Punters pound Perth Scorchers into Big Bash League favouritism

THE brilliant Perth Scorchers are the most dominant team in KFC T20 Big Bash League history, so it comes as no surprised that, after a slow start to their 2015/16 campaign, they are now the red hot favourites for the title.

With the one day internationals against India not far away, several of the Big Bash League’s sides will be taken on national team duties.

After losing the opening game to the Adelaide Strikers by four wickets, the Scorchers have gone on a ridiculous tear, claiming three wins in a row – and losing just two wickets on the way to doing it.

They hammered the Brisbane Heat by nine wickets in a bounce back performance after the opening round loss, then absolutely made a mockery of the Melbourne Renegades’ total of 4/170, openers Michael Klinger and Shaun Marsh passing the total without surrendering their wickets.

That pair’s 171 run partnership was the highest ever Big Bash League opening stand – and second highest in Big Bash League history. It was also the Scorchers’ highest partnership ever and the first time a side had won by 10 wickets in the competition.

Dropped Test man Marsh was in brutal form, hammering an unbeaten 76 from 54 balls, but it was the prolific Klinger, who even as an ageing vintage surely deserves a crack at T20 level for Australia, who was the aggressor, whacking 90 not out from just 58 balls.

They then claimed top spot with a nine wicket win over the Sydney Sixers, this one set up by the bowlers holding their opponents to just 8/112, led by English import David Willey’s 3/22 off four, including 15 dot balls and two wickets each to Jason Behrendorff and Andrew Tye.

And then Marsh, clearly jilted by his omission from the test team, went on his merry way again, smoking an unbeaten 63 off 54 balls to give the Aussie selectors even more to think about. The knock featured eight fours and four sixes and gave him 139 runs without being dismissed in his past two.

Marsh and surprise one day international selection Joel Paris will head off to national duties next week, but the blow will be softened by the return of the monstrously in form Adam Voges, fresh off completely destroying the West Indians.

Pommy import Michael Carberry, who has been struggling to get a game, said his mob was hell bent on a third title in as many years and it’s no surprise they are favourites with the punters.

“I think it should drive everybody, I’m certainly driven by it,” Carberry said.

“I’m not scared to talk about it.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity that not many teams have – to make some history.

“I certainly want to try to take it on and see how we go.”

Wooden spoon favourites at the start of the Big Bash, the Sydney Thunder are now just behind the Scorchers at $5 to take out this season’s title.

You could get as much as $12 about the perennial cellar dwellers before the season started, but, on the back of some superb performances from a side that is packed with elite talent, the Thunder are now well backed with Sportsbet.com.au.

And they have been boosted by the news that gun Usman Khawaja has not been selected for the one day internationals against India.

That means he will be free to build on his brilliant century that came from his solitary Big Bash League innings earlier this season.

And they also keep all rounder Shane Watson, who was over looked by the selectors and is coming off his best innings of the tournament, with 46 off 31 balls in a loss to the Brisbane Heat.

In that match, the Thunder suffered their second loss of the season, despite racking up 5/186 thanks to captain Mike Hussey’s 56 off 43 and 20 off nine balls from West Indian excitement machine Andre Russell.

But the bowlers were unable to contain the Heat’s batting line up, led by Chris Lynn’s remarkable 75 off 32 balls that featured six fours and six sixes.

Somehow, Lynn was also passed over by the national selectors, despite blasting 287 runs off 164 balls at a strike rate of 174 and an average of 71.75. He’s only been at the crease for 234 minutes and has a century and two 50s to his name, while leading the competition with 19 sixes.

Surely he’s a lock for the T20 international side?

The Melbourne Stars, which lose Glenn Maxwell and James Faulkner, remain the $6 third favourites, while the loss of George Bailey, and a poor showing against the Renegades, has seen the Hobart Hurricanes drift from $5 to $7.50.

“It is that time of the year where the best Big Bash League players get plundered for international duties,” Sportsbet.com.au’s Ben Bulmer said.

“The loss of star players is influencing where punters are placing their money with the teams such as Brisbane and the Sydney Thunder, who keep the majority of their squads intact, appear to be the big winners.”

Even if the Melbourne Renegades can survive #dontblushbaby the punters don’t think they have any hope of winning the Big Bash League title, Despite a five wicket win over the Hobart Hurricanes last night.

The Renegades will lose captain Aaron Finch and wicket keeper Matthew Wade for the one dayers and are long odds at $11, after they were once as short as $4.50.

Gun West Indian opener Chris Gayle took some of the shine of their win with his peculiar effort at chatting up Network 10 presenter Mel McLaughlin on live television, during a sideline interview after he was dismissed for a typically swift 41 off 15 balls.

Gayle has been widely criticised and is now under investigation by Cricket Australia after his awkward flirtation with an embarrassed McLaughlin.

“I wanted to have an interview with you as well, that’s why I’m here,” the Jamaican said live on national television.

“I get to see your eyes for the first time, it’s nice.

“Hopefully we can win and go for a drink after.

“Don’t blush baby.”

Absolutely cringe worthy.

Gayle has been fined $10,000 by the Renegades, but will be allowed to play in the Melbourne Derby against the Stars this weekend.

With five rounds to go in this Big Bash League season, it appears to be very hard to split the top five teams in the market, with only the Scorchers appearing a cut above the rest.

2016 KFC T20 Big Bash League market

Perth Scorchers ($3.25)
Sydney Thunder ($5)
Adelaide Strikers ($5)
Melbourne Stars ($6)
Hobart Hurricanes ($7.50)
Melbourne Renegades ($11)
Brisbane Heat ($51)
Sydney Sixers ($61)

Odds provided by Sportsbet.com.au