The Big Bash League continues tonight when the Melbourne Renegades host their hometown rivals the Melbourne Stars at Etihad Stadium for match 15 of the 2013/14 season. Join me at 7.15pm AEDT for the full teams, the toss, live scores and updates.
The Renegades and Stars have already played once this season, with the Stars winning comfortably after a fast start from Luke Wright and Cameron White.
The Renegades will be without Alex Doolan, who is staying with the Australian team in Sydney, while the Stars have a full squad to pick from.
The Renegades could also be without their English import Jos Buttler depending on whether they can secure him for the game.
The Renegades have a decent squad, with three or four superstars. The Stars also have some superstars but their squad is probably a bit stronger than the Renegades, as almost all their players have played at international level.
Key Players
Melbourne Renegades
Batting: Aaron Finch, Michael Hill.
Bowling: James Pattinson, Muttiah Muralitharan.
In the Renegades’ most recent game, Aaron Finch and Michael Hill formed a great opening pair against the Hobart Hurricanes. Finch finished with 50 off 31 balls, while Hill made 40 off 29 balls.
Finch is most definitely a key player, as he has scored over 2800 runs in his T20 career and is probably one of the best T20 players in Australia.
Hill has played a few one day games for the Bushrangers and although he has only played one game for the Renegades, his 40 suggested he could keep his place in the team for some time.
James Pattinson and Muttiah Muralitharan are both world class bowlers and Pattinson’s 4-24 against the Hurricanes showed he is almost back to his best form.
Murali hasn’t been as effective as the Renegades would have liked but nevertheless he is still a dangerous and difficult bowler to face.
Pattinson didn’t play in the first game between these two sides, so he could be the difference that the Renegades need.
Melbourne Stars
Batting: Luke Wright, Glenn Maxwell.
Bowling: Jackson Bird, Lasith Malinga.
Apart from the fact Luke Wright is my favourite Melbourne Stars player, he absolutely destroyed the Renegades in the first game, with 70 off 32 albeit on a tiny MCG ground. He has been a proven performer for the Stars over the three years of the BBL.
Maxwell is a match winner, no matter whether he’s batting, bowling or fielding, as he showed against the Sydney Sixers when he made 37, picked up 3-26 and took one catch and also ran Marcus North out from the outfield!
Jackson Bird has already taken six wickets this season, and has been bowling a good line and length. His 4/31 against the Renegades in their earlier game may be a sign of things to come.
Malinga is definitely the Stars X-Factor, as he is very effective at the death.
Just like Pattinson, Malinga didn’t play in the first game so it will be interesting to see how the Renegades play him.
The Etihad Stadium pitch seems like a batting paradise after the Renegades made 210 against the Heat, so expect scores between 180 and 210.
Prediction
I’m tipping the Stars as I feel they are just too strong for the Renegades, but I’m expecting a cracking contest between these two cross town rivals for local bragging rights.
Once again make sure to join me at 7:00 AEDT for the full teams, the toss, live scores and updates.
Max Willis
Roar Pro
Yes your are right!, Lee travels with the Stars to every game and even shakes hands with the opposition after the match.
Max Willis
Roar Pro
Yes, there is a salary cap, and I'm almost certain some of the players are happy to be a little underplayed as they are in a team that may win (which then brings more money rewards!) But yes there is a salary cap. It was $1 million in the inaugural season, but I'm not sure if it has changed.
Bobbo7
Guest
How do the Stars keep so many quality players? They just seem 2 or 3 players better than the rest. I presume there is a salary cap?
Max Willis
Roar Pro
Well it was a game a brilliant batting tonight, thanks to Aaron Finch, Tom Cooper, Cameron White and the brilliant Glenn Maxwell. In the end White and Maxwell could probably share man of the match honours. Thanks to this game, the Renegades will most likely move down the ladder and their net run rate will suffer a bit. The Stars will remain on top of the ladder and they have pretty much booked a semi final place at home. Cameron White has just been named man of the match which is no surprise. Thank you for joining me tonight for a great game of T20 cricket. Make sure to log in tomorrow for the 3rd day of the 5th Ashes Test and more BBL!! Once again thank you for joining me for tonight's brilliant game.
Max Willis
Roar Pro
2nd Innings stats Bowling Pattinson - 0/37, 3.2 overs Gale - 0/41, 4 overs O'Brien - 1/38, 3 overs Rimmington - 0/19, 2 overs Murali - 0/30, 4 overs Batting White - 84 off 49 Maxwell - 58 off 28
Max Willis
Roar Pro
The stars showed why they are the top team
Max Willis
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So the Stars end up winning comfortably thanks to Cameron White and Glenn Maxwell
Max Willis
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1 to win... 16.2, Maxwell sticks it past the keeper for 4, and that's game over with 3.4 overs to spare and 9 wickets in hand.
Max Willis
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16.1, 1/162 Wide called
Max Willis
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16 gone, 1/161 7 off that over and only 3 needed to win the game, Pattinson to bowl
Max Willis
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15.3, 1/161 Maxwell plays a reverse slog to cover for 4, 3 required to win
Max Willis
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15 gone, 1/154 23 off that over, another time to mention the word ridiculous!!! No wonder they call Maxwell, 'The Big Show' Murali is back
Max Willis
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14.4, 1/152 Maxwell ramps it/ laps it for 6!!! Amazing shot!!!!! He moves to 49 off 22 Now he reaches his 50 off just 23 balls!!
Max Willis
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14.2, 1/138 Wide 14.2, 1/144 Another massive six from Maxwell over cover, this man is amazing!
Max Willis
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14.1, 1/137 That is Maxwell's 4th 6 of his innings. This one was over mid off. Great shot
Max Willis
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14 gone, 1/131 7 off the over, the Stars are on track to get the 33 runs they need. Pattinson is back for the Renegades
Max Willis
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13 gone, 1/124 Another huge six from White. 4 6's in the over, 26 off that over, ridiculous Murali is back
Max Willis
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12.5, 1/118 White goes bang for 6!!!
Max Willis
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12.2, 1/105 Pure hitting from Maxwell over square leg for 6! It went 81 metres which is a fair effort off a spinner!! 12.3, 1/111 Another great shot that went for 6 over mid-wicket
Max Willis
Roar Pro
12 gone, 1/98 Maxwell keeps swinging and missing!!! Just 5 from that over. O'Brien is back into the attack