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Perth Scorchers take on the Melbourne Stars at the Furnace in what promises to be a cracking semi-final in the Big Bash League. Join me on The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:10pm AEDT.
Ever since the Kalgoorlie gold rushes of the 1890’s, Victorians have been welcomed with open arms by the friendly folk from the west. Not!
Ask any Collingwood or Essendon fan, Western Australians love nothing better than giving cocky Victorians a good hiding. And the Melbourne Stars just ooze cockiness.
The Scorchers have been one of the most consistent BBL clubs, having hosted all three finals. In a baffling decision, Cricket Australia moved the final to Canberra this year seemingly to avoid Perth hosting it again. Nevertheless Perth finished the season second on the ladder and find themselves hosting another playoff match, this time against the Melbourne Stars.
Perth’s bowling lineup has been formidable and they pride themselves on being able to defend any total. In their last outing however, against the Stars in Melbourne, this theory was turned on its head as the talented Stars batting lineup took to their attack, including the generally reliable Brad Hogg. For this match it is expected that Nathan Coulter-Nile will take the field which will give the Scorchers a healthy boost.
Michael Klinger and Shaun Marsh are the big guns in Perth’s batting arsenal. If they get a start expect the sell-out Perth crowd to roar them on to big scores. Klinger is the leading run-scorer of this year’s Bash – his wicket will be a key one for the Stars.
The Melbourne Stars may have turned a corner. Generally loaded with great individual players they have not always clicked as a team when the going gets tough. This year things have been looking up. They have won some real tight matches including the brilliant super over victory against the Sixers as well as the come from the clouds victory against the Scorchers in their last game. That Stars win, featuring a slashing century from the largely unheralded Peter Handscomb, shows great team resilience which was not always apparent in years past.
Keven Pietersen is in good form and is a player who loves the big stage. A Big Bash semi-final would be an appropriate occasion for KP to step up big time. Look out also for big John Hastings to do some damage with the ball as he pushes to be the tournament’s leading wicket taker.
The Furnace is bound to be rocking with what is already officially a sell-out crowd and the fans will know this is a game that will take some winning. Can Klinger continue his fine form or will Pietersen rip it up. Will Perth scorch Melbourne or will the Stars take the gold?
Mo’s tip: Melbourne Stars to upset the home side
Join me on The Roar from 7.10pm (AEDT) for all the action
Follow 70s Mo on Twitter @70s_mo
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