GameDay Squad AUS Cricket Game 9 Preview: The Perth Scorchers take on the Hobart Hurricanes in the 9th match of BBL13 in Perth at the OPTUS Stadium on Wednesday the 20th of December.
Here's everything you need to know ....
Predicted Teams
Perth Scorchers: 1. Stephen Eskinazi, 2. Zak Crawley, 3. Aaron Hardie, 4. Josh Inglis, 5. Ashton Turner, 6. Laurie Evans, 7. Ashton Agar, 8. Jhye Richardson, 9. Andrew Tye, 10. Lance Morris, 11. Jason Behrendorff
Hobart Hurricanes: 1. Caleb Jewell, 2. Matthew Wade, 3. Ben McDermott, 4. Sam Hain, 5. Tim David, 6. Corey Anderson, 7. Chris Jordan, 8. Patrick Dooley, 9. Nathan Ellis, 10. Riley Meredith/Mitchell Owen 11. Billy Stanlake
Start Vs Sit
Batters - Zak Crawley vs Sam Hain
Crawley will be the third batter that I select for my starting XI in this match. He was the 14th ranked batter in BBL12, averaging 34 points. One of the reasons I like him for this match is because of the familiarity he will have with most of the Hurricanes bowlers as he was playing for them in BBL12. Hain averaged 26 points in BBL12 and his average was propped up by an impressive 96 point display against the Stars at the Gabba. Excluding this match, his average would have been only 17 points and he was dismissed in the single digits on five occasions. In BBL13 he has played one match and only managed three runs. Hain may offer a higher ceiling but I prefer the consistency of Crawley.
Start: Zak Crawley
All-Rounder - Ashton Agar vs Tim David
Agar missed the Scorchers first match due to injury but should be back for this match. David didn't fire a shot against the Sixers and was dismissed for only one run. Even though the pitch at OPTUS Stadium is favourable to seamers, Agar picked up a wicket in every match he played there in BBL12. I don't really like this matchup for David against the Scorchers seam attack and I'll be starting Agar as I believe he offers a safer floor.
Start: Ashton Agar
Bowler - Jason Behrendorff vs Lance Morris
In the Scorchers opening match, I suggested that playing three seam bowlers may not have been the best strategic move and I was proven wrong. The Scorchers have a fantastic seam attack and with them being back home in Perth I have no problem starting three of the Scorchers seamers. Behrendorff was outstanding against the Stars and finished with 3/28 off his four overs. Morris was on Test duties and has yet to make an appearance in BBL13. There wasn't really anything separating these two players in BBL12 and it's a coin flip decision on who to start. I can't argue with Behriendorff's form but I'm likely going to be starting with Morris. Call it a gut feel but after missing out on the Australian starting XI against Pakistan, I think we will see him come out firing and be a handful for the Hurricanes.
Start: Lance Morris
Matchup Matrix
Key Takeaways:
Opening and middle order batters struggle to do well against the Scorchers
The Hurricanes struggle against pace bowlers
Lower order batters have limited success against the Hurricanes
Ground Matrix
Key Takeaways:
Opening and middle order batters have limited success here
Avoid spin bowlers bowling in the first innings
Lower order batters tend to perform well in Perth
Hot Take
Lance Morris will come out firing in his first start of BBL13 and take three wickets.
Who to play in your GDS starting XI
BAT - Zak Crawley
BAT - Caleb Jewell
BAT - Ben McDermott
ALL - Aaron Hardie
ALL - Ashton Turner
ALL - Corey Anderson
ALL - Ashton Agar
WK - Josh Inglis
BWL - Jhye Richardson
BWL - Andrew Tye
BWL - Lance Morris