Big Bash League 2019 Match 47, Melbourne Renegades vs Hobart Hurricanes: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

At long last, Melbourne Renegades seem to have stitched together a winning streak. Their two wins, in 11 matches, have come in a row heading into this next clash against Hobart Hurricanes. They may be well out of the reckoning when it comes to the knockout stage of the tournament, but they are still having their say when it comes to it.

Then there are the Hurricanes. Having started their campaign well, they have been derailed by poor form – they have been without a victory in their last five matches. They languish second from bottom, three points above the Renegades, and while they still have an outside chance of making it to the knockouts, they will need to play out of their skins and stitch some wins together.

Heading into this next clash, however, the tendency is to go with the Renegades – and that is something we’ve not had the chance to say too much this season. That is particularly down to the manner of their victory against Brisbane Heat, who also seem to be in the middle of an ill-timed loss of form.

The Renegades beat Heat by 44 big runs. That was down to Heat imploding historically – they lost 10 wickets for 36 runs, the worst collapse in BBL history – but credit where it’s due; the Renegades did post a decent total of 164/6 and trigger the collapse. That it came after a victory over Sydney Thunder – a team just two points off the No.2 side in the table – will only add to the increased sense of morale in the side.

The Hurricanes will be worried.

Head to head

There have been 10 matches between these sides in BBL history. The Renegades have won six to the Hurricanes’ four.

Key players

Shaun Marsh (Melbourne Renegades): Marsh is the talismanof this side. Even while things were rough, he kept the runs coming and is the top-scorer of the side – he has so far scored 393 runs in 11 matches this season, and that is only bound to be bettered as the team’s form improves.

Qais Ahmed (Hobart Hurricanes): In a team struggling, the bowlers usually are the most likely source of inspiration. Ahmed has taken 11 wickets in 10 matches, at a decent economy of 8.2. He will need to be at his best to tie down the Renegades.

Likely XIs

Melbourne Renegades: Shaun Marsh, Marcus Harris, Sam Harper (wk), Beau Webster, Will Sutherland, Mohammad Nabi, Dan Christian (c), Samit Patel, Jack Wildermuth, Cameron Boyce, Andrew Fekete

Hobart Hurricanes: Matthew Wade (c), Caleb Jewell, Jake Doran, David Miller, Brian McDermott (wk), George Bailey, Clive Rose, Thomas Rogers, Nathan Ellis, Qais Ahmed, Scott Boland

Prediction

Renegades to win their third match in a row.