The Stars are narrow favourites for the first Melbourne Derby of the BBL season on Tuesday night at the MCG.
Best Bet
As has been the case since BBL 8, both Melbourne teams are again pretty ordinary but the Stars do appear to be trending in the right direction.
David Hussey’s team is coming off a close win over the highly-regarded Strikers on New Year’s Eve, thanks largely to Marcus Stoinis’ first decent knock of the tournament – a blistering 74 off 35 balls. Openers Joe Clarke and Tom Rogers also combined for 63 – their highest opening partnership of BBL 12.
Meanwhile, the Renegades have dropped four straight after winning their opening three games. Their season looks set to quickly unravel following a horrible knee injury to captain Nic Maddinson. Finch leads their run scoring with 236 (at 70), followed by Maddison (injured) and Russell (contract ended). Their next best batsman for runs scored is Jono Wells on 90 (at 13). Granted, Marsh and Guptill have just joined the squad, but it emphasises the lack of depth in this top six.
The Stars have won four straight at the MCG while the Renegades have lost 13 straight as underdogs. Back a big win for the men in green.
Next Best
Big Stoin circles this one in the calendar each season. Against the Renegades, he’s scored 20+ runs in 7 of his last 8, 40+ in 2 of his last 3 at the ‘G and top scored in three straight at home. After just 14 runs in 4 innings to start his BBL campaign, Stonis regained form last time out in Adelaide and should go on with it here.
Value Bet
As discussed, Finch is playing almost a lone hand in this Renegades line-up, top scoring in 2 of their last 3 games as well as his last two games against the Stars. Marsh is a danger after two starts from two innings, but Finch is the standout pick for this market in to what will likely be a comfortable Stars victory.
Same Game Multi
Stars H2H / A.Finch & M.Stoinis 20+ runs
