2017-18 Big Bash League – Adelaide Strikers vs Melbourne Renegades Semi-Final Preview

When? Friday, 2^nd February

Where? Adelaide Oval

Weather? Temperatures of 22-24c expected on Friday in Adelaide with some cloud, but no rain

What channel is it on? Channel TEN in Australia & BT Sport 2 in the UK

Are tickets still available? http://www.adelaidestrikers.co...

Where can I stream the match? BT Sport subscribers can stream the match online via the BT Sport website

HEAD-TO-HEAD
Last five meetings: Adelaide Strikers W3, Melbourne Renegades W2
All-time meetings: Adelaide Strikers W4, Melbourne Renegades W3

ADELAIDE STRIKERS

Coach: Jason Gillespie

Captain: Colin Ingram

• The Strikers narrowly lost to the Perth Scorchers in their final group game but they have home advantage in this semi-final at least and they will be motivated against the Renegades who they beat just over a week ago in Melbourne by 26 runs.
• They welcome Peter Siddle back to their bowling attack after they rested the veteran for the final group matches and his return is a major boost give his superb economical bowling in BBL07 so far.
• They have to do without Alex Carey and Billy Stanlake due to international duty but Cricket Australia have released Travis Head which is a significant boost to the Strikers as they enter this semi-final with their captain in tow. Harry Neilson and Wes Agar are expected to deputise for Carey and Stanlake.

MELBOURNE RENEGADES

Coach: David Saker

Captain: Aaron Finch

• The Renegades beat the Heat in the final group match to clinch a semi-final place and give them a boost in confidence going into the semi-finals after a difficult run of form and results which threatened to see them drop out of the top four.
• They have mixed team news as Cameron White is available after being released from the Australian ODI squad but Kane Richardson departs for T20 duty with Australia and that is a blow especially following his 4/35 against the Heat on Saturday, while they await a fitness update on Brad Hodge.
• After struggling for a solid opening partnership for most of the group stage, they have found success with Harris and Short which is ironic given that is without captain Aaron Finch in the team and their fielding has been impressive in the last few games with their catching standing out especially.

PREDICTION
There is little doubt that the Scorchers and the Strikers have been the best two teams in BBL07 but this is the business end of the season now and the Strikers are hampered by international call-ups, losing Stanlake and Carey. They still have some good options and a fantastic bowling attack with Khan, Laughlin and Siddle but the reliance on Ingram and Weatherald is even greater now. The Renegades are less impacted by call-ups and actually get Cameron White back for this game which is massive. With Bravo and Pollard in the middle order, they look incredibly strong with plenty of options, but with the news that captain Travis Head is now available for the Strikers, the semi-final may have just swung back in their favour.