Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder Preview & Prediction

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THE FACTS

When is Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder taking place? Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder will take place on Friday 10^th December, 2021 at 08:15 (UK)

Where is Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder taking place? Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder will take place at Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne

What is the expected weather for Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder? 14-16c with thick cloud and a moderate breeze

Where can I get tickets for Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder? Click here for the latest ticket information for Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder

What TV channel is Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder on in the UK? Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder will be televised live on Sky Sports

Where can I stream Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder? Sky Sports subscribers can stream Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder live on Sky Go

THE TEAM NEWS

MELBOURNE STARS

• Melbourne Stars were thrashed by 152 runs at the hands of Sydney Sixers on the opening night of this new BBL campaign in what was an extremely disappointing performance that has already caused significant damage to their net run rate.
• The Stars were without key player Marcus Stoinis for their trip to Sydney due to the effects of a side strain and will be hoping the Australian international all-rounder can recover fully in time to feature in this one, however new star overseas signing Andre Russell is set to feature.

SYDNEY THUNDER

• Despite losing last season’s top BBL run scorer Alex Hales for 0, Sydney Thunder had no problems chasing down 141 against Brisbane Heat for the loss of just three wickets, getting their season off to a winning start.
• The Thunder did not miss batter Usman Khawaja, who is away on Australia Test duty and the likelihood is that they will name an unchanged side in a bid to keep their momentum from the previous match.

THE PREDICTION

With home advantage in their favour, the Melbourne Stars must surely put in a vastly improved display here with both bat and ball, although their bowlers won’t have it easy on what should be a fantastic batting surface at the MCG. Sydney Thunder meanwhile, boast a bowling attack full of confidence and a batting order that proved their credentials against the Heat particularly within their middle order, who showed that even if the dangerous Hales is dismissed early on, they still have the firepower to accrue plenty of runs. However, this contest could well come down to the availability of Stoinis. Should he fail to recover in time from injury, then a Sydney Thunder victory has to be favoured here. However, if the Australian international star does take his place in the starting line-up, then backing Melbourne Stars to bounce back with a much-needed win may prove the shrewd play.