BBL08 GAME 53: HEAT V STARS
If we get a full game in there will be runs here, expect 350+ tonight which never leaves much room for error re selecting bowlers for good economy rates.
The Re-cap
Well we picked for Short and Wade to fail and they smashed it. George Bailey actually got his chance and amazing ownership (ditto Boyce) but both failed to capitalize and then Short went on to take 2-20 with the ball and kill our teams’ chances of cashing. Curses! Foiled again!
Likely XI’s
Game 53: Heat v Stars @ Gabba
Heat – McCullum, Bryant, Lynn, Renshaw, Alex Ross, Pierson, Cutting, Swepson, Lalor, Kuhnemann, Doggett (Prestwidge, Steketee)
- Expect Doggett to come back into the team for Prestwidge in what looks the only change. They could opt for a fourth seamer given Renshaw is bowling more now but that is always risky at the Gabba.
Stars – Dunk, Stoinis, Handscomb, Maxwell, Maddinson, Gotch, Bravo, Gulbis Zampa, Bird Lamichane, (Coleman Worrall)
- Lamichane back into the team for Plunkett. The Stars to go batsman heavy given they have three all-rounders (plus Gulbis) all capable of bowling tidy overs. Bird to open with maybe Maxwell then Lamichane?
Selection Committee
Chance of a Thunderstorm tonight so monitor radar closer to toss. If we get a full game in there will be runs here, expect 350+ tonight which never leaves much room for error re selecting bowlers for good economy rates.
First off I’m taking Stoinis. He will get 3-4 overs and bat #2, you just have to take him especially against the Heat bowling attack which is poor. Handscombe and Maxwell really boost my exposure too the Stars top order. Think Maxwell might get 2-3 overs tonight especially if Birdy goes for a few first two overs. Taking Ross and Peirson means I’m expecting the heat to be 3 down fairly early. Finish the team off with two cheap spinners in Zampa and Swepson both of whom are capable of taking a few wickets. Even a 1/28 from both would make me happy enough, that’s 44pts.
Team: Maxwell, Ross, Peirson, Handscombe, Stoinis, Zampa, Swepson
Final Thoughts
Taking a nice balanced side that has exposure to plenty of batting looks the right play but if taking multiple lineups I would throw in a stars stack with a Ross or a Peirson. The Stats bowling unit is capable of scuttling the Heat here on a night they will all be keen to go big for Baz McCullum, who i’m happy to fade as he will likely be highly owned with the narrative.
BBL08 Balance
Games: 50
Spend: $750
Win: $701.50
Profit: -$48.50