Adelaide Strikers v Melbourne Stars Prediction & Betting Tips

The Big Bash League was inaugurated in 2011-12, eight teams face each other in the round-robin and the event concludes on knockouts in the finals. Sydney Sixers clinched the first tournament, Brisbane Heat was successful in 2012-13 and Perth Scorchers were the champions in the previous year.

The fifth edition of the Big Bash League will kick off with a match between the prime team of the Big Bash League, 2013-14, Melbourne Stars and a bottom line side, Adelaide Strikers. The first grabbed 16 points from 8 games and remained undefeated but was defeated by Hobart Hurricanes by a big margin of seven wickets in the first semi-final on February 4, 2014, at Melbourne Cricket Ground. Adelaide Strikers will try to make an impressive beginning by winning the first match whereas Melbourne Stars will anticipate a promising start.

Players to watch

Kieron Pollard will be the foreign player for Adelaide Strikers and has displayed excellent all-round performance in the recently concluded Ram Slam T20 Challenge, 2014-15. He smashed 243 runs at an awesome average of 81.00 comprising two fifties and was the highest wicket taker with 14 for the champions Cape Cobras. Their batting will revolve around Craig Simmons, Tim Ludeman, Brad Hodge and Travis Head while Shaun Tait, Michael Neser, Kane Richardson, Ben Laughlin and Adam Zimpa will look after the affairs of bowling while Johan Botha and Ryan ten Doeschate will make a strong combination.

Luke Wright was the highest run maker for Melbourne Stars in 2013-14 followed by Cameron White and David Hussey whereas Kevin Pietersen, James Faulkner will strengthen their batting. Glenn  Maxwell has transformed himself as a match winning all-rounder, John Hastings and Jackson Bird were their chief wicket takers with 13 each while Clint McKay, Scott Boland, Daniel Worrall are compatible bowlers.

Time & Venue

Thursday, December 18, 2014 @ 08:40 GMT, 19:10 local at Adelaide Oval which was established in 1871 and has a seating capacity of about 53,000.

Weather

Rain and drizzle is expected in early morning with the temperatures around 14-22ᵒC.

Toss

The winning captain will start the event by chasing the target.

The Pitch

The wicket will be an ideal one for the shortest version of the game and the batsmen will enjoy most there.

Teams

Adelaide Strikers – Johan Botha (C), Michael Neser, Craig Simmons, Tim Ludeman, Ryan ten Doeschate, Trent Lawford, Jono Dean, Adam Zampa, Brad Hodge, Ben Laughlin, Travis Head, Gary Putland, Shaun Tait, Kane Richardson, Kieron Pollard, Chadd Sayers.

Melbourne Stars - Cameron White (C), Kevin Pietersen, Luke Feldman, James Muirhead, Alexander Keath, Marcus Stoinis, Rob Quiney, Luke Wright, Clive Rose, Scott Boland, Glenn Maxwell, James Faulkner, David Hussey, John Hastings, Jackson Bird, Peter Handscomb, Daniel Worrall, Clint McKay.

Prediction

Melbourne Stars will be the favourites to grab the opening encounter.