Big Bash League Round 4 Preview - 2016/2017
Big Bash League Preview. As the tournament progresses the teams start to separate. Brisbane has been a surprise and sits a game clear on top. Then there is a log jam from second to sixth; Perth, Sydney Sixers, Melbourne Renegades, Hobart and Adelaide are all separated by one win. Last season’s finalist, Melbourne Stars and Sydney Thunder, are stuck on one win each. This round of matches will see some changes as a host of English imports depart for India, while Australia has upcoming ODIs against Pakistan and New Zealand.
Melbourne Renegades vs Melbourne Stars
Etihad Stadium, 7 January
The Renegades have won 2 of their 3 matches and their loss was a last grasp defeat to Perth. They will enter this contest with confidence after outplaying the Stars last week. They welcome back James Pattinson, and Thisara Perera replaces the injured Bravo. The Stars have been disappointing this season. They have lost their last two and threw away a golden opportunity against the winless Thunder.
Stadium Record
The Renegades have split their two games at Etihad Stadium this season, which slightly improves their poor overall home record. Meanwhile, the Stars have a dominant Etihad Stadium record. They have won their last three there by 8 wickets, 112 runs and 9 wickets.
Head to Head Record
The Renegades victory last week against the Stars broke a six match losing streak against the green Melbourne army.
Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Thunder
Blundstone Arena, 8 January
Hobart has won 2 from 5 matches. They have been inconsistent with the bat and ball. It is disappointing to see Sri Lanakan legend Kumar Sangakkarra struggling. The Thunder’s season still flickers after Eoin Morgan’s six off the last ball defeated the Stars. Unfortunately, Morgan has left for international duties and their other star import, Andre Russell, has been replaced by Carlos Brathwaite.
Stadium Record
Hobart has 1 win and 1 loss at home this season. They lost to the Stars and beat the Strikers. The Thunder has never won at Blundstone Arena in four attempts.
Head to Head Record
Hobart has never lost to the Thunder. They have won all five matches. The closest result was last season’s 11 run Hurricane victory at Blundstone Arena.
Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Renegades
SCG, 9 January
The Sixers have already won more games this season than last season. Daniel Hughes was the star in their last outing as they handed the Heat their only defeat. English imports Roy and Billings are now in India. The Renegades are backing up after playing the Stars two days ago. The short travel should have no impact.
Stadium Record
Sydney lost to Hobart early this season and then defeated Perth by 6 wickets at the SCG. The Melbourne Renegades have played at the SCG twice for 1 win. That win was in BBL02.
Head to Head Record
The Sixers have won the last three between these teams. Two of those matches were played in Melbourne while the other was at the SCG.
Melbourne Stars vs Adelaide Strikers
MCG, 10 January
The Stars started their season slowly and are looking to build momentum. They will be aided if the middle order capitalises on the top order’s starts. The bowlers have missed John Hasting’s experience and expertise. Adelaide are 2-3 and their last game against the Hurricanes was their best. They won by 5 wickets after reducing Hobart to 5-30. Ben Dunk sealed victory with 79 not out.
Stadium Record
This is the Stars second home game this season after their loss on New Year’s Day. Recent history suggests the Stars are a 50-50 proposition at home. On the other hand Adelaide has lost both their games at the MCG.
Head to Head Record
Adelaide has won their last two games against the Stars. However, both those matches were played in Adelaide and the Stars won 3 in a row prior to that.
Brisbane Heat vs Perth Scorchers
Gabba, 11 January
Brisbane has been the standout team winning 4 of their 5 matches, including an emphatic victory over the Scorchers in Perth last week. Their only concern is Badree’s hamstring which is still not right. The Scorchers are 3-2 and don’t look their usual self. They have mostly beaten lower ranked sides and been comfortably defeated by a couple of good teams. Their bowlers were treated with contempt last outing and Shaun Marsh has not been at his best.
Stadium Record
Brisbane has historically struggled at home. This year they have 1 win from 2 games. The Scorchers have 1 win and 1 loss at the Gabba. Their win was in BBL01 and their loss was two seasons ago.
Head to Head Record
These two teams played each other five days ago and it was something to behold. Perth posted a sizeable 173 thanks to Mitch Marsh and looked to keep rolling on, however that did not happen. Lynn smashed 98 off 49 balls, McCullum hit 50 off 31, and Brisbane won by 9 wickets in under fifteen overs. Perth is a proud team and will be after redemption, but it’s a big ask five days later.
Melbourne Renegades vs Hobart Hurricanes
Etihad Stadium, 12 January
This is the Renegades third match in six days. As usual they are superbly led by their star player and captain, Aaron Finch, however he moves onto international duties. Hobart need to keep winning if they want to play finals. They only have one more match after this and it’s against the Perth Scorchers.
Stadium Record
The Renegades historically have a poor home record, but are a better team this season. The Hurricanes have only played at Etihad Stadium once. It was a 7 wicket loss in 2012.
Head to Head Record
The Melbourne Renegades have a good record over Hobart. They have won the last four including a 5 wicket win last season.
Sydney Sixers vs Sydney Thunder
SCG, 14 January
Bragging rights is always up for grabs when these two teams play. The Sixers currently hold sway after winning early this season, but it is more than bragging rights for them. Finals are on the agenda and beating the Thunder will aid their cause.
Stadium Record
The Sixers will be looking to improve on their home record at the SCG as they have lost more than they have won in recent times. The Thunder had a 46 run victory at the SCG last season. It was their first win in four attempts at the famous ground.
Head to Head Record
The Sixers’ win in Game 1 ended a two match losing streak against their rivals. The result extended their overall winning advantage to 8-2.
Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Stars
WACA, 14 January
These two teams have seen plenty of drama and finals action against each other. The Scorchers have taken the honours more often than not and are contending for finals again this season. The Stars have been less consistent than they would have hoped. The recommencement of Mitchell Johnson against Kevin Pietersen will be worth watching.
Stadium Record
The Scorchers have won 2 of 3 matches at the Furnace this season. They will be looking to turn up the heat against the Stars who have a 40% winning record at the WACA.
Head to Head Record
Since BBL01 the Stars have not lost to the Scorchers during the regular season, however Perth holds a 3-1 advantage in finals. The last time they played Melbourne won their first ever semi-final.
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Words: Rhys Thurston
