CA finalises dates and venues for Big Bash playoffs
What's the story?
Cricket Australia have confirmed the venues and the dates for the final stages of the Men's as well as the Women's Big Bash League 2017-18. Defending champions Perth Scorchers, at the second position after 9 games, will be playing their semi-final at the newly-constructed Optus Stadium in the city on February 1, while Adelaide Strikers will be playing their semi-final at the Adelaide Oval itself on February 2.
In case you didn't know...
The Optus Stadium, also known as the Perth Stadium, was supposed to host the third Ashes Test in December, but with construction at the ground ongoing, CA awarded it to the WACA. But the ground, which has a capacity of 55,000, was still used as a venue for practice matches between the Scorchers and England Lions last month.
The heart of the matter
The Perth Stadium will now make its international debut against the same opponents, although in an ODI on January 28. Hence, the Scorchers' match in February will only be the second competitive game to be played at the ground. “We’re thrilled we’ve been able to work with the Government and VenuesLive to achieve an outcome that’s good for everybody," the WACA chief executive Christina Matthews said.
“We now look forward to meeting the task of selling out the semi-final and ensuring the Scorchers – hopefully, the Club’s men and women, if the WBBL side qualifies for the post-season – play in front of a capacity crowd.”
What's next?
In the Men's Big Bash League, the Scorchers and the Strikers will be facing one each out of the Hobart Hurricanes, Brisbane Heat, Melbourne Renegades and Sydney Thunder, since both Melbourne Stars and Sydney Sixers have been eliminated from the race.
On the other hand, the Women's Big Bash League currently has stiffer competition with only Melbourne Stars and Hobart Hurricanes not in the reckoning to claim a semi-final spot.
Author's take
The Strikers currently lead the Men's BBL table on account of a better Net Run Rate over the Scorchers. They have Alex Carey as the second highest run-scorer and Ben Laughlin as the third highest wicket-taker of the tournament, respectively, and should go on to lift the trophy.