Scorchers v Stars BBL betting tips & odds | December 15, 2024

Scorchers vs Stars best bets

Stars vs Scorchers match preview

The highly anticipated BBL14 kicks off this Sunday, with the Scorchers looking to start their title charge on the right note when they host the Stars at Perth Stadium.

As the most successful team in Big Bash League history, the Scorchers are expected to be right in the mix once again this season, with top cricket bookmakers giving them the best odds for the tournament at $4.75.

Throughout the off-season, Perth identified weaknesses in their batting lineup and addressed them through the international draft. Two of those new recruits are England’s Keaton Jennings and New Zealand’s Finn Allen, who are expected to open the innings.

With Scorchers skipper Aaron Hardie out due to a quad issue, Australian wicketkeeper Josh Inglis is expected to bat at three, taking over the captaincy in the meantime.

Injuries have troubled the Scorchers’ middle order, with the likes of Ashton Turner (rib), Cooper Connolly (finger) and Ashton Agar (AC joint) all in doubt. If any of them are unavailable, the likes of Matty Hurst and Nick Hobson are in the frame. Meanwhile, Canadian international Matthew Spoors offers cover if they need a spin option.

Perth’s pace attack is always strong and this year is no different, with Jhye Richardson, Lance Morris, Andrew Tye and Jason Behrendorff all expected to suit up for the opener.

The Melbourne Stars will be looking for a much-improved season after they finished sixth in BBL13. However, at $9 with leading sports betting sites, they are outsiders heading into the tournament.

Availability is also a key concern for the Stars, with key players Glenn Maxwell (hamstring), Ben Duckett (England Test team) and Usama Mir (Pakistan T20 team) all unavailable. Scott Boland is also set to be a close call due to his involvement in the Australian Test squad.

Tom Rogers is set to open the innings along with English wicketkeeper Joe Clarke, while all-round trio Beau Webster, Marcus Stoinis and Hilton Cartwright will make up the middle order.

The Stars placed most of their international focus on the bowling attack, with England’s Tom Curran and New Zealand’s Adam Milne to feature early in the tournament. Mark Steketee, Joel Paris and Peter Siddle round out the pace attack, while Hamish McKenzie is the likely spin option.

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Scorchers vs Stars predictions

With a sell-out crowd expected at Perth Stadium, the Scorchers will be eager to make a statement to kick off their tournament. The Stars are missing plenty of quality, while Perth have arguably the best bowling attack in the Big Bash. As favourites, back Perth to win at $1.61 with top online bookies.

Only four players have scored more BBL runs in the last two seasons than Scorchers captain Josh Inglis, with nearly 700 runs across 25 innings. He has also had a career-best year on the international stage, averaging 32 in T20I cricket while also taking over the national captaincy in November. There is no better pick than Inglis to lead the Scorchers’ scoring at $4 with Neds.

As a player with global T20 experience, Black Caps fast bowler Adam Milne looks set to play a key role for the Stars early in BBL14. The Kiwi quick is known for reaching high speeds, and while he can be expensive, he consistently takes wickets. Expected to take the new ball and then bowl at the death, back Milne for two or more wickets at $2.75 with major cricket betting sites.

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