Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey

Perth Scorchers vs Brisbane Heat Preview + Dream11

One might have been expected to struggle, but almost certainly not the other. Two BBL08 strugglers go head-to-head in Saturday’s second match.

It was almost unimaginable that Perth Scorchers, the pre-tournament favourites, would be sitting second last with one win out of five matches. Their batting has been horrendous so far in BBL08, displaying none of the cohesiveness that has been central to their success in BBL cricket to date. With four of their players picked for Australian ODI duties beginning soon, the time is now to perform, and will come up against a side also struggling.

Brisbane Heat have not won a game yet in BBL08. They have played just the three games so far (Sydney Sixers have played six), but their old problems have surfaced once again. Their reliance on Chris Lynn is still very prevalent, so too their lack of depth with the ball, which ultimately cost them a win on New Year’s Day against the Sixers.

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Key to a Perth Scorchers win

The Scorchers’ batting is yet to get going, and Michael Klinger will be key to helping them get back on track. He has the ability to hold things together at the top and enable teammates to go hard. He has done very well in BBL cricket in Perth in the past, and with Mitch Marsh returning, and Ashton Turner, Ashton Agar and Hilton Cartwright all showing glimpses of form in BBL08, the time is now for the Scorchers to put on the complete display. How they adjust from the slow and sluggish pitch at Spotless Stadium to another possible fast and bouncy track at Optus Stadium will be interesting to see.

Also, can the Scorchers remove Chris Lynn early? The Brisbane Heat captain is crucial to their chances, and the Scorchers’ pace attack will be a challenge to handle. Jhye Richardson was damaging in BBL08’s only game at Optus Stadium so far, and Jason Behrendhorff can celebrate his recall to the ODI side with more excellent bowling in the powerplay. However, another player that has to improve is Andrew Tye, who continues to underwhelm with his execution. Against a side that relies on moments of brilliance, can the Scorchers’ snuff out opportunities?

Key to a Brisbane Heat win

Max Bryant and Jimmy Peirson made start against the Sixers, but there was such a lack of support for Chris Lynn against the Sixers. Because Lynn had to set the innings up with wickets falling, the Heat possibly lost an extra 15-20 runs, which could have helped them win the game. Joe Burns, Brendon McCullum and Ben Cutting need to lift against a good Scorchers’ attack, to give Chris Lynn greater license for damaging strokeplay earlier in the innings. Interestingly, Matt Renshaw is in the 13-man squad, and could play to give solidity to the Heat batting.

Also, another achilles heel for the Heat is their bowling. Mujeeb Ur Rahman and James Pattinson will be key again, along with Josh Lalor, in targeting a Scorchers’ lineup short of runs. In a game where both sides will be desperate for a win, the Heat can’t let their guard slip. The Scorchers’ batting is there for the taking, and early wickets, backed up with excellent middle and death overs bowling, can help open the game up.

Possible Playing XIs

Mitch Marsh comes back into the Perth Scorchers’ squad. Fast bowler Matt Kelly also is in the squad.

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

As mentioned, Matt Renshaw has been included in Brisbane Heat’s 13-man squad. Sam Heazlett misses out, so Renshaw could be a straight swap for him.

Brisbane Heat XI: 1. Max Bryant, 2. Matt Renshaw, 3. Chris Lynn (c), 4. Brendon McCullum, 5. Joe Burns/Alex Ross, 6. Ben Cutting, 7. Jimmy Pierson (wk), 8. Mitch Swepson, 9. James Pattinson, 10. Mujeeb Ur Rahman, 11. Josh Lalor

Dream11 Prediction

A day for the bowlers? Below is my Dream11 Team with a few pointers.

• Michael Klinger is due a score, and his best chance is at home vs struggling Brisbane Heat.
• Chris Lynn is in fine touch, so too Max Bryant who has been providing the Heat with good starts.
• David Willey hasn’t made an impact in BBL08, but his all-round capabilities in Perth is worth going for.
• Jason Behrendhorff is my captain in Perth conditions.
• Picking a spinner is a risk in Perth. Will they take wickets?

Stats and Facts

• Perth Scorchers and Brisbane Heat have just one win between them in BBL08.
• Ashton Turner is the highest scorer in BBL08 from both these teams (150).
• Perth Scorchers bowled Adelaide Strikers out for 88 at Optus Stadium on Boxing Day.

Prediction

Both sides are struggling, but Perth Scorchers with the home ground advantage will get a much-needed win.

Thanks for reading!

P.S. I recently partnered with the fantastic team at onlinecricstore.com!

• Get a discount on any cricket item with the code of my name: CHARBEL5.
• Hope you enjoy my cricket tips on the OnlineCricStore Blog!

Perth Scorchers vs Brisbane Heat Preview + Dream11