BBL Tips and Previews, 19-20 December
Hobart Hurricanes vs. Perth Scorchers
December 19th
Heralded as one of the BBL favourites this year, it hasn’t been an ideal start for Hobart, with a comprehensive loss to the Stars to kick off their season. The Canes failed to take their early chances and let Melbourne get away with a strong batting performance that they couldn’t match.
Their big-hitting line-up failed to deliver any real blow, with quiet performances from D’Arcy Short and Ben McDermott, but that should be an aberration and not the norm for the season ahead. Look for either of these two to get their eye in early and make a splash against the Scorchers.
Riley Meredith showed a bit with the ball, aside from one massive hit into the stands from Beau Webster, while Patrick Dooley’s left-arm spin can contain teams that might be looking to get away.
Perth has had a rough start to its campaign, with injuries and unavailabilities significantly weakening their team. But the reigning champions are known for their depth and have plenty to turn to. Jhye Richardson and Ashton Agar bring significant international and domestic experience to the bowling attack, while young gun Cooper Connolly is one to watch with the bat. Connolly may be about to take the world by storm, and with Mitch Marsh out for the season, he has an opening to make all his. Look for him to get some runs here.
Suggested Bet:
Hobart to win at $1.81
Adelaide Strikers vs. Sydney Thunder
December 20th
The only thing worse than a nightmare is having to relive it shortly after, which is something that will be on the minds of all involved with the Sydney Thunder after its disastrous performance last week that set a record low of 15 runs scored in an innings.
They’d be keen to move on quickly from that but as luck would have it, they face the same opponent just days later.
Adelaide’s bowling attack was nothing short of sensational with some stunning figures posted by Henry Thornton (5/3) and Wes Agar (4/6). Those two will be instrumental again but lightning doesn’t strike twice so there may be more value in someone like Matt Short who was only got one over in on Friday night and could be set for more this time around.
For the Thunder, it’s best to move on from their batting performance but expect more from Jason Sangher and Riley Roussouw, while Fazalhaaq Farooqi should once again lead the way with the ball. Even if the Thunder make a vast improvement, this is still an easy win to Adelaide.
