam Zampa. They have suffered two heavy defeats in a row against Perth Scorchers and Adelaide Strikers respectively, falling back to 7th place in the process. There are still a number of matches to be played, and with the competition table still tight, a win here for the Stars can be a big confidence boost.
Hobart Hurricanes suffered their first defeat against Melbourne Stars’ rivals, Melbourne Renegades, a week ago. Openers D’Arcy Short and Matthew Wade, who have largely been brilliant in BBL08, fell early, which the Hurricanes were never quite able to recover from, despite George Bailey and Ben McDermott’s fine efforts. They start as clear favourites against a Stars side very keen to get their big guns back, which presents a fine chance to get back to winning ways.
Key to a Melbourne Stars win
The Stars started well against the Strikers on Friday, but their middle and death overs bowling especially sucked momentum out of their effort. Dwayne Bravo, who was poor, needs to step up with the ball here, along with the likes of Scott Boland and Liam Plunkett, both whom have been in the wickets in recent matches. Can Liam Bowe get the ball turning and cause problems for the Hurricanes batsmen?
Also, the batsmen have struggled in the absence of Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell. Nic Maddinson has had two disappointing outings since his return, and needs to step up the way he has in BBL Cricket in the past. Ben Dunk, Evan Gulbis, Seb Gotch and Dwayne Bravo doesn’t represent the best batting lineup on paper in BBL08, so partnerships are crucial to the cause. Can the Stars’ batsmen stave off the Hurricanes challenge?
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Key to a Hobart Hurricanes win
Matthew Wade and D’Arcy Short have been central to the Hurricanes’ excellent season so far. Here, they have the chance to cause further misery to a Stars attack that has struggled for penetration with the ball in the last two matches. A strong platform at the top paves the way for the likes of Ben McDermott, George Bailey and James Faulkner to launch against a side that has struggled with its death bowling.
Also, can Jofra Archer get back in the wickets? He has been uncharacteristically short of scalps in the last few matches, and if he fires here, there is surely no way back for the Stars. James Faulkner has also been good with the ball in BBL08, and along with the likes of Riley Meredith and Johan Botha, the Hurricanes have the resources to pick up regular wickets. Will it be their night?
Possible Playing 11
Melbourne Stars have made one change to their 13-man squad from the Adelaide match. Tom O’Connor comes in for Michael Beer.
Melbourne Stars Possible Playing 11: 1. Ben Dunk, 2. Evan Gulbis, 3. Nic Maddinson (c), 4. Nick Larkin, 5. Seb Gotch (wk), 6. Dwayne Bravo, 7. Jonathan Merlo, 8. Liam Plunkett, 9. Scott Boland, 10. Liam Bowe, 11. Jackson Bird
Hobart Hurricanes have an unchanged squad. It will likely be the same XI as last game.
Hobart Hurricanes Possible Playing 11: 1. D’Arcy Short, 2. Matthew Wade (c & wk), 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
Dream11 Prediction
- Matthew Wade has been one of the fine performers in BBL08. With 190 runs for the tournament at a SR of 140, he has a much higher ceiling than Seb Gotch.
- D’Arcy Short has the fourth most runs in BBL08 (259). Also, he is a key bowler for the Hurricanes this season, taking four wickets with an economy rate of just 7.07.
- George Bailey has been in fine touch, with 100 runs in his last two innings and three not outs in his last five knocks. Ben McDermott is coming off a 50, and looked impressive in the T20I against India at the MCG, where this match will be played tonight.
- Evan Gulbis has looked good at the top for the Stars. Two scores of 37 in his last two games, threatening to go bigger. Also a handy option with the ball.
- Persisted with Nic Maddinson in the last match, but he looks terribly out of form since his return from injury. His scores have been low, and the manner of his dismissals just as concerning.
- James Faulker is 7th highest wicket taker in BBL08 with 10. (with games in hand over those above him).
- Dwayne Bravo was awful with the ball against Adelaide Strikers. However, he took eight wickets in the four preceding games, and is coming off a 30+ score. Worth persisting with.
- Liam Plunkett has taken six wickets in his three matches, including a four-wicket haul last match. Jofra Archer has taken just two wickets in his last four games, but he will be targeting a slightly fragile Stars lineup.
PS I recently partnered with the great team at onlinecricstore.com
- Purchase any cricket item and get a special discount with my name code: CHARBEL5
- Hope you enjoy my cricket tips on the OnlineCricStore Blog!
Stats and Facts
- Melbourne Renegades could move to as high as 2nd in the BBL08 table with a win. They are currently 7th.
- Melbourne Stars’ highest total in BBL08 is 155. Hobart Hurricanes have four totals higher than that in six matches.
- Hobart Hurricanes have lost three of their last four matches against Melbourne Stars, but beat them comfortably earlier in the season.
- George Bailey will play his 50th BBL game.
Match Prediction
Melbourne Stars are struggling without their Australian ODI representatives.
Hobart Hurricanes are unaffected, and will look to bounce back after a loss to Melbourne Renegades last week. Hurricanes to win.
Thanks for reading!
Melbourne Stars vs Hobart Hurricanes Preview Dream11
