Merry Christmas everyone! A quick combined Big Bash Round 2/Ashes 4th Test preview this week with a huge day of sport and a comfortable couch welcoming us on Boxing Day. There's nothing greater than putting your feet up after a busy Christmas Day. And nothing beats a day on the punt on the couch on Boxing Day!
Ashes 4th Test
There really isn’t too much to say about the Ashes with Australia thoroughly dominant in claiming an unbeatable 3-0 lead and regaining the Ashes urn for the first time in seven years. What an amazing achievement for a side that was in disarray earlier in the year.
Will the Aussies go with an unchanged XI for the fourth game in a row? Most likely. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
The English camp are a mess with the shock retirement of Graeme Swann during the week, followed by some bizarre Twitter exchanges that has soured what was a great career. Was he pushed? Can’t see how that's possible when there’s not exactly anyone pushing to replace him, and while Swann was below his best this series, he certainly isn’t the sole reason the Ashes have been lost. Despite two new spinners joining the squad, it will be Monty Panesar who will play in Melbourne.
Will the Poms will make further changes to the team? You'd think they'd have to try something...but what? Ben Stokes was a standout in Perth and looks a player of the future, but the rest of them should all be on notice.
Australia are $1.74 to win in Melbourne, with England $4.90 and the Draw $4.50 at the time of writing. The pitch will be bouncy but won’t be as tricky as Perth which will please the tourists and the weather should be mostly fine. If Australia continue to bat well, then England can’t win. It’s just a matter of whether their own bats can show some fight to perhaps drag it out for a draw.
Verdict: Back Australia to win at $1.74 with a small wager on the Draw at $4.50 at Betfair.
Keep an eye on our Twitter account for promotions on the morning of Boxing Day as there are likely to be a few good ones about.
Big Bash Round 2
Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Renegades
Rough start for the Scorchers with a heartbreaking defeat followed by an injury to key batsman Adam Voges which will keep him out of action, and West Indies import Dwayne Smith withdrawing from the team for personal reasons. Smith has been replaced by Pakinstani bowler Yasir Arafat.
On the plus side, their bowling attack showed real promise. Hogg and Beer are going to be tough to get away, while Behrendorff has shown real improvement and might be a player for the future. Thomas and Coulter-Nile need to lift.
The Renegades also went down in Round 1, with the Stars too strong. They bowled far too much in the slot and besides Murali, they were belted all over the park. Their batsmen also didn’t show much with a heavy reliance on Finch and English recruit Buttler. They need contributions from Rohrer, Doolan and Cooper.
Should be a close match with the loser in real trouble at 0-2. Perth’s bowling looks strong but their weak batting has been weakened even further, and if S Marsh and M Marsh don’t fire, they are in trouble.
Verdict: Happy to take the value on the Renegades at $2.12 on Betfair for what is a 50/50 contest.
Sydney Thunder vs Adelaide Strikers
I now don’t think the Thunder are going to be able to win a game this season. If they couldn’t win last week, with that incredible start by Warner and Khawaja, then they never will. Those two are now both out of the team which leaves the batting on Mike Hussey’s shoulders. It’s too much burden for them to overcome.
Meanwhile in six overs the Strikers showed what they are capable of with Hales and Klinger going ballistic before the rain came in Hobart. They have a talented squad and seem destined to play finals this year.
Verdict: Strikers look tremendous value at $1.70 on Betfair and we’re happy to load up here as our bet of the round.
Brisbane Heat vs Hobart Hurricanes
The Heat got over the line in a classic match against the Scorchers with Chris Lynn (pictured) the standout performer with an incredible 81 from just 53 balls. The Heat have a wealth of options with the ball, as long as their batsmen can get the runs on the board.
The Hurricanes got smashed in the six overs played in their first match, so their bowlers will be very keen to improve on that, while their batsman might still be a tad rusty having yet to have a hit.
Verdict: The Heat should make it a perfect start to the season here at $1.68 at Betfair.
Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars
Two winners from the first round to provide a potential match of the round, however the Stars still appear to be too strong on paper. They lived up to the hype in Round 1 with a mighty performance with the bat and ball. White and Wright look a great opening combination while Bird was devastating in his comeback with the ball.
The Sixers got the win, but the start that the Thunder got would be a little concerning. If that happens against the Stars then it will be all over. Maddinson was one of our pre-season picks and he’s started with a bang in Round 1, so he’s the one to watch.
Verdict: Stars look the goods a $1.74 at Betfair.
Enjoy your Boxing Day!
