Alex Hales could be a good pick from the Sixers side (Source: x.com)
Sydney Thunder (THU) and Melbourne Renegades (REN) collide with each other in the ongoing thirteenth edition of the Big Bash League. The 40th match is all set to be played on Wednesday, January 17th, 2024, at Sydney Showground Stadium in Sydney at 13:45 IST. Both sides are meeting for the first and last time in the league phase of the current competition and both have already been eliminated from the campaign. Bottom of the table Thunder is placed in the eighth position while the Renegades are above them in the seventh spot. Ahead of this game, here is a look at the top captain and vice-captain choices for the fantasy contests of this encounter.
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THU vs REN, Match 40: Venue Analysis
The surface at Sydney Showground Stadium in Sydney is a decent one and is not a high-scoring venue. Batters, after settling down can make good use of the track and score runs.
THU vs REN, Match 40 - Toss Factor
Perth Scorchers defeated the home side, the Thunder comfortably by seven wickets in the only completed game that has taken place at this venue this season. The skipper winning the toss may look to bowl first.
Scenario: If Sydney Thunder Fields First
Daniel Sams in the leading wicket-taker for the Thunder in this campaign. The seam bowler has picked up 12 wickets in eight matches at an average of 20.91. Sams would hope to do his job one last time this season and help his side in claiming a consolation victory. The batting will rely on the trio of David Warner, Alex Hales and Cameron Bancroft.
Scenario: If Melbourne Renegades Fields First
Tom Rogers has picked up the most wickets for the Renegades. The pace bowler has taken eight wickets and will look to pick up more in Melbourne's final game of the ongoing season. Experienced campaigners Kane Richardson and Adam Zampa are also in the ranks. Jake Fraser-McGurk and Shaun Marsh, who is all set to retire from professional cricket after this match, will be key in a big run-chase.
THU vs REN, Match 40 - Top Captain and Vice-captain choices
Scenario: If Melbourne Renegades Fields First
Shaun Marsh (REN)
Veteran Shaun Marsh is all bet to bid adieu to professional cricket after this match. The 40-year old has struck the second-most runs for the Renegades this season. Marsh has racked up 181 runs in five innings at an average of 45.25 which includes three half-centuries to his name. He would hope to add one more to his tally on his final dance.
Jake Fraser-McGurk (REN)
Jake Fraser-McGurk is the leading run-scorer for the Renegades in this campaign. The 21-year old youngster has struck 257 runs in eight innings at an average of 32.12 with two half-centuries. The talented batter has become a key member for the Renegades this season. His team will rely on him if they are up against a big target.
Scenario: If Sydney Thunder Fields First
Alex Hales (THU)
Former England player Alex Hales is leading the batting charts for the Thunder. The right-handed opening batter has hit 258 runs in nine innings at an average of 29 with one half-century under his belt. Thunder will be be hoping for Hales to provide a good and solid start one final time especially while chasing a big target.
Cameron Bancroft (THU)
Cameron Bancroft has mustered the second-most runs after Hales for the Thunder this season. The right-handed top-order player has scored 230 runs in nine innings at an average of 26 which includes one half-century. Hales and Bancroft are the only two players with over 200 runs for their franchise in this edition.
THU vs REN, Match 40 - Big Risk, Big Return Choices
David Warner (THU)
Destructive David Warner has played two games for the Thunder this season. The southpaw scored 37 against Adelaide Strikers and 13 against Sydney Sixers in the Derby clash. Just retired from one-day internationals and Test format, Warner would hope to get a significant score under his belt in Thunder's last game. Warner is a perfect fit for this category.
Jonathan Wells (REN)
Jonathan Wells has hit the third-most runs for Melbourne in this edition. The right-handed middle-order batter is averaging 39.25 with the highest score 40*. The 35-year old is an experienced campaigner as he is a risky but worthy pick for the Melbourne's final game of the current season.
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