Big Bash League (BBL 2018): Adelaide Strikers vs Sydney Thunder, Dream11 Prediction, Playing XI Updates & Fantasy Cricket Tips
On New Year's Eve, the defending champions, Adelaide Strikers try and redeem themselves after consecutive losses in the Big Bash League 2018 as they take on Sydney Thunder at the Adelaide Oval.
Sydney Thunder themselves were subject to a tough loss to Hobart Hurricanes and would want to bounce back to winning ways. With the Adelaide Strikers yet to lose a New Year's Eve clash in BBL history, it should provide an entertaining match to close out a wonderful 2018.
Squads to pick from
Adelaide Strikers:
Wes Agar, Alex Carey, Michael Cormack, David Grant, Travis Head, Colin Ingram, Rashid Khan, Ben Laughlin, Jake Lehmann, Michael Neser, Liam O'Connor, Peter Siddle, Matt Short, Billy Stanlake, Cameron Valente, Jake Weatherald, Jon Wells, Nick Winter
Sydney Thunder:
Fawad Ahmed, Jos Buttler, Pat Cummins, Callum Ferguson, Ryan Gibson, Chris Green, Liam Hatcher, Usman Khawaja, Jay Lenton, Nathan McAndrew, Arjun Nair, Kurtis Patterson, Sam Rainbird, Joe Root, Daniel Sams, Gurinder Sandhu, Jason Sangha, Shane Watson, Jono Cook
Playing XI Updates:
Adelaide Strikers: After hard-fought defeats to the Renegades and Scorchers, do not expect the Strikers to make many changes to their side as they sure have the ability to turn things around. Adelaide welcome back veteran pacer, Peter Siddle into their side and would slot in for Cameron Valente.
Possible XI: Carey(WK), Weatherald, Ingram(C), Short, Wells, Lehmann, Neser, Rashid Khan, Siddle, Laughlin, and Stanlake
Sydney Thunder: Sydney Thunder do not have any cause for changes which should see them field the same eleven that played against local rivals, Sydney Sixers and the Hobart Hurricanes. Nathan McAndrew has been expensive so far and could be swapped for Gurinder Sandhu. With an inexperienced yet talented bowling unit, the onus will be on Watson and Buttler to pave the way for a first-ever Adelaide Strikers' defeat on New Year's eve.
Possible XI: Watson(C), Buttler(WK), Ferguson, Root, Sangha, Sams, Green, Jono Cook, Rainbird, Fawad, Sandhu/McAndrew.
Wicketkeeper: Jos Buttler and Alex Carey are the two options available with either of them perfectly able to be drafted into your fantasy squads. Alex Carey has a very good record at the Adelaide Oval and could edge out the Englishman with Buttler due for a failure for a long time, which is a testament to his consistency.
Batsmen: Jake Weatherald and Colin Ingram haven't had the best of starts to the BBL so far. Both of them would be itching to come good against a fairly inexperienced Thunder bowling. The same could be applicable for Thunder captain, Shane Watson as well while he would have to contend against the likes of Billy Stanlake and Rashid Khan. Joe Root hasn't got going in the BBL and the Adelaide pitch could be beneficial to his style of play. Callum Ferguson is also a great option to go for.
All-rounders: Daniel Sams has been great with bat and bowl for the Thunder and provides them with balance and explosiveness. In spite of the former Sixers' player getting it wrong in the death against the Hobart Hurricanes, Sams is by far their best pacer and should be drafted in. Micheal Neser has been fairly decent in his three outings for the Strikers and could be favoured instead of Matthew Short.
Bowlers: Rashid Khan should be the first bowler to be picked for any fantasy side while either of Billy Stanlake or Ben Laughlin could slot into the second spot as he picked up five wickets in the last two New Year's Eve clashes. Jono Cook and Fawad Ahmed have been the stand-out bowlers for Sydney Thunder and could play a big role in the middle overs.
Captain: Colin Ingram is the ideal choice to go for with his reputation for pyrotechnics and brutal hitting. Jos Buttler and Shane Watson are also viable options to look into.
Fantasy Suggestion #1: Alex Carey (WK), Shane Watson, Joe Root, Colin Ingram, Jake Weatherald, Michael Neser, Daniel Sams, Rashid Khan, Ben Laughlin, Fawad Ahmed and Jono Cook. Captain: Colin Ingram
Fantasy Suggestion #2: Jos Buttler (WK), Jake Weatherald, Colin Ingram, Shane Watson, Callum Ferguson, Michael Neser, Daniel Sams, Rashid Khan, Billy Stanlake, Fawad Ahmed and Chris Green. Captain: Shane Watson