The Big Bash matches in Round 4 were highlighted by some incredible attendances at games around the country. It was a record for the competition with the crowd of 42,000+ at Etihad for the local Melbourne derby creating a magnificent atmosphere. It’s great to see the competition thriving both on and off the field.
The ladder is starting to take shape at the half way mark of the competition, with the Stars all-but-assured of a finals spot as they remain undefeated on top of the ladder. The Strikers and Sixers are next in line, the Scorchers and Renegades are in contention, while the Heat have some work to do if they are to defend their title. The Hurricanes don’t look up to it while the winless Thunder are the only team completely out of the running (lucky we tipped them to win the wooden spoon, right?)
Perth Scorchers vs Hobart Hurricanes
The Hurricanes head to Perth for a must-win game against the Scorchers. A loss here will see the Hurricanes fall right off the pace, so it’s a massive game. The Hurricanes still have some work to do with the execution of their bowling. Ben Hilfenhaus has returned the two worst T20 matches of his career, while Evan Gulbis isn’t even being used for his bowling. Maybe they should turn to spin and include Cameron Boyce into their starting XI. Tim Paine also needs to be batting higher. He’s the class of the line up, so he should be opening, with Shoaib Malik pinch-hitting lower in the order. Their other import Owais Shah also needs to lift.
The Perth have welcomed back Adam Voges which gives their batting some more depth. I also liked sending Craig Simmons in at the top of the order, and although it didn’t work against the Thunder, I think they should stick with it as stops the order from being so top heavy. Simon Katich came in beautifully at number 3 and won the game for them. Hopefully he can continue that form after we got on him at $67 to be the tournament leading run scorer! If the Scorchers don’t win this then they might be in some trouble as the ODI team will take their guns Shaun Marsh and Nathan Coulter-Nile.
Verdict: I can’t see the Hurricanes turning things around and don’t think the WACA will suit their vulnerable bowling attack. Interestingly the early markets have Hurricanes favourites at $1.85, but I like the Scorchers and think the $2.12 at Betfair is great value.
Prop Bet: Ben Laughlin to take the most wickets for the Hurricanes @$3.08 on Sportsbet. Laughlin is the only Hurricanes bowler to show any consistency and it’s why he’s one of the best T20 bowlers going around. He took a fantastic 3/16 last week, and led the competition wicket takers list last season. We also know he’s going to bowl a full quota of four overs, so it looks like a solid bet.
Sydney Thunder vs Brisbane Heat
This is an enormous game for the Heat. Lose this one and it’s pretty much goodbye to their title defence. That would be a huge fail. They have misfired this season, and even last round, should’ve got the win against the Sixers chasing just 140. Leaving Ben Cutting in the sheds was a criminal mistake. James Hopes and Chris Sabburg chewed up 32 deliveries without hitting a single boundary which no doubt cost them the victory. Cutting is a match winner and he needs to be batting no lower than number six in every game.
Meanwhile the Thunder are still winless, despite being very competitive. They just lack the depth and the match winners to get over the line. Mike Hussey is only human afterall. Hughes, Morgan and Floros all showed glimpses of what they are capable of, so if they can all produce something together then they could grab a victory, somewhere, some day.
Verdict: If you go by recent form, the Heat are too short here at $1.59 at Betfair. The Thunder aren’t far away from a win. They are priced at around $2.50 but how can you put money on a team that hasn’t won a game for over 700 days? The Heat should win, but they are too short for me to get too excited.
Melbourne Stars vs Adelaide Strikers
The top of the table, match of the round should be a classic at the MCG on Thursday night.
The Stars have been awesome and they were ruthless in their disposal of the Renegades. White and Maxwell just teed off and were unstoppable. To think that Hodge, Hussey, Wade and Faulkner were unused, just tells of their incredible line up. All of their batsmen have contributed in different games, so I think the only way they will be tested is to grab several early wickets and put pressure on their middle/lower order.
The Strikers started off the season well, but you’d have to say their loss to the Sixers at home was very disappointing. They just didn’t score enough runs with their well-credentialed batsmen failing to deliver. It’s time for Phil Hughes and Callum Ferguson to stand up to support Klinger and Hales in the top order. They certainly missed the leadership of the injured Johan Botha, but boy Bangladeshi recruit Shakib Al Hasan looks pretty talented so kudos to the Strikers recruiting department on that one!
Verdict: At the MCG you have to favour the undefeated Stars. Logic says that they are due for a loss at some point, but this is probably the last time for the season you’ll get odds of $1.61 at Betfair so we’re happy to take that. Stars to win.
Sydney Sixers vs Perth Scorchers
The Sixers got themselves right back into contention with an unlikely upset of the Heat, followed by a huge win against the Strikers, both away from home. They are now sitting pretty in second spot on the ladder. Michael Lumb getting runs at the top has made a huge difference, with Nic Maddinson far too loose in recent matches. Henriques is capable of anything, but I’m still not convinced North and Silk are T20 cricketers – well, except for Silk’s fielding perhaps...
With the ball, the Sixers look pretty good with Lee and Hazelwood in some good form.
The Scorchers will back up for their second match of the round which isn’t all that easy, especially when you have to travel from Perth to Sydney.
Verdict: No odds around for this game as yet, but the Sixers are looking pretty good and should start warm favourites.
Take note: The above tip is simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always bet responsibly. Happy punting!
