Despite being given the exclusive right, along with Sydney, to have two franchises representing the city, both the Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades have failed to live up to their potential thus far in the Big Bash League.
The much-fancied Melbourne Stars, with all their star players, have managed to get into the semis on all four occasions, yet making it to the finals has been a yard too far.
For a side, which had the likes of Shane Warne, Kevin Pietersen, Glenn Maxwell and David Hussey, who are all some of the world’s top T20 specialists, not winning the competition has been a huge disappointment.
The story has been much the same for the Melbourne Renegades, with only one semi-finals appearance in 2012-2013, when they finished top of the pile. However just like the Stars, despite boasting of the likes of Marlon Samuels, Aaron Finch, Matthew Wade and Muttiah Muralitharan, their record is unimaginably poor on the road.
This season thus far has seen both these franchises struggling at the bottom of the table. Though the Stars were rather unlucky to lose by 1 run to the Sydney Thunder, the Renegades capitulated and lost by ten wickets to the Scorchers, in spite of scoring 170 in the first innings.
The most obvious weakness in both these franchises, barring consistency in results, has been their bowling, which lacks genuine stars.
Both these franchises have been over-hyped ever since the inaugural Big Bash, with big spending sprees every season. But their squads are not balanced, meaning they fail to keep pace with strong teams like the Scorchers, who boast of a strong home contingent, who aptly suits their squad.
Beny Iniesta
Guest
Will the Perth Scorchers still be having sellouts when they move to their new stadium?
Matthew
Guest
I want to point out that all of the Perth Scorchers home games this year have been sellouts. Thats the first time that has happened in BBL history I think.
fp11
Guest
Pietersen is the biggest flop. Such an overrated player. Can't stand when he comments (on the field) and giggles and insults other players. Why do they have to talk to him? Why? He had like one good knock in two seasons, couple of weeks ago. He was rubbish tonight again.
fp11
Guest
White won't be playing for Australia. His international career is over.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
Then why sign players, like Finch and White, that they know won't be there at the end?
Amrit
Roar Guru
Nobody plays a competition to come second or to draw crowds-that's what I've written-"over-hyped", and not challenging enough
Mike from Tari
Guest
These 2 clubs are the biggest & best in the comp, they are the most successful, they draw the biggest crowds, they have the commentators pumping up their tyres, according to Fleming & Ponting, doesn't matter that they haven't won anything.
Amrit
Roar Guru
Today's result will not prove anything unless they win the mace
dan ced
Guest
Given their current results, what does that say about their "best" players?
Xavier Smith
Roar Rookie
Partly explains previous seasons, however this season both have been disappointing. The Stars definitely haven't lived up to the rubbish published in today's Herald Sun about being the biggest club. Success breeds success.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
Really explains their season thus far
no one in particular
Roar Guru
The Renegades obviously thought bowlers aren't necessary.
Mr Bean
Guest
Both clubs lose their best players to the ODI team in January