Big Bash odds & top batsman tips for Stars vs. Renegades

WHAT is wrong with the Melbourne Stars?

The men in green were an utter shambles against the Brisbane Heat on Tuesday night.

Defending 141, they managed only a single wicket as Chris Lynn and Brendon McCullum blasted the visitors to victory inside 15 overs.

Victoria’s glamour club will need much more out of Ben Dunk, Kevin Pietersen and their other big names if they hope to notch a win anytime soon.

Perhaps the biggest concern of all is John Hastings and the quality of his captaincy.

There are no such issues for the Melbourne Renegades.

They sit third on the BBL ladder after a dominant victory over the Sydney Sixers in Geelong.

Skipper Aaron Finch ended his barren run with a brisk 50 as the ‘Gades chased down 111 at a canter.

Cameron White put in another excellent dig with the bat, while Dwayne Bravo was the standout in a high-class bowling display.

The major concern for the Renegades is their head-to-head record against their arch-rivals.

The Stars have won eight of 11 Melbourne derby clashes since the T20 Big Bash League kicked off in 2011.

However, it was the red half of the city that rejoiced when these two met at the MCG last term.

Glenn Maxwell betting tips

Man of the match	+900	+750	+1000
Top Stars runscorer	+400	+350	+350
Top Stars wicket-taker	+900	+900	+1700

Glenn Maxwell is one Star who will not be shooting off anytime soon.

The Victorian allrounder was a controversial omission from Australia’s squad for the upcoming ODI series against England.

How will he respond?

‘The Big Show’ has looked scratchy in BBL07 despite career-best form in the Sheffield Shield.

However, a battling half-century against the Heat may just have given Maxwell the time at the crease he needed.

Expect some fireworks from a player who will be determined to show Darren Lehmann and the Aussie selectors what they are missing out on.

Best bets for Stars vs. Renegades

• Melbourne Renegades to win – -131.58 at Sportsbet
• Brad Hogg top bowler – +350 at William Hill

The Stars are in trouble.

Losing three on the bounce is one thing, but they haven’t really looked like winning.

Now Stephen Fleming and company must pray they can get a W or two on the board before Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa are called away for international duty.

Meanwhile, the Renegades have bolted into outright favouritism for the BBL title.

Online bookmaker Sportsbet has brought them into a mere +260 after the win over the Sixers.

Some would say that is premature backing for a team is yet to beat any serious contenders.

With the Stars sure to lift for a packed house at the MCG, this will be a litmus test for the ‘Gades.

Put your money on Finch and friends to pass with flying colours.

The Stars struggled against Brisbane’s wrist spinners earlier this week, so have a look at Brad Hogg for top wicket-taker.