The Melbourne Stars meet the Hobart Hurricanes in Game 3 of the 2014/15 Big Bash League. Will they get revenge for the shock semi-final loss to the Hurricanes last season? Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:10pm (AEDT)
The Stars went through last season undefeated only to be bundled out at the business end by the Hurricanes. Subsequently the Hurricanes went onto the Champions League and were the best performed Australian side, making the semi-finals.
For this reason there will be a bit of feeling in this game, as prior to the semi-final last year the two franchises clashed over alleged player payments being made outside the rules.
The Melbourne Stars are the glamour team of the BBL but also underachievers. The backroom has contained big names like Eddie McGuire, Viv Richards, Ian Chappell and Shane Warne over the seasons but they haven’t transferred the glamour into wins.
This year is no exception with the recruitment of Kevin Pietersen. KP is a match winner and a glamour signing, but will he gel the dressing room like he has done in England? There are some big egos in play here not only KP but the also Glenn ‘the Big Show’ Maxwell.
The Stars started the season with a disappointing performance against the Strikers in Adelaide. This was their first loss in a roster match for two years.
It was interesting to see them play two spinners in Rose and Beer. The BBL teams are starting to realize that good slow bowlers are generally more economical in limited overs cricket. The Hurricanes will offset this by playing both Doherty and Boyce.
The Stars, whilst recruiting KP have lost Malinga and Brad Hodge. Malinga could be a huge hole to fill judging from Thursday night.
Let’s get the most used headline out of the way now… Hurricanes Halestorm!
Alex Hales has joined the Hurricanes and together with Darren Sammy are the two internationals starting this season. The Hurricanes got little value out of Shoaib Malik and Owais Shah last year, so this will be a bonus.
Whilst making the final last year, it was felt that they lacked another all rounder to give them more depth. To this end Sammy could prove a great recruit; it’s unfortunate that both their imports are here for just the first half of the series. Tim Bresnan and Shoiab Malik will replace them at the back end, due to World Cup commitments.
Prediction: Stars to make amends for Thursday night and win at home.
Will The Hurricanes inflict more embarrassment on the glamour team Melbourne Stars or will KP earn his money and see off the Halestorm?
Join The Roar Saturday at 7:10pm (AEDT) for live score updates and debate in our live blog.
Dan Ced
Guest
Woo Hilfy in my fanttasy team, on the back of shield form.
Bobbo7
Guest
Bat first, make more than 160 and you will win most of the time. Teams batting first always seem to win these games unless they really crap out early
Jo M
Guest
Why are they the glamour team though? Just because it is a stacked team doesn't mean it will go any good and most of the time they don't because there are too many egos and too many people doing things how they want. Just like the old saying says, a champion team will always beat a team full of champions, that applies to all sports.
Garry Edwards
Guest
Yeah well that's how it goes. Well done Canes, good too see Sir Viv and Eddie was a no show-damn!
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
Hurricanes opening bowlers Doherty and Mennie did well complimented by Hilfenhaus. White and Wright started ok for Stars but it was only Faulkner who added some runs down the list. So thats a great win for the Hurricanes. Great start to series. Stars are 0 from 2 and need to click into gear quickly. Apparently KP is going home for Xmas so will miss next game. Sammy was terrific first up for Hobart, what a pity he is only here for first half of series, he wil be replaced by Tim Bresnan. Jon Wells batted superbly and set up win. Hurricanes go back to Hobart to face the Sixers whilst the Stars next task is away to the Heat...it doesn't get any easier. Sammy got Man of match.On his birthday. He could be a big attraction for the BBL.38 runs off 12,and a great catch Mennie and Hilfenhaus as predicted at start of innings were good with a combined 7 wickets. All aboard the Cane Train!!!! Good night.
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
9/138 Stars beaten by 52 runs.
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
Sorry premature celebration. 1 wicket to go.
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
Thats it Stars all out 134
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
8/133(19)
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
WICKET 4 for Hilfy Hastingscaught mid wicket
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
Unchartered waters for the Stars.
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
WICKET Faulkner bowled Mennie ,hits over a full toss Toot Toot!
Scott Pryde
Expert
Stars 0 and 2... Massive pressure on them.
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
6/124(17) 67 needed off 18 balls. Faulkner and Hastings up against Joe Mennie this over.
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
WICKET Triffitt caught cover off Hilfy.3 wickets for Hurricanes. The Cane Train is warming up!
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
Two tassie boys batting for the Stars...Faulkner and Triffitt
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
5/109(15) 82 off 30 required 16.14 req
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
WICKET What a catch SAMMY White is gone.caught off Doherty Stars are being Sammied here.
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
Sammy bowling a foot behind bowling crease!
Graham Smith
Roar Guru
4/99(13) Game reaching tipping point. 13.14 rpo req