The Melbourne Renegades take on the Perth Scorchers in the 4th match of BBL13 in Geelong at GMHBA Stadium on Sunday the 10th of December.
Here's everything you need to know ....
Predicted Teams
Melbourne Renegades: 1. Joe Clarke, 2. Nic Maddinson, 3. Shaun Marsh, 4. Aaron Finch, 5. Jake Fraser-McGurk, 6. Jono Wells, 7. Will Sutherland, 8. Tom Rogers, 9. Adam Zampa, 10. Kane Richardson, 11. Mujeeb ur Rahman
Perth Scorchers: 1. Stephen Eskinazi, 2. Sam Whiteman, 3. Aaron Hardie, 4. Josh Inglis, 5. Ashton Turner, 6. Laurie Evans, 7. Cooper Connolly, 8. Andrew Tye, 9. Jhye Richardson, 10. Matt Kelly, 11. Jason Behrendorff
Start Vs Sit
Batters - Cooper Connolly vs Jake Fraser-McGurk
These two young batsmen have exciting futures and this season's BBL may be a launching pad to higher honours. With GDS being a dynasty platform, these players would be great additions to your squad as they may be playable options for the next 10+ years. Connolly's last innings in the BBL was one to remember as he helped steer the Scorchers to a victory in the BBL12 Final. This was only his second innings in the BBL and he showed us that he can perform in those big moments. McGurk didn't have a great BBL12 and only had one score in the double digits in his six innings. However, he was in a bit of form leading into BBL13 and this showed in his impressive knock of 48 off 24 balls against the Sixers. Both players have plenty of talent but I'll be starting Fraser-McGurk because of his innings against the Sixers. He also is likely to bat further up the order.
Start: Jake Fraser-McGurk
Wicket-Keeper - Josh Inglis vs Joe Clarke
I faded Clarke against the Sixers and this ended up being the correct decision as he was run out in the 4th over. He did look a little rusty but I think he can bounce back in this match. He was the number one ranked wicket keeper in BBL12 but only averaged one point more than Inglis, who was ranked second. I like Clarke in this match as I think he can put his missed opportunity against the Sixers behind him. However, opening batsmen in matches that were in Geelong for BBL12 only averaged eight runs. Only two players scored in the double digits and this really concerns me. Inglis is likely to come in at four and players that came in at three or four in Geelong averaged 23 runs. This is a tough one but I lean towards starting Inglis in this match due to opening batsmen struggling for runs at this ground. He also had a brilliant T20 century against India a few weeks ago.
Start: Josh Inglis
Bowler - Jhye Richardson vs Kane Richardson
The Battle of the Richardsons! Kane was expensive first up against the Sixers but did score 41 points in GDS. He was the 21st ranked bowler in BBL12 with an average of 35 points. Jhye was the number one ranked bowler with an average of 67 points. In six of his eight matches he finished among the top three bowlers and only two of his scores were less than 40 points. He has been dealing with a shoulder injury recently but he has got a few overs under his belt at club level leading into BBL13. Jhye is my man in the Battle of the Richardsons!
Start: Jhye Richardson
Matchup Matrix
Key Takeaways:
Opening batsmen had a lot of success against the Renegades
Scorchers have some problems facing spin
The top four batsmen struggle against the Scorchers bowling attack
Ground Matrix
Key Takeaways:
Avoid starting opening batsman
Spinners have more success bowling in the first innings
Lower order batsmen perform well here
Hot Take
Aaron Hardie dismantles the Melbourne Renegades bowling attack going for a bruising 75+ runs where he'll hit 3+ sixes.
Who to play in your GDS starting XI
BAT - Jake Fraser-McGurk
BAT - Shaun Marsh
BAT - Aaron Finch
ALL - Aaron Hardie
ALL - Nic Maddinson
ALL - Ashton Turner
ALL - Will Sutherland
WK - Josh Inglis
BWL - Jhye Richardson
BWL - Adam Zampa
BWL - Tom Rogers