Melbourne Stars v Adelaide Strikers BBL tips | Thursday, 12/1/23

This Thursday Night BBL match could be an interesting one with the Melbourne Stars hosting the Adelaide Strikers at the MCG. The last time these two sides met was New Years Eve when the Stars won controversially after it was alleged Stars star batter Marcus Stoinis should have been timed out.

These two sides have changed drastically in a short period of time. The Stars will be without Stoinis and Trent Boult. Meanwhile, for the Adelaide Strikers, they could be boosted by the additions of Travis Head and Alex Carey to an already stacked batting line up, as well as the possible return of Henry Thornton and Peter Siddle to the bowling stocks.

It is very rare that a side travels to Adelaide this season and beats the Strikers on their home track. With the addition of Australian test stars to the Strikers line up, and the losses the Stars have suffered, it’s hard to see this match being won by the home side. The Strikers are great value to win this match paying $1.62 with the top Australian betting sites.

Matt Short has continued his incredible season by belting 38 runs from 22 balls with seven 4’s and a six. Prior to that knock, he hit 100 not out in a record setting run chase against the Hurricanes to secure an unlikely win for Adelaide. One of his weaknesses appears to be facing spin, but even Adam Zampa does not look in good enough form to stop Short. The Strikers opener is the safest bet to be their leading run scorer for the match paying $3.50.

Ben Manenti was a brilliant addition to the Strikers bowling attack against the Renegades when he dismissed the dangerous Sam Harper and Arron Finch to help lead the home side to a win. On the bigger MCG ground, Manenti should find planning his bowling and setting fields a lot easier no such a big ground. With this, he should be much harder to score from and is a live chance of taking 3+ wickets for the Strikers paying $4.75.

KEY MATCH UP: WES AGAR v JOE CLARKE

Joe Clarke is the last quality import in the Stars side that is clearly should the burden of poor batting performances squarely on his shoulders. Clarke is an incredibly talented batter, who can score anywhere across the ground. It’s unclear what has caused his recent form slump, but Clarke will need to find the solution quick if he is any hoping of leading this Stars side to a win. It’s likely Agar will be a key player in removing Clarke early, and should Agar succeed, the Strikers should find winning much easier.

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