Big Bash Season 3 is here with the first round providing two derbies and a grand final rematch! Not a match way to kick off the season! Before you read our Round 1 Big Bash Preview, check out our Big Bash Season 3 Preview with a close look at each of the teams and our best bets for the season ahead.
Melbourne Stars vs Melbourne Renegades
The Melbourne derby at the MCG to kick things off on a Friday evening. The Stars are a super outfit full of talent from top to bottom, while the Renegades are going to struggle to match their incredible season last year.
The Renegades won both contests between these two last year, but that was largely on the back of Aaron Finch’s brilliance. If he is dismissed early then the Stars would be very confident. Watch for the in-form Cameron White to turn it on for the Stars, safe in the knowledge that his team has batting depth a mile long. They will miss Lasith Malinga with the ball as he’s still on international duty but the Stars have the depth in the squad to cover.
The Stars are too strong all around and happy to load up at $1.70.
Sydney Sixers vs Sydney Thunder
The Saturday night match brings us the battle of the harbour town with the SCG to host the Sixers and the Thunder.
Both teams will be desperate to kick off their BB03 campaign with a win, knowing that a loss will incur plenty of scrutiny. With Dave Warner released from the Test squad to play this game, it’s a tremendous opportunity for the Thunder to grab an early win. Steve Smith will also play for the Sixers.
The Thunder have a couple of match winners that could make the difference. Look out for Mike Hussey to have a big season and Dirk Nannes to rattle a few cages with the ball. This should be a close match, but think the Thunder can pull an upset at $1.95.
Hobart Hurricanes vs Adelaide Strikers
Tough start for the Strikers having to head to Hobart to face a Hurricanes side that will be at almost full strength, with Ben Hilfenhaus the only player likely to miss. The inclusion of George Bailey is huge for the Hurricanes, especially the way he hit the ball in the Test match at Perth. Hopefully he bats in the top four, as he is simply wasted lower than that.
The Strikers also have a strong batting line up, but the key will be whether their spinners can tie down the Hurricanes stroke makers.
Advantage to the Hurricanes at home in the first game of the season, but if they lose this, then it doesn’t bode well for their season at all. There seems to be some value about the Strikers at $2.10, but this is one where it probably doesn’t hurt to sit back and watch.
Brisbane Heat vs Perth Scorchers
Two teams that are likely to see finals this year are Brisbane and Perth and this is a rematch from last season’s grand final. Both teams started poorly in previous seasons, so this game will be an important one for both to kick off the season.
The Perth team has lost a few players from last year’s final and will be relying heavily on Shaun Marsh at the top of the order, but watch out for a cameo or two this season from Simon Katich. Brisbane at home look to have a well-rounded side and plenty of options with bat and ball.
The Heat in the heat should prove too strong in this at $1.78.
