On Tuesday 13th of December, it is the start of the KFC Big Bash League (BBL). This is the 20-over franchise tournament in Australia. It will be the 12th edition of the tournament and it is one of the most popular T20 franchise leagues in the world. The first match of this year’s tournament will see the Sydney Thunder take on the Melbourne Stars at Manuka Oval in Canberra.
The Sydney Thunder are one-time champions of the BBL, winning it back in 2015-16 and more recently over the last couple of years, they have been relatively successful, finishing third in BBL10 and 11.
The Melbourne Stars have unfortunately earnt themselves the ‘chokers’ tag over the years, having made it to the semi-finals on 8 occasions but have never gone on to win the BBL. However, they have even lacked this consistency over the last couple of years where they have finished 7th and 6th in the table, respectively.
Within the Thunders squad, they possess players such as Jason Sangha, Chris Green, Ben Cutting and Daniel Sams. These guys are supported by the overseas signings of Rilee Rossouw, Usman Qadir, and Fazalhaq Farooqi. However, the Thunder will be without David Warner who is away with the Australian Test side.
The Stars have two of the best Australian limited overs players in Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa leading their squad this year and they will be well supported by the left-arm fast-bowler duo of Trent Boult and Luke Wood as well as Englishman Joe Clarke. Boult is an exciting inclusion in this year’s BBL with his vast international and IPL experience, he is one of the best T20 bowlers in the world.
However, ahead of this tournament, the Stars were dealt a huge blow with Glenn Maxwell being ruled out for the whole tournament with a broken leg. Maxwell is not only one of the most successful players in BBL history but also one of the best current T20 players in the world.
Despite the loss of Glenn Maxwell, we expect the Stars to still come out on top in the opening match of this year’s BBL. After two quiet years, we expect them to come out firing with Trent Boult having a significant influence in his first BBL game.
BETTING TIP: Melbourne Stars to win the match @ 2.1 with bet365
BONUS BETTING TIP: Trent Boult to be the Melbourne Stars top wicket taker @ 4.5 with bet365
