Bottom of the table Melbourne Renegades will try and start resurrecting their campaign when they take on a very capable Adelaide Strikers team in the latter’s team home ground. Things have been getting from bad to worse for the team in Red. Their last match saw them getting bundled out for just 89 in what was their sixth loss in a row.
The Strikers too suffered a loss in their last game but their problems don’t seem to be all that deep-rooted. Their batting and bowling departments are well-endowed and only a slip-up saw them going down to Sydney Sixers.
Any Hope for Renegades?
It is hard to figure out how a team that has Aaron Finch and Shaun Marsh opening the innings for itself can be so ineffective. Marsh has been in good form but Finch is yet to go all guns blazing this season. The impressive Sam Harper has been promoted up the order – he opened in place of Finch in the last game – but this move is yet to bring any rewards.
Then the problems begin. Rilee Rossouw hasn’t done justice to the faith shown in him while the likes of Beau Webster and Jack Prestwidge haven’t set the stadiums alight yet. Mohammad Nabi’s presence in the batting line-up is useful due to his experience. Imad Wasim may get another go but he is yet to become a proven commodity.
The bowling is also devoid of a big impact maker. Spinners are very crucial in this tournament and Renegades have pinned their hopes on the teenage sensation from Afghanistan Noor Ahmed. He has shown potential but, due to his age and being a leggie, he can go for runs as well.
The other Afghan spinner – Mohammad Nabi – is an off-break bowler. His experience is valuable but would require weight of runs from his batsmen to be of greater impact. Peter Hatzoglou is another tweaker on whom the team has put the burden of expectations. Safe to say he is yet to join the league of the likes of Rashid Khan or even Tanveer Sangha.
The pace attack is led by Kane Richardson, a bowler with great potential, but doesn’t have any big names to support him. Josh Lalor, Will Sutherland, and Zak Evans are all a roll of the dice.
For the Renegades to succeed, the Finch-Marsh pair has to fire while the senior bowlers like Richardson and Nabi have to lead the way. Then, one of the less high-profile guys have to emerge as the x-factor. Only then can the Melbourne side get out of the rut they are in.
Strikers Keen to Get Campaign Back on Track
The biggest problem for Strikers in the last game was the lack of support for Rashid Khan. The Afghan spin maestro was in great form again in the last match but received no support from his fellow bowlers. The failure of Danny Briggs in the last match took hurt the strategy of the Adelaide side.
Peter Siddle has mastered the yorker but he held himself back in the last match and missed the mark completely when he did come on. But a man with his experience should find a way back into rhythm. Wes Agar and Daniel Worrall too shouldn’t be deemed incompetent after just one match.
Regarding the batting, there are concerns about the form of Matt Renshaw. But the last game brought Jonathan Wells back into form. Jake Weatherald also enjoyed a good time in the middle. This is a great development. The middle-order now looks stronger. With Phil Salt and Alex Carey in the top order to set the stage, Strikers are in a good shape.
Renegades vs Strikers: Match Details
Venue: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Date and Time: January 5, 1:45 PM IST, 5:45 PM Local, 8:15 AM GMT
Broadcaster: Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV
Pitch Report
The two matches played in Adelaide so far has provided some help for pacers. Good bounce has been available for bowlers. This may continue in the upcoming matches, although the pitch at Adelaide can also become slow and allow spinners to come into play. Whether this happens in the next match remains to be seen.
Weather and Toss
Few clouds would be spotted in the sky on Tuesday evening but without much chance of rain. The weather will be cool in the evening. In other words, weather won’t play much of a part in the outcome of the match.
Probable XIs
Renegades: Sam Harper (Wk), Shaun Marsh, Aaron Finch (C), Beau Webster, Mohammad Nabi, Rilee Rossouw, Jack Prestwidge, Kane Richardson, Will Sutherland, Peter Hatzoglou, Noor Ahmed,
Strikers: Phil Salt, Matt Renshaw, Alex Carey (C, Wk), Jonathan Wells, Jake Weatherald, Ryan Gibson, Rashid Khan, Daniel Worrall, Danny Briggs, Wes Agar, Peter Siddle
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