BBL 2023 | STA vs THU, Match 12 - Top Captain and Vice-captain Picks

image-lqgaazu8Cameron Bancroft has been in great form with the bat in BBL 2023-24 (Source: x.com)

Melbourne Stars (STA) and Sydney Thunder (THU) square off against each other in the ongoing thirteenth edition of the Big Bash League. Match No. 12 is all set to take place on a doubleheader Super Festive Saturday, December 23, 2023, at Lavington Sports Oval, Albury at 10:00 AM IST. Both sides will meet only once in the league phase of the current competition. Before the game goes live, here is a look at the top captain and vice-captain choices for the fantasy contests of this encounter.

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STA vs THU, Match 12: Venue Analysis

The track might offer help to the pace bowlers at Lavington Sports Oval. It may have a good amount of bounce that the seamers can enjoy bowling. 


STA vs THU, Match 12 - Toss Factor

As mentioned above, the ground could be more supportive to the bowlers. Since it's a new venue, the skipper winning the toss may look to bowl first and have a target in front of him.

Scenario: If Melbourne Stars Fields First

Pacers Joel Paris and Haris Rauf will be the ones who will be looking to pick up wickets and restrict the Thunder to a low total. The seam bowlers will be supported by spinner Liam Dawson as the Stars look to bowl Thunder out quickly. Skipper Glenn Maxwell is back and he along with Marcus Stoinis and Hilton Cartwright will be key in a big run-chase.

Scenario: If Sydney Thunder Fields First

Tanveer Sangha and Zaman Khan are the ones on whom the Thunder will rely to pick up wickets. The duo along with Daniel Sams will look to get early wickets to try and stop the Stars to a low total. Cameron Bancroft and Oliver Davies are amongst the runs and they will have to keep doing their job in this fixture as well.


STA vs THU, Match 12 - Top Captain and Vice-captain choices

Scenario: If Sydney Thunder Fields First

Cameron Bancroft (THU)

Cameron Bancroft has been in good nick so far for the Thunder in BBL 13. The right-handed opening batter has scores of 25 (19) and 74 (54) under his belt. The 31-year old would hope to continue his good form and provide yet another solid start to his side especially if they are chasing a big target.

Oliver Davies (THU)

As mentioned above, Oliver Davies is another player who has looked in touch in two matches so far this season. The right-handed middle-order player scored 35 off 30 against Brisbane Heat and then amassed 32 off 17 against Adelaide Strikers. Davies will again have to play a key role while chasing a stiff target.


Scenario: If Melbourne Stars Fields First

Glenn Maxwell (STA)

Star all-rounder and the skipper of the Melbourne side Glenn Maxwell struck 23 off just 14 against Brisbane Heat in the tournament opener. The 35-year old then missed the fixture against Perth Scorchers due to injury. However, he is back for the Thunder clash and his side would hope that he delivers a captain's knock that would help them register their first victory of the campaign.

Hilton Cartwright (STA)

Hilton Cartwright averages 32 for the Melbourne franchise which includes four half-centuries. The right-handed middle-order batter smashed 33 off just 16 with two fours and three maximums against the Heat and 24 off 18 against the Scorchers. Cartwright is a vital cog in the middle for the Stars as they look to him to guide them home.


STA vs THU, Match 12 - Big Risk, Big Return Choices

Joe Burns (STA)

Joe Burns has an average of 26 which includes five half-centuries in the BBL. The right-handed batter scored 22 against the Heat in the opening fixture. Like Maxwell, Burns also missed the Perth clash but is back for this one. The top-order player is a risky but could turn out to be a worthy pick for this tie.

Alex Ross (THU)

Alex Ross averages 31 with five fifties for the Thunder franchise. The experienced right-hander got dismissed for just 2 against the Heat but then struck 46 off just 26 against the Strikers in the next game. Ross will look to carry on from where he left off in the last match and get a significant match-winning score for his side.