Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey

Sydney Thunder vs Adelaide Strikers Preview Dream11

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Sydney Thunder host the Strikers in the first of three BBL matches on Sunday, with this a crucial game for the home side. Star man Jos Buttler has departed for England duty, which leaves a huge hole in the Thunder’s batting lineup. Joe Root has departed too, but his stay was far less impactful, with New Zealand’s Anton Devcich straight away a key man in resurrecting the Thunder’s flailing season. Can he and Chris Jordan prove to be excellent signings right away?

Adelaide Strikers, on the other hand, are on an excellent run, winning three of their past four games. This includes a very convincing win against Melbourne Stars less than two days ago without their Australian ODI representatives. They are building momentum nicely at the midway point of the season, and look like a side that can indeed go very far in this competition. Will they prove to be too good for the Thunder today?

Key to a Sydney Thunder win

Jos Buttler’s departure puts significant onus on other players who haven’t quite stepped up in recent times. Shane Watson has had a quiet BBL08 campaign so far, and must step up here against an efficient Strikers attack, along with the likes of Callum Ferguson, Jason Sangha and Daniel Sams. All have the potential to deliver the goods, but haven’t been as consistent as they’d like, which is crucial here to reduce any immediate on Anton Devcich.

However, the recruitment of Chris Jordan helps the Thunder’s bowling, which was taken to the cleaners for the most part against Brisbane Heat last Tuesday. Spotless Stadium is a ground that the Thunder spinners typically enjoy, and they have to be on song today against a Strikers side that have players in form after a big win less than 48 hours ago. Can Jordan and Daniel Sams in particular create a strong platform for the spinners to do their thing?

Key to an Adelaide Strikers win

The Strikers had a slow start against the Stars, but were still able to set a platform for a strong total. A fast start is never a given at Spotless Stadium, and with the afternoon sun belting down on the pitch, slower conditions might greet the Strikers. Rotation of strike is critical, and in Travis Head, Jake Weatherald and Colin Ingram, the Strikers have the ingredients to set a strong platform for the likes of Rashid Khan, Jono Wells and Michael Neser to launch.

Also, it would have been pleasing for the Strikers to see Ben Laughlin and Michael Neser in the wickets two days ago. These two had to step up in the absence of Billy Stanlake and Peter Siddle, and that they did, building further confidence for this clash. Stanlake is available for this clash, so can the Strikers pick up powerplay wickets, including Shane Watson, to give Rashid Khan a chance to target an inconsistent Thunder middle order?

Possible Playing 11

Jos Buttler and Joe Root have departed, with Anton Devcich and Chris Jordan the overseas replacements. Jay Lenton will come in as the keeper batsman.

Sydney Thunder Possible Playing 11: 1. Shane Watson (c), 2. Anton Devcich, 3. Callum Ferguson, 4. Jason Sangha, 5. Jay Lenton (wk), 6. Daniel Sams, 7. Chris Jordan, 8. Chris Green, 9. Gurinder Sandhu/Sam Rainbird, 10. Jono Cook, 11. Fawad Ahmed

Billy Stanlake has been released from the Australian ODI squad, and returns to the Strikers’ squad. He will replace Wes Agar in the XI.

Adelaide Strikers Possible Playing 11: 1. Jake Weatherald, 2. Matthew Short, 3. Travis Head (c), 4. Colin Ingram, 5. Jono Wells, 6. Harry Nielsen (wk), 7. Rashid Khan, 8. Michael Neser, 9. Liam O’Connor, 10. Ben Laughlin, 11. Billy Stanlake

Dream11 Prediction

• Given the Strikers’ strong top order, Jay Lenton is likelier to get more of a batting opportunity than Harry Nielsen.
• Shane Watson has made six double figure scores in seven innings in BBL08. He has threatened to go big – will the added responsibility of Buttler no longer here help him?
• Travis Head, Colin Ingram and Jake Weatherald are all in good touch. Weatherald has two fifties in his last three innings. Ingram is coming off a man of the match performance, and has two fifties in BBL08.
• Michael Neser has six wickets in his last four BBL matches.
• Rashid Khan was man of the match twice against Sydney Thunder last season, taking four wickets in two games. He has 11 wickets in BBL08.
• Fawad Ahmed has taken nine wickets in BBL08. Seven have come at Spotless Stadium in three matches. Jono Cook is also a good option.
• Chris Jordan has 12 wickets in his last nine T20 matches, and also represents a handy batting option down the order.

Stats and Facts

• Adelaide Strikers have won their last four matches against Sydney Thunder.
• Jason Sangha is the only player from Sydney Thunder to have hit a fifty in BBL08.
• Sydney Thunder will go level with Adelaide Strikers on the BBL08 table if they win this.

Match Prediction

Adelaide Strikers have a fine record against Sydney Thunder, and look more settled.

Strikers to win.

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Sydney Thunder vs Adelaide Strikers Preview Dream11