Josh Lalor

Akshay Saraswat ∙ 12 Dec 2020

BBL 10 | Sixers vs Renegades: Match Preview, Predicted XI, Pitch and Weather Report

After losing their first game of the season, Sydney Sixers would look to get their Big Bash League (BBL) campaign back on track when they take on Melbourne Renegades at Hobart on Sunday. For Renegades also, it would be their second match of the season, the first being the contest against Perth Scorchers on Saturday. This match would be the fourth of the season on this ground and second of the day. Whether this affects the pitch or not remains to be seen. The first match on this ground, the opening contest of the series turned out to be a modestly high-scoring affair while the second was low-scoring. But if the pitch becomes worn out, spinners may come into play. Sixers' Hopes The bowling from Sixers in the opening game was disappointing. None of the bowlers were able to achieve an economy rate of less than 8/over except Ben Manenti. Even Steve O'Keefe proved to be very expensive. Ben Dwarshuis did pick up three wickets but conceded too many runs in return. If the pitch starts to show signs of wear and tear, then the spinners, Manenti and O'Keefe could become more useful. Also, it would be an opportunity for players such as Gurinder Sandhu, Carlos Brathwaite, and Daniel Christian to use some cutters for greater impact. On the batting front, Sixers would be hoping for another good showing by James Vince. A failed player at the Test and ODI level, Vince seems to be in his elements in such competitions. His fluent strokeplay and exquisite timing makes him well-suited to the challenges of T20 cricket. Jack Edwards also had a good showing in the match against Hurricanes. His good innings was a big positive for a team that does not have that many stars in the line-up presently. Batsmen like opener Josh Philippe, captain Daniel Hughes, and Jordan Silk will also have to fire. And then, of course, is Brathwaite. This tournament is another opportunity for him to show that he isn't a once-in-a-blue mood performer. So far, he hasn't done that. Renegades' Plan Renegades' batting looks strong. Aaron Finch and Shaun Marsh will be the leaders of this line-up and would have gained good support from Marcus Harris, but for his inclusion in Australia A and, subsenquently, Australian Test team. Rilee Rossouw would be expected to live-up to the expectations also, being the South African import. In absence of players like Finch and March, his role becomes all the more crucial. Not only does he need to score runs himself but also provide some leadersiip with his insights. The bowling attack though, packs a punch. Kane Richardson and Josh Lalor are likely to be in the playing XI. But many of the prominent bowlers would be unavailable for selection. James Pattinson is with the Australian team while Imran Tahir will also join the team later. But others such as P Hatzoglou, Mitchell Perry, Benny Howell, and Beau Webster will be in contention for selection. The bowling department would look much stronger when everyone becomes available but, as of now, they still have enough talent to get through. Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Renegades: Match Details Venue: Bellerive Oval, Hobart Date and Time: December 13, 1:45 PM IST, 7:15 PM Local, 8:15 AM GMT Broadcaster: Sony Sports Network, Sony LIV Pitch Report After the first match which saw both teams score around 170, the second match saw bowlers making a mark. So, it is hard to predict what kind of pitch will be there for this game. But it certainly won't be a greentop. Also, with this being the fourth match on this ground in three days, wear and tear would also be a possibility. Weather and Toss Weather will remain calm and comfortable in the evening. So, it won't have much effect on the game. The pitch will be the key in determining what the captain does after winning the toss. Probable XIs Sydney Sixers: Josh Philippe (Wk), Jack Edwards, James Vince, Daniel Hughes (C), Jordan Silk, Daniel Christian, Carlos Brathwaite, Ben Dwarshuis, Steve O'Keefe, Benjamin Manenti, Gurinder Sandhu Melbourne Renegades: Shaun Marsh, Aaron Finch (C), Sam Harper (Wk), Rilee Rossouw, Beau Webster, Jack Fraser-McGurk, Benny Howell, Jack Prestwidge, Kane Richardson, Josh Lalor, P Hatzoglou