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Match Preview: Scorchers look to open account against charged-up Thunder

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Perth Scorchers are yet to register a win in the Big Bash League's (BBL) ongoing 10th season. After losing their first match, they had to endure a no-result in their second game. They will now face an invigorated Sydney Thunder side who surged to a scintillating win in their previous match. 

The shadow of COVID would be looming large in this contest also. Restrictions have been placed on the entry of spectators based upon their travel history. However, the two teams, secure in their bubble, are likely to remain focused on their performances. 

Scorchers Need a Win

Not much has been achieved by the Perth team so far in this season. To be fair, they haven't had much of an opportunity. With only one-and-a-half matches so far, there isn't a decent sample to judge their performance. 

They have one of the best fast bowling attacks in the league, at least on paper. Andrew Tye, Jason Behrendorff, and Jhye Richardson have experience of bowling at the international level and even have modest success to their name. Richardson had decent figures in the first game but didn't receive any support from his two comrades. But one bad game won't worry the team too much. 

What the Scorchers would like is their ace spinner Fawad Ahmed to fire. The next match won't be easy for him as Canberra, the venue, has a small ground. If he errs even slightly, there would be a heavy price to pay. 

On the batting front, there are some very good signs that very visible in the unifinished last game. Colin Munro played a smashing knock, though he fell short of a half-century. However, the Kiwi batsman has got into his stride and that sets him up nicely for the rest of the season. The kind of batsman he is, Munro would either plunder the bowling attack or get out. He doesn't waste time. 

The captain Ashton Turner also had a good hit-out in this match. Batting in the middle order, his good form is crucial for the team to have momentum through their innings. 

Thunder Seek to Strike Again

It took a blazing innings from lower order batsman Daniel Sams to take Sydney Thunder to their first win of the season. This would boost their morale but it shouldn't hide the need for more runs from the top order. 

Usman Khawaja needs to get some runs at the top of the order. His partner Alex Hales has scored a fifty and a first-ball duck in the two matches so far. But he would be a big threat for the opposition. The small ground in Canberra should favour Hales strokeplay. 

Apart from Hales, only Callum Ferguson, the captain, has good form among the recognised batsmen. This is a worry for the team. 

In the bowling department, Tanveer Sangha has emerged as the most exciting spin-bowling prospect in the league. Interestingly, he has creditaed his good performances to advice from one of his opponents in the Scorchers - Fawad Ahmed. 

But it's not just Sangha that Thunder are excited about. Because, Kiwi speedster Adam Milne is ready to play and team's coach Shane Bond has said that his side are ready to 'unleash' him against Scorchers. This is a very exciting prospect. 

Thunder vs Scorchers: Match Details

Venue: Manuka Oval, Canberra

Date and Time: December 22, 1:45 PM IST, 7:15 PM Local, 8:15 AM GMT

Broacasters: Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV

Pitch Report

Action is returning to Manuka Oval after a gap of more than a week. In the previous matches of the season, the pitch has looked good for batting. Interestingly, both spinners and pacers have got some help, which suggests a good cricket wicket. So, a good contest between bat and ball is expected. 

Weather and Toss

The weather on Tuesday evening is expected to be absolutely perfect with no clouds or rain expected. This means the toss wouldn't play a big part. The decision of the captain winning it would be more influenced by the team's strategy than conditions. 

Probable XIs

Scorchers: Josh Inglis (Wk), Colin Munro, Joe Clarke, Mitchell Marsh, Ashton Turner (C), Cameron Bancroft, Aaron Hardie, Jhye Richardson, Andrew Tye, Jason Behrendorff, Fawad Ahmed

Thunder: Usman Khawaja, Alex Hales, Callum Ferguson (C), Alex Ross, Baxter Holt (Wk), Ben Cutting, Daniel Sams, Chris Green, Adam Milne, Jonathan Cook, Tanveer Sangha

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