Big Bash League (BBL 2018): Melbourne Renegades vs Adelaide Strikers, Dream11 Prediction, Playing XI Updates & Fantasy Cricket Tips
After starting the season on a high, the Melbourne Renegades have suffered back to back losses and will be looking to get back to winning ways as they take on the Adelaide Strikers at Geelong. The Strikers themselves turned around a two-match losing streak with a commanding win over the Sydney Thunder and would be backing themselves to avenge their loss to the Renegades from earlier in the season.
Squads to pick from:
Melbourne Renegades:
Cameron Boyce, Dan Christian, Tom Cooper, Zak Evans, Aaron Finch, Marcus Harris, Mackenzie Harvey, Jon Holland, Tim Ludeman, Joe Mennie, Mohammad Nabi, Kane Richardson, Usman Khan Shinwari, Will Sutherland, Chris Tremain, Beau Webster, Cameron White, Jack Wildermuth
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
Playing XI Updates:
Melbourne Renegades: The Renegades' batting is in need of a serious change in fortunes with the top order capitulating on both occasions against Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Stars.
Their bowling has been great this season with Usman Khan and Kane Richardson leading the way. No changes are expected.
Possible XI: Harper (WK), Harvey, White, Cooper (C), Nabi, Webster, Christian, Wildermuth, Kane Richardson, Boyce and Usman Khan Shinwari.
Adelaide Strikers: In spite of his father's demise, Rashid Khan put up a very brave and commendable performance against the Sydney Thunder. Peter Siddle isn't available for the match due to national duty and Cameron Valente should come in for the veteran pacer.
Possible XI: Carey (WK), Weatherald, Ingram (C), Short, Wells, Lehmann, Rashid, Neser, Valente, Stanlake and Laughlin.
Wicket-keeper: Alex Carey is the only available option in the wicketkeeper section although his current form would anyway have directed fantasy players towards his selection. The start that he provides in the powerplay for the Strikers will go a long way in deciding the fate of the match.
Batsmen: Mackenzie Harvey has done well in his first two outings for the Renegades and should be backed to perform again against the might of Billy Stanlake. Tom Cooper is due for a big one and with Cameron White out of form, the onus will be on the captain to provide the goods. Colin Ingram and Jake Weatherald are more than decent options as well, with the latter blasting his first fifty of the season in their previous match against the Thunder.
All-rounders: Mohammed Nabi and Michael Neser are the ideal options with Daniel Christian slotting in as well. All three all-rounders have made decent contributions to their teams and will be hoping to make an impact on Thursday.
Bowlers: Rashid Khan and Usman Khan Shinwari are among the best bowlers of the BBL this season. While the Afghan leggie has bamboozled batsmen with variety in the middle overs, Usman Khan has done the damage in the first six overs of the powerplay. Both of them would be invaluable selections along with Kane Richardson, who has taken eight wickets so far in the BBL. Billy Stanlake took a beating at Adelaide and did not complete his full quota of four overs. Expect big things from Big Billy in Geelong.
Captain: Colin Ingram is back into form and with his pyrotechnics already on display, he would be a great option. Afghan pair, Rashid Khan and Mohammed Nabi, would also be viable picks as captain.
Fantasy Suggestion #1: Alex Carey (WK), Mackenzie Harvey, Tom Cooper, Colin Ingram, Jake Weatherald, Mohammed Nabi, Michael Neser, Rashid Khan, Billy Stanlake, Kane Richardson and Usman Khan Shinwari. Captain: Colin Ingram
Fantasy Suggestion #2: Alex Carey (WK), Colin Ingram, Cameron White, Mackenzie Harvey, Matthew Short, Daniel Christian, Mohammed Nabi, Rashid Khan, Billy Stanlake, Ben Laughlin and Usman Khan Shinwari. Captain: Mohammed Nabi