BBL 10 Match Preview: Distraught Renegades seek relief against impressive Strikers

After losing to the Adelaide Strikers for by a big margin of 60 runs on Tuesday, the severely out-of-form Melbourne Renegades will taken on them again to avoid their eighth consecutive defeat in the ongoing season of the Big Bash League (BBL). 

Such poor form is very rare and Renegades would need all the luck to get out of it. Their opponents, unfortunately for them, happen to be a very competitive side as well. Currently, at the fourth position in the standings, the Adelaide side has enough motivation to get a win. 

Playing at home makes the Strikers even more dangerous, especially with pitches a little more conducive to spin. 

Renegades in Distress

Two teams were really struggling about a week ago in the BBL’s present season – Renegades and Perth Scorchers. The latter have now notched up three wins on a trot but the difficulties for the former team continues unabated. 

A first-ball duck for captain Aaron Finch was a good symbol of the problems being faced by the team. Finch is the best batsman in the team but he hasn’t been able to lift his team. His usual opening partner Shaun Marsh missed the last match and his availability for the next game is not certain. 

The promotion of Sam Harper hasn’t worked yet but there is hardly any better option. Mackenzie Harvey batted as an opener on Tuesday and did show some promise. This is a promising sign and every such positive is important for a beleaguered team. 

Mohammad Nabi and Imad Wasim, the two foreigners in the middle order, haven’t brought any change of fortunes. Their bowling has been more reliable than their batting. But there isn’t great depth of talent, at least proven one, in the ranks. So, the Renegades have to hope for a turnaround in form from the existing players. 

The bowling looks more promising. Imad bowled well with the new ball in the last match. His bowling style – tight line and length – is suited to this format. Mohammad Nabi is also a very useful option but it’s his younger compatriot Noor Ahmed who has got everyone excited. Highly talented but slightly uncooked, he could be the man to make a difference. 

A lot would also depend on Kane Richardson who has been average so far. Spin was the preferred option for Adelaide, based on the composition of the side, still, without the support of pacers, the slower bowlers will be easy to handle. 

Strikers in Good Stead

The bowling department of Strikers, on the other hand, is looking impressive. Rashid Khan was always going to be a star but the emergence of Danny Briggs as an equally reliable bowler has compounded the problems for opposition batsmen. 

The leadership of Peter Siddle has been working beautifully in this season for the Strikers. First, as the captain and now as the seniormost bowler in the side, he has led his troops brilliantly, adding deadly Yorkers to his arsenal alongside his other tricks. The support given to him by Wes Agar is invaluable. 

The space for a third seamer is still contested. Harry Conway did well in the last game and is likely to retain his spot. 

On the batting front, the promotion of Matt Renshaw to the opening slot worked a bit. His 35 off 28 showed signs of him getting into the rhythm. The nature of BBL this season has been such that big scores are rare. So, even a 30-odd at the start is a valuable contribution. That’s what Renshaw managed on Tuesday. 

His partner Phil Salt is a dangerous player and has been in good form. However, his opening partner for most of the season, Jake Weatherald, benefitted greatly from a change in his position. From opening the innings, Jake went down to the no. 6 position and scored a half-century. 

The middle order of the team has also assumed a very impressive look. With Alex Carey, Jonathan Wells, and Ryan Gibson, all in good form, and Rashid at no. 7 showing mettle with the bat also, this batting order is among the best in the league presently. 

Renegades vs Strikers: Match Details

Venue: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

Date and Time: December 8, 12:40 PM IST, 5:40 PM Local, 7:10 AM IST

Broadcasters: Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV

Pitch Report

The Adelaide Oval has produced good pitches in the two matches it has hosted so far. The sign of a good pitch is that everyone has something to play with. That’s been the case here. Spinners, pacers, and batsmen have all got an opportunity. However, the spinners may play a bigger role with the passage of time since the pitch will have wear and tear. 

Weather and Bat Flip

A nice warm day awaits the two teams on Friday. The temperature in the evening would be around 21 degrees, not uncomfortable for the players. With no cloud cover or rain expected, batting first would be the default option, though chasing wouldn’t be any tougher. 

Probable XIs

Renegades: Aaron Finch (C), Shaun Marsh, Mackenzie Harvey, Sam Harper (Wk), Mohammad Nabi, Beau Webster, Imad Wasim, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Jack Prestwidge, Kane Richardson, Josh Lalor, Noor Ahmad

Strikers: Matt Renshaw, Phil Salt, Alex Carey (C &Wk), Jonathan Wells, Ryan Gibson, Jake Weatherald, Rashid Khan, Danny Briggs, Wes Agar, Peter Siddle, Harry Conway

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