THE Big Bash returns to Etihad Stadium on Saturday night with the two Melbourne teams clashing for the second time in a week.
Both teams currently sit outside the top four in their pursuit of BBL finals.
The Stars got the better of the Renegades at the Melbourne Cricket Ground last Saturday night in front of a record 80,000 strong crowd, with Luke Wright’s century the defining moment of the match.
It was undoubtedly the Stars’ best performance of the tournament to date and it could be the catalyst that sees them surge into finals contention after losing their opening two matches.
On the red side of Melbourne, the Renegades are flying high after smashing the Hurricanes down in Hobart.
Despite a wonderful 41-run knock off just 15 balls, Renegades’ opener Chris Gayle will be feeling the pressure after drawing criticism during the week.
The Jamaican opener has put himself on the front page of newspapers country-wide for his off-field behaviour, and will be keen to make some runs on Saturday night to shift focus back to his batting exploits.
A host of stars will be missing from both teams with Renegades captain Aaron Finch and Matthew Wade both unavailable for the return match at Etihad due to international duties.
Stars’ players Glenn Maxwell, James Faulkner and Scott Bolland also got the ODI call up and will miss the pivotal Saturday night clash.
Renegades captain Aaron Finch – who has top scored for his team in three of their five BBL|05 matches – said while the absent players will be missed, his side is still capable of registering a win.
“I’m disappointed that I can’t play that return leg but at the same time I would never give up playing cricket for Australia,” Finch said.
“It’s just a part of cricket, when guys get selected for Australia it’s great for the Renegades,”
“Unfortunately sometimes it hurts us on the scoreboard and on the ladder but we’re all very proud of anyone who plays for Australia and it’s a small sacrifice to make.”
Another huge crowd is expected to pack into Etihad Stadium on Saturday night, with the Melbourne derby fast becoming one of the must-see Big Bash fixtures.
Players to watch
Melbourne Renegades: Chris Gayle
The charismatic West Indian heavy hitter Chris Gayle has not had the best start to his Big Bash campaign in his new colours, but his quick-fire 41 runs off an incredible 15 balls will have the Renegades optimistic about what could lie ahead for the remainder of the tournament.
Gayle will be keen to let his actions do the talking after a tumultuous week in the headlines, and with the eyes of Melbourne fixated on Etihad Stadium the burly opener will have no better opportunity to atone than on Saturday night.
With his captain and opening partner Aaron Finch unavailable due to international duty, the importance of a high scoring Chris Gayle innings is increased exponentially.
Melbourne Stars: Luke Wright
After taking the game away from the Renegades at the MCG last weekend, English import Luke Wright will again be the must-stop man if Melbourne is to be painted red on Saturday night.
Wright was unstoppable, blasting sixes all around the MCG en route to a terrific century, and with Glenn Maxwell and James Faulkner missing for the Stars, a similar performance will be required from the Englishman if the Stars are to do the double over the Gades in BBL|05.
Who will win and why
All odds provided by Sportsbet.com.au
Result: Melbourne Renegades – $2.00
All eyes again turn to Melbourne as the Renegades host the Stars in a Melbourne Derby that is certain to draw a lot of attention.
The Stars got the better of the ‘Gades last time out at the MCG on the back of a fantastic century from English import Luke Wright and will be looking to beat their cross-town counterparts for the second time in a week.
A host of the big names that played in the MCG blockbuster will be missing, with key players unavailable for both sides due to international duties.
After a week in the headlines for the wrong reasons, the Renegades will be hoping opener Chris Gayle can make an impact for the red side of Melbourne.
Gayle’s blistering 41 off 15 balls handed the Renegades a fantastic launching pad to defeat the Hurricanes on Monday night, and a similar innings will allow the ‘Gades lower order to play with greater freedom than they have in earlier matches this season.
It looms as one of the toughest matches of the season for both sides, but the Renegades – with the help of a focused Chris Gayle – should have too much firepower for the Stars.
Expect the ‘Gades to even up the derby ledger at one apiece in BBL|05.
