The 2017-18 Big Bash League (BBL07) has moved past the Christmas break and into Round 3 of matches leading up to the New Year. We've now got a feel for the form and structure of most of the teams, and the cream is already rising to the top. It's another exciting round ahead of us, so let's jump into our BBL07 Round 3 preview and betting tips!
BBL07 Round 3 Betting Tips
Sydney Sixers vs Adelaide Strikers (SCG, Thursday 7:10pm AEDT)
The Sixers will be pretty disappointed with their start to the season. They are now 0-2 and in desperate need of a win before their season falls completely off the rails. Their first up effort against the Thunder was a heartbreaking loss off the final ball of the match. It was a horrible last over by Sean Abbott and a match that the Sixers let get away. They then travelled to Perth and could only manage 132 against a quality Scorchers attack. The Sixers need to get more out of their imports with Jason Roy and Sam Billings failing to fire so far. Skipper Moises Henriques has also been ordinary which has left the Sixers struggling to post a decent total for their attack to defend.
In contrast, the Strikers started the season strongly with a convincing win over the Thunder. The Strikers have a talented lineup when they are firing, especially while Travis Head is available. He led from the front with the bat and also picked up a key wicket with the ball to prove his value as an all-round cricketer. However the key for the Strikers was the effectiveness of their bowling attack. Rashid Khan is going to be very challenging to take on this season, while Ben Laughlin continues to prove that bowling smarts and astute execution is more important than sheer speed in this format.
The Sixers need this win, but they need their batting guns to fire, and I feel they may struggle again against a quality Strikers attack.
TIP: Adelaide Strikers to win - $2.00 at CrownBet (BEST BET)
Melbourne Renegades vs Perth Scorchers (Etihad Stadium, Friday 7:10pm AEDT)
What a beauty this match will be! The two top teams, both undefeated, and the two favourites for the BBL07 title clash at Etihad on Friday night!
The Renegades have cruised through their first two matches with relative ease, with Cameron White providing the backbone with the bat with two solid scores. The scary thing is that skipper Aaron Finch has failed in his first two matches, so he’s definitely due to fire! The Gades have a really well-balanced side with good strikers and a bowling attack with plenty of variety. Brad Hogg continues to bowl well despite his age, while Dwayne Bravo has been extremely effective with his dobblers.
All the talk with the Scorchers has been how their squad has been decimated by injury and international duties. However those same talkers seem to have ignored the depth of talent they have available and who is actually stepping onto the park. It means we’ve been given huge odds for the Scorchers in the first two games, and here again, they will start underdogs. The Scorchers will be glad to have Michael Klinger back at the top of the order, as that spot appeared their biggest weakness. Fortunately guys like Ashton Turner, Adam Voges and Ashton Agar have contributed in the middle order to give their bowlers some sort of target to defend. The Scorchers have relied on their bowlers to bring it home, and so far, they have done the job. Andrew Tye has been superb and is one of the few bowlers who can execute his variety with great precision. He’s been well supported by Michael Johnson and Jhye Richardson.
With their attack, the Scorchers are one of the few teams that will probably be suited by a tricky deck at Etihad. Many other teams are used to batting on roads, so when they come to Etihad they are found out, but the Scorchers should be able to hold their own. If they can keep Finch under control, I think they can win again, and offer us the value in this match.
TIP: Perth Scorchers to win - $2.15 at CrownBet
Hobart Hurricanes vs Sydney Thunder (Launceston, Saturday 7:10pm AEDT)
The first Big Bash match to be held in Launceston will see the Hurricanes host the Thunder. It will be interesting to see how the pitch plays here. Although the weather has been good recently, I wouldn’t be surprised to see some life in the surface just because of the infancy of the venue for cricket at this level.
The Hurricanes went down to the Renegades in their first match of the season, and although they posted a reasonable total, they never really looked like winning the match. D’Arcy Short looked good at the top of the order, and along with George Bailey, provide the fire power for the Canes. They are talking up the pace of their attack, but I don’t see raw speed alone as a strength. They still need to hit good areas and show some variety. We’re yet to see that from Tymal Mills, Jofra Archer and Aaron Summers, and their two spinners are not great, which leaves them pretty vulnerable.
The Thunder kicked off their season with a win, but they seem to live or die solely on the performance of Shane Watson. He’s been huge in two games so far, but if he misfires, what other weapons do the Thunder have? Callum Ferguson is capable, Arjun Nair has potential and Mitch McClenaghan has shown moments of fire. However the rest of them have been disappointing or simply aren’t up to the grade. There’s just too much left to too few to back them with any confidence.
Surprised Hurricanes aren’t the favourites here as I feel they have more weapons than the Thunder. Happy to back the Canes to get on the board.
TIP: Hobart Hurricanes to win - $1.95 at Sportsbet
Adelaide Strikers vs Brisbane Heat (Adelaide Oval, Sunday 7:10pm AEDT)
The Strikers will play their second match of the round as they host the Heat for their annual New Year’s Eve blockbuster. Depending on how the Strikers went against the Sixers earlier in the round, will dictate their desperation levels entering this one. At home, in front of a sell-out crowd, you would think they would be able to set themselves for a massive effort against the Heat.
It’s a great match up of batting fire power, and while the Heat are probably slightly ahead on paper with the bat, thanks largely to the inclusion of Chris Lynn, I think the Strikers have a big edge with the ball. The Heat got the win against the Thunder on Tuesday, but that was no thanks to their bowlers. Shadab Khan is the only bowler who I would consider top tier, and while Josh Lalor tries hard, the others I don’t have much time for at all.
If the Strikers can control Lynnsanity then I think they win this match to make it two wins for the round.
TIP: Adelaide Strikers to win - $2.00 at Ladbrokes
Tips are provided for entertainment and information purposes, and do not guarantee profit. Always gamble responsibly.
