In one of the fixture anomalies of BBL 09, the Strikers face the Sixers less than three days after their first encounter in Coffs Harbour. We take a look at Wednesday’s (8/1/2020) BBL Big Bash 2020 match which is between the Adelaide Strikers and Sydney Sixers. The Adelaide Strikers go into the match as favourites but the bookies have it basically as an even match.
When: Wednesday, 8th January at 3:45PM
Where: Adelaide Oval
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Preview:
In one of the fixture anomalies of BBL 09, the Strikers face the Sixers less than three days after their first encounter in Coffs Harbour. And Jason Gillespie’s side will be looking for swift revenge back at home. A Josh Philippe masterclass (83 not out) saw their total of 6/176 chased down with three balls to spare. After a rollicking start to the season, the Strikers have lost their last two Big Bash games. And while it’s far from panic stations, there are certain aspects of their approach they’ll need to tinker with ahead of this clash at the Adelaide Oval.
The Strikers need to change little with the bat. Across the six games they’ve averaged a total of 172 – a strong return thus far. While Jake Weatherald and Alex Carey continue to shine at the top, Jono Wells has maintained a remarkable BBL 09 in the middle order. His scores of 55*, 18*, 68*, 20, 26 and 40* give him an incredible average of 113.5. That is more than 40 runs better than the next best in Marcus Stoinis for the Stars.
Philippe’s aforementioned innings has led the Sixers in a very strong position. They’re now a game clear in second and on equal points (10) with the ladder-leading Stars. A win here in Adelaide puts them in a great position to target an all-important top-two position given the new finals format of BBL 09. The bold move to partner Philippe with Justin Avendano, playing his first game of the season and just fourth Big Bash game ever, paid dividends as the 26-year-old smashed 47 off 33 in Coffs Harbour.
It remains to be seen who Greg Shipperd now decides to drop for this clash against the Strikers, with skipper Moises Henriques to return after missing the game to attend the birth of his first child.
Josh Hazlewood, who returned the brilliant figures of 1/18 from his four overs on Sunday night, will play his second and final game of BBL 09 before he boards a plane for the Australian ODI tour of India. His presence in this clash – at a venue he has enjoyed much success at international level – should prove vital to the outcome.
Odds:
Tip: Adelaide Strikers $1.81
Value BET: Man of the Match: Alex Carey at $9.00
Teams:
Adelaide Strikers squad
Travis Head (c), Wes Agar, Alex Carey (wk), Harry Conway, Rashid Khan (Afghanistan), Jake Lehmann, Michael Neser, Harry Nielsen, Liam O’Connor, Phil Salt (England), Matt Short, Peter Siddle, Billy Stanlake, Cameron Valente, Jake Weatherald, Jon Wells, Cameron White, Nick Winter
Sydney Sixers squad
Moises Henriques (c), Sean Abbott, Justin Avendano, Jackson Bird, Tom Curran (England), Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Mickey Edwards, Daniel Fallins, Josh Hazlewood, Daniel Hughes, Nathan Lyon, Stephen O’Keefe, Josh Philippe, Lloyd Pope, Jordan Silk, Steve Smith, James Vince (England)
