GameDay Squad AUS Cricket Round 15 Preview: The Brisbane Heat take on the Sydney Thunder in the 17th match of BBL13 in Bellerive at Blundstone Arena on Thursday the 28th of December.
Here's everything you need to know ....
Predicted Teams
Hobart Hurricanes: 1. Matthew Wade, 2. Caleb Jewell, 3. Ben McDermott, 4. Macalister Wright, 5. Sam Hain, 6. Tim David, 7. Corey Anderson, 8. Chris Jordan, 9. Patrick Dooley, 10. Nathan Ellis, 11. Riley Meredith
Melbourne Stars: 1. Tom Rogers, 2. Sam Harper, 3. Beau Webster, 4. Glenn Maxwell, 5. Marcus Stoinis, 6. Hilton Cartwright, 7. Imad Wasim, 8. Usama Mir, 9. Joel Paris, 10. Mark Steketee, 11. Haris Rauf
Start Vs Sit
Batters - Ben McDermott vs Tom Rogers
McDermott hasn't really troubled the scorers in BBL13 and is averaging 13 points. Tom Rogers has been the best player from the Stars with a batter designation and is averaging 22 points. Neither player has been in great touch with the bat but Rogers has scored 22, 21 and 20 runs in his last three innings. He's getting the starts but just not pushing on. I believe McDermott offers the higher ceiling but he has just looked out of touch. I'm leaning towards Rogers at the moment but there isn't a lot in it.
Start: Tom Rogers
All-Rounder - Hilton Cartwright vs Tim David
Both players are batting all-rounders and Cartwright is the in-form player. He's averaging 44 points compared to David's average of 13 points. Both players are predicted to come in at number six in the batting order for their respective teams. I tend to favour the player that bats in the first innings as I believe there is a higher chance that they can spend time at the crease. Cartwright has been impressive with the bat and has finished as one of the top four all-rounders in three of these four matches. I think David is due for a decent score and going by the Hurricanes predicted lineup, I think there is a good chance that he will bowl a couple of overs.
Start: Whoever is batting in the first innings out of Cartwright or David
Bowler - Nathan Ellis vs Patrick Dooley
Ellis finally showed some of his BBL12 form as he went on to score 47 points against the Renegades. Dooley also hit some form in the same match and picked up two wickets on his way to scoring 48 points. I really don't think there is anything separating these two players this season. Ellis averaged a couple of points more than Dooley at this venue in BBL12 and he seems to be less dependent on which way the toss goes. I'm favouring Ellis but only just. Dooley can be a great POD option though.
Start: Nathan Ellis
Matchup Matrix
Key Takeaways:
Opening batsmen have had a lot of success against the Stars
Spin bowlers haven't scored well against the Hurricanes in BBL13
Pace and spin bowlers have both scored well against the Stars
Ground Matrix
Key Takeaways:
Pace bowlers tend to score well here
It's better to start batsmen who bat in the second innings
Spin bowlers can score well when they bowl in the second innings
Hot Take
Maxwell to score his first fifty of BBL13 at a strike rate of over 200.
Who to play in your GDS starting XI
BAT - Caleb Jewell
BAT - Macalister Wright
BAT - Tom Rogers
ALL - Beau Webster
ALL - Glenn Maxwell
ALL - Marcus Stoinis
ALL - Hilton Cartwright / Tim David
WK - Matthew Wade
BWL - Haris Rauf
BWL - Riley Meredith
BWL - Nathan Ellis