2020-21 Big Bash League – Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat taking place? Friday 11th December, 2020 – 08:15 (UK)
Where is Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat taking place? Manuka Oval, Canberra
Where can I get tickets for Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat? Ticket information for BBL10 can be found on this link
What channel is Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat on in the UK? BT Sport
Where can I stream Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat in the UK? BT Sport subscribers will be able to stream the match live via the BT Sport website & app
THE LOWDOWN
MELBOURNE STARS
- Melbourne Stars came so close to ending their wait for a Big Bash League title in BBL|09 with a final defeat against Sydney Sixers crushing their dreams once again but they are fancied to break their duck in BBL|10 as they start the competition as favourites.
- The Stars are the most consistent team in the tournament’s history in terms of top four finishes having failed to make the finals on just one occasion but the title remains elusive for them and they are just one of two teams yet to earn the crown.
- Jonny Bairstow will be a big loss after the Englishman was recalled for international duty but they have made some big signings, namely West Indian duo Andre Fletcher and Nicholas Pooran as well as Billy Stanlake.
BRISBANE HEAT
- Since Brisbane Heat won BBL|02 they have had a miserable time of things and they have managed just one top four finish since so they have it all to do this time around as they look to improve on last year’s seventh place.
- Darren Lehmann’s side have made some solid moves to try and bolster their squad with the arrivals of Tom Cooper and Jack Wildermuth from Melbourne Renegades just two of those in what will be a new-look side.
- Despite numerous additions, the Heat will have to cope without Ben Cutting and Matt Renshaw who have both switched sides while there will be no AB de Villiers and Tom Banton with the latter withdrawing at the start of the week.
THE PREDICTION
Melbourne Stars will be desperate to turn their consistency into success as they start BBL|10 as favourites with a maiden first title surely within reach. They boast a strong squad that has been bolstered by some brilliant talent and it would not be a surprise if everything finally fell into place for last year’s runners-up. They will hope to make a strong start and will be confident of doing so against a Brisbane Heat side that will look very different to last year. They have lost some real talent from their ranks and they look set for another underwhelming tournament with a defeat expected for them in this opening clash.
