Big Bash League (BBL 2018/19): Perth Scorchers vs. Hobart Hurricanes, Dream11 Prediction, Playing XI Updates & Fantasy Cricket Tips - January 18th, 2019
The Hurricanes have stayed true to their name and taken the league by storm with six wins out of seven while their opponents, perennial favourites Perth Scorchers have underwhelmed. Although the Men in Orange pulled off a comfortable victory over the Sixers in their previous outing, they are yet to record back-to-back victories in the BBL this season.
For the aforementioned feat to happen, they will encounter an in-form D'Arcy Short who is fresh off a 96* against the Stars. With the Optus Stadium offering runs galore, this match has the credentials to be an instant classic.
Squads to choose from:
Perth Scorchers:
Ashton Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Jason Behrendorff, Hilton Cartwright, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kelly, Michael Klinger, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Joel Paris, Usman Qadir, Jhye Richardson, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Sam Whiteman, David Willey, Nick Hobson, Aaron Hardie
Hobart Hurricanes:
Jofra Archer, George Bailey, Johan Botha, Alex Doolan, Jake Doran, James Faulkner, Caleb Jewell, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Simon Milenko, Tymal Mills, David Moody, Tim Paine, Tom Rogers, Clive Rose, D'Arcy Short, Aaron Summers, Matthew Wade.
Playing XI Updates:
Perth Scorchers:
Ashton Agar is back for the Scorchers and should play instead of Cameron Green. The rest of the line-up picks itself with the bowling unit looking settled with Usman Qadir finally showing the world what he is capable of. Whiteman could sit this one out with Nick Hobson drafted in to the side.
Possible XI: Bancroft, Klinger, Whiteman(WK), Turner(C), Cartwright, Agar, Coulter-Nile, Willey, Tye, Kelly and Qadir.
Hobart Hurricanes:
Jake Doran is unavailable for the Hurricances due to national commitments. Although Caleb Jewell has been drafted into the squad instead of him, Alex Doolan should reclaim his position in the Hurricanes side. With that being the only forced changed, Hobart Hurricanes look primed to collect another two points over the Scorchers, who they have beaten in their last two encounters.
Possible XI: Short, Wade (C&WK), Doolan, McDermott, Bailey, Milenko, Botha, Faulkner, Archer, Rose and Meredith.
Fantasy Tips and Suggestions:
Wicket-keeper: Wade and Bancroft have been in great form recently and both of them would be great options for the post of wicket-keeper in the fantasy side. While Matthew Wade has played second fiddle to the destructive D'Arcy Short, Bancroft has looked the best of the Scorchers' team along with Turner and should be preferred over the Tasmanian.
Batsmen: D'Arcy Short is the highest run-scorer of this year's BBL and he alongside McDermott are two players you wouldn't want to miss out on. Ashton Turner's performances in his last four matches have even earned him an Australia call-up and is another invaluable pick for the fantasy side. Either of Michael Klinger or Hilton Cartwright would be useful picks.
All-rounders: Ashton Agar is back for the Scorchers and should be backed to perform against the Hurricanes. The last time Perth beat Hobart was at Perth itself last season where Ashton Agar was the top performer. James Faulkner has been great with the ball this season and is another all-rounder worth picking.
Bowlers: Jofra Archer, Riley Meredith, Andrew Tye and Coulter-Nile are the ideal set of bowlers to go with. Meredith picked up four wickets against the Stars and has been the pick of the Hobart bowlers this season. Usman Qadir could also be slotted in for either of the two Perth pacers.
Captain: Michael Klinger was unlucky to have been dismissed of the seventh ball of the over against the Sixers. He has looked better and better with each innings and should be the man to back with the mantle of captain. Other possible candidates include D'Arcy Short and Ashton Agar, courtesy of their breathtaking form in recent games.
Fantasy Suggestion #1: Cameron Bancroft (WK), D'Arcy Short, Ben McDermott, Michael Klinger, Ashton Turner, Ashton Agar, James Faulkner, Riley Meredith, Jofra Archer, Andrew Tye and Usman Qadir. Captain: Michael Klinger
Fantasy Suggestion #2: Matthew Wade, Ben McDermott, George Bailey, Michael Klinger, Ashton Turner, James Faulkner, Ashton Agar, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Clive Rose, Jofra Archer and Andrew Tye. Captain: Ashton Turner.