BBL 2017-18 Match 14 Preview: Perth Scorchers vs Sydney Sixers

The Perth Scorchers always maintain a high standard when it comes to the BBL and they are off to a flying start again with 3 wins in 3 games. They really look like the team to beat right now as the experience and young exuberance are blending brilliantly in their side. Their senior players are doing a fantastic job and the youngsters too are reciprocating well.

Sydney Sixers are not far behind when it comes to maintaining a decent image in the League. But in stark contrast to how they commenced their campaigns previously, they lost all of their first three games. Momentum has shown them a cold shoulder and is currently sitting in the Scorchers’ dressing room.

Going by recent forms, it might seem a one-sided banter. But the presence of some outstanding match-winners in Sydney can never be ignored. They are failing to find the right balance currently and once they get that, they’ll be a force to reckon with. 2017 didn’t prove to be a great year for the Sixers and they’d be hoping for a change in fortunes with the change in the calendar.

Playing Combinations

Perth Scorchers

David Willey and Michael Klinger opened the innings last time around and they might be doing the same on Monday. Adam Voges might come in at 3 followed by the youngster Ashton Agar at 4. Hilton Cartwright, Josh Inglis, and Ashton Turner will be the other players in the middle order.

Mitchell Johnson reminisced people of the good old days where he ripped the lineups apart with his pace. He once again will be a key for the Scorchers. The very exciting talent Jhye Richardson, David Willey, and Andre Tye add stability to the fast bowling department. Ashton Agar will be the only spinner in the lineup.

Probable XI: Mitchell Johnson, Adam Voges (c), David Willey, Michael Klinger, James Muirhead, Ashton Turner, Ashton Agar, Hilton Cartwright, Andrew Tye, Jhye Richardson, Josh Inglis (wk)

Sydney Sixers

English opener Jason Roy will be opening the innings alongside Daniel Hughes for the Sixers. Nic Maddinson will be coming in at number 3 and Jordan Silk at number4. They have some other decent options like Sam Billings, Johan Botha, and Steven O’Keefe coming in the middle order.

Sean Abbott will be the key man for the Sixers. He has the experience and has done a decent job in thus far with the ball. Other fast bowlers in the side are Daniel Sams and Ben Dwarshuis. In the spin department, skipper Johan Botha will be accompanied by Wiliam Somerville.

Probable XI: Johan Botha (c), Steve O’Keefe, Nic Maddinson, Jason Roy, Sam Billings (wk), Sean Abbott, Daniel Hughes, Jordan Silk, Ben Dwarshuis, William Somerville, Daniel Sams

Focus will be on

Mitchell Johnson (Perth Scorchers)

One of the most loved Australian cricketer of all time, Mitchell Johnson on his day is such a treat to watch. He earned a legendary status by owning the Ashes in 2013-14 and in Perth’s previous game, Johnson registered spells of 3/13. He looks in great touch right now and his experience is a significant addition to the Scorchers.

Jason Roy (Sydney Sixers)

One of the most explosive openers right now, Jason Roy has been misfiring a little these days. The English batsman is one of the most exciting prospects in their country right now, but with a string of low scores, his place in the side is in danger. If he needs to catch the attention of the selectors and win back their trust again, this is probably the best stage he could’ve asked for.

StatAttack

27 – Adam Voges needs 27 runs to complete 4,000 runs in T20 cricket.

12 – Andrew Tye is the highest wicket-taker in the tournament thus far, with 12 scalps after his name.