MLS vs MLR Match Preview
It was certain from the very start of the season that the Melbourne Stars would struggle a bit in the absence of their star batsman, Glenn Maxwell, however, Clarke has delivered on expected lines as he is the top run-getter for his team this season, scoring 232 runs at an average of 46.40.
Marcus Stoinis finally struck some form in the last match, played against the Strikers, and led his team to an 8-run win. Stoinis bludgeoned 6 maximums in his 35-ball innings and made 74 runs to help the Stars post 186-7 in their 20 overs.
The Renegades had a dream start to the season as they convincingly won their first 3 matches. However, things have gone rapidly downhill since then, and the Renegades are now on a 4-match losing streak.
Aaron Finch has performed remarkably well amidst an average effort by the Renegades batsmen. Finch has scored 236 runs so far and is second on the list of top run-getters for the season. Much was expected of Jon Wells, who is the 4th highest scorer in BBL history, and Martin Guptill, but both of them have been quite underwhelming so far.
Draft pick Akeal Hosein has been the best performer with the ball for the Renegades as he has picked up 12 wickets in 7 matches. Tom Rogers and Mujeeb Ur Rahman have given him good support, but overall, the team has been unable to perform well as a unit and as a result, is seen struggling at this stage.
Weather Report
It is expected to remain overcast throughout the day but there is little chance of any rain. The temperature is expected to remain below the 20-degree mark.
Pitch Report
The pitch at the MCG is one of the most balanced pitches in Australia and is known to generate some close contests between the bat and the ball. While the quicker bowlers have the upper hand at the start due to the genuine bounce offered by the surface, the batsmen will find it easy to play shots as the match progresses.
Notable stats
Marcus Stoinis’ Incredible Strike Rate
Marcus Stoinis can hit the ball a long way and is well-known for his hard-hitting skills. In the last 8 matches, Stoinis has scored 193 runs at an excellent strike rate of 193.00.
Team News
While there are concerns regarding the fitness of Nic Maddinson and Peter Handscomb from the Renegades and Tom Rogers from the Stars, the only player likely to miss this match is Maddinson. Other than him, we can expect a largely unchanged squad from both sides.
MLS vs MLR Probable 11
MLS Playing 11
- Joe Clarke (Wk)
- Thomas Rogers
- Beau Webster
- Hilton Cartwright
- Marcus Stoinis
- Nick Larkin
- Campbell Kellaway
- Luke Wood
- Trent Boult
- Adam Zampa (C)
- Liam Hatcher
MLR Playing 11
- Martin Guptill
- Peter Handscomb (Wk)
- Aaron Finch (C)
- Mackenzie Harvey
- Akeal Hosein
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Tom Rogers
- Will Sutherland
- Jonathan Wells
- Kane Richardson
- Shaun Marsh
Dream11 Prediction
We are backing the Stars to win this match. They finally managed to break their 3-match losing streak by winning their latest game. With Stoinis back in form, the batting line-up for the Stars now looks considerably stronger compared to Renegades. The Stars also have a better variety in their bowling and are overall a much better-balanced team.
Top Picks
Aaron Finch: Finch is Australia’s leading scorer in the T20 format. He is also in excellent form this season and has scored 438 runs in his last 10 matches.
Luke Wood: Luke Wood can pick up wickets at regular intervals and will be quite effective on the bouncy pitch at the MCG. In his 6 matches this season, Wood has picked up 11 wickets, including a fifer.
Joe Clarke: Clarke has batted consistently well for the Stars this season. He has an average of 46.40 and has also affected 5 dismissals from behind the stumps.
MLS vs MLR Dream11 Team 1
Keeper: J Peirson, J Philippe
Batters: C Munro, J Vince, J Silk
All-rounders: M Neser (VC), S Abbott, H Kerr (C)
Bowlers: J Bird, M Steketee, M Kuhnemann
