bigbashcricketCouch Critic previews the Big Bash League match between Melbourne Stars and Sydney Thunder on Wednesday 9th January with best bets from @Olimp_SA

 

 

 

 

BIG BASH 08 JANUARY 2020 – Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder (Melbourne) @ 10:10

 

SETTING THE SCENE

 

The Stars have been shooting the lights out in the first half of the competition. With five wins from their six outings the Melbourne team finds themselves at the top of the table. The Sydney Thunder have won three, lost 3 and have one no result. Sitting in fourth spot the Thunder need to keep their foot on the pedal and ensure they stay in the top half of the log. This will however be easier said than done against the in-form home team who had the better of the same opponent when they met in Sydney.

 

TALKING TACTICS

 

Dale Steyn, Lamichhane, Zampa and Rauf have all been superb for the tournament front runners. Yet they will have to cope without some of their arsenal going forward. With the willow Stoinis and Maxwell are the big names and they have delivered thus far in BBL09. For the Thunder Dan Sams has been a revelation whilst Morris and Nair are always on hand to add back-up with the ball. Batting wise Hales hasn’t been able to deliver enough but captain Ferguson has been a steady source of runs.

 

Take our weekend EPL treble, Everton to win, Leicester v Southampton both teams to score and Wolves v Newcastle over 2.5 goals with odds boosted to 6.20

 

HOW I SEE IT PLAYING OUT

 

With Khawaja and Hales both yet to really impress Callum Ferguson looks the standout batting option for the men from Sydney. We’ve seen the Stars employ their spinners with great effect at the MCG. Zampa and Lamichhane have both had a few good outings in Melbourne. After picking up three wickets in his last outing I am expecting a big performance from Lamichhane whilst Glenn Maxwell might also pitch in with an over or two and has gone well with the bat – thus the star player should have a big role to play again. Given the success of the spinners at this ground I am also expecting Nair to get amongst the wickets for the Thunder. Overall the momentum of the Melbourne Stars should see them picking up another victory.

 

BETOLIMP BEST BETS

Best Thunder Bat – C Ferguson @ 4.00

Best Thunder Bowler – A Nair @ 5.50

Man of the Match – Glenn Maxwell @ 7.20

 

(Note, all odds quoted are subject to change)

 

Enjoy the cricket and happy punting!