Big Bash League (BBL 2018): Perth Scorchers vs Brisbane Heat, Dream11 Prediction, Playing XI Updates & Fantasy Cricket Tips
In the second of the two games on Saturday, last-placed Brisbane Heat aim to break the duck against out-of-form, Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League.
Both teams have not clicked as a unit in the tournament so far as they are at the bottom of the table as of now.
With the tournament entering towards the middle phase where the table takes shapes, it is imperative for both teams to come out of the clash with two points.
Squads to pick 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
Brisbane Heat:
Max Bryant, Joe Burns, Ben Cutting, Brendan Doggett, Sam Heazlett, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Lalor, Chris Lynn, Brendon McCullum, James Pattinson, James Peirson, Jack Prestwidge, Matt Renshaw, Alex Ross, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mark Steketee, Mitch Swepson
Playing XI updates:
Perth Scorchers: After a disheartening one-run loss to the Thunder, Perth welcome back ace all-rounder, Mitchell Marsh back into the set-up. He should provide the well-needed stability in the batting order with the top-order failing time and time again. The bowling unit has been good and all onus is on Michael Klinger and Cameron Bancroft to come good against the Heat.
Possible XI: Klinger, Willey, Bancroft (WK), Marsh, Turner (C), Cartwright, Agar, Tye, Coulter-Nile, Jhye Richardson and Jason Behrendorff.
Brisbane Heat: The Heat have been good in patches but haven't clicked as a unit. Brendon McCullum, Joe Burns and Sam Heazlett have been misfiring and this has severely affected the team's fortunes. Alex Ross should come in for Heazlett with the veteran Kiwi going back to open the batting for the Heat.
The bowling unit is fairly settled but an extra bowling option is what the team lacks if in case a bowler is taken to the cleaners early on.
Possible XI: McCullum, Bryant, Lynn (C), Burns, Ross, Cutting, Pierson (WK), Pattinson, Lalor, Mujeeb and Swepson.
Fantasy Tips and Predictions:
Wicketkeeper: Cameron Bancroft has failed to perform in his first two matches in this year's BBL but is far too good to not perform consistently. He should be preferred over Heat keeper, Jimmy Pierson.
Batsmen: Chris Lynn has been very good at the top of the order for the Heat. His fifty in the previous match against the Sixers wasn't enough to get them the win and would be eager to lead from the front and deliver Heat fan's their first taste of victory this season.
A story of a similar kind, Ashton Turner's 60* was also not enough to steer them over the line against the Thunder and more of the same will be expected from the Scorchers' captain. Max Bryant and Joe Burns are also viable options to go for.
All-rounders: David Willey should be one of the first picks due to the nature of the Optus Stadium. With the added bonus of Willey opening the batting, he is an invaluable selection. The returning Mitchell Marsh and Ben Cutting should also make your side with their prowess in all three facets of the game known to one and all.
Bowlers: Mujeeb has been lukewarm so far this season and the Heat would be hoping for a great start from the Afghan spinner in the powerplay. Jhye Richardson and Jason Behrendorff were lethal in their previous outing at the Optus Stadium and the conditions would also suit them perfectly which makes it easier to select them. James Pattinson would also be a great selection on such a pitch.
Captain: Chris Lynn has had a few amazing outing over the past few years in Perth and would be the prime candidate for captain. David Willey and Mitchell Marsh would also be capable picks to choose with both of them batting in the top order.
Fantasy Suggestion #1: Cameron Bancroft (WK), Chris Lynn, Ashton Turner, Max Bryant, Mitchell Marsh, David Willey, Ben Cutting, James Pattinson, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Jhye Richardson and Jason Behrendorff. Captain: Chris Lynn
Fantasy Suggestion #2: Cameron Bancroft (WK), Chris Lynn, Joe Burns, Michael Klinger, Ashton Turner, David Willey, Ben Cutting, Josh Lalor, James Pattinson, Jason Behrendorff and Nathan Coulter-Nile. Captain: Michael Klinger