Big Bash League 2018-19, Adelaide Strikers vs Perth Scorchers: Preview and Predicted Playing XI
In the first of the doubleheader on Saturday, Adelaide Strikers and Perth Scorchers face off against each other in a dead-rubber at the Adelaide Oval in the BBL.
Both teams have underperformed this season considering the firepower in their respective teams and would want to walk out with nothing but a win. With the likes of Travis Head returning for one last match, the stage is set for another thriller at the Adelaide Oval.
Adelaide Strikers
Batting:
Alex Carey and Jake Weatherald have looked in good form and with the return of Travis Head to the side, Adelaide should do well with the bat on Saturday.
The form of Jono Wells in the middle order bodes well for the team on the long run. Batting depth provided by Michael Neser and Harry Nielsen was on display in the previous match as they propelled Adelaide to a competitive score and will give the team more confidence.
Bowling
Rashid Khan has delivered once again with 17 wickets to his name. Inspite of Rashid's performance, the others have underwhelmed with Billy Stanlake being dropped for the last two games as well, indicating the lack of form of their pacers.
The likes of Cameron Valente and Peter Siddle have bowled well early on but it is in the death overs where the Strikers are lagging and would require something special with the ball on Saturday.
Expected Playing XI
Alex Carey(WK), Jake Weatherald, Travis Head(C), Jono Wells, Harry Nielsen, Michael Neser, Cameron Valente, Rashid Khan, Billy Stanlake, Ben Laughlin and Peter Siddle.
Perth Scorchers
Batting
Ashton Turner has been sensational for the Scorchers and was at his best in the previous game against the Stars as well.
378 runs to his name has already earned him a national call-up for the Qantas Tour of India and should back his selection with another big one.
Much is expected of Cameron Bancroft and Mitchell Marsh if they are to overcome Rashid Khan and the rest of the Adelaide Strikers bowling. Josh Inglis should keep his position at the top of the order with a decent outing against the Stars behind him.
Bowling
Perth will be delighted with the emergence of Matt Kelly. Kelly has delivered with his searing yorkers in the death and could well be the next big thing to come out of the Perth Scorchers' factory of quality pacers.
Andrew Tye is key for the Scorchers as his performances are directly influential to the result of the match. With 16 wickets to his name already, back him to add a few more to his tally.
Expected Playing XI:
Josh Inglis(WK), Michael Klinger, Cameron Bancroft, Ashton Turner, Mitchell Marsh (C), Clint Hinchcliffe, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Andrew Tye, Nick Hobson, Jason Behrendorff and Matt Kelly.