Big Bash Tips Matches 26 and 27: Seifert stands out for 3/1 bet

• Thunder in must-win contest

• Overton underrated at 11/26.50

• Wood performance record strong

• Scorchers eye top spot

• Seifert close to top-bat win

Adelaide Strikers v Sydney Thunder
Tuesday 5 January, 8.15
TV: Live on Sky Sports

Adelaide Strikers v Sydney Thunder Big Bash tips

Strikers and Thunder are at the wrong end of the table and in need of points quickly. Thunder's prognosis is grim with one win from six at the foot of the ladder and they are now in must-win territory. Strikers have lost three from the last four.

There are team changes which might help. David Willey is set to make his debut but he comes in for Shadab Khan, who was a key player. Willey has been in ILT20 and would be smart to use him in the top order with the bat.

Strikers have recalled Hasan Ali, the Pakistan pacer, but Tabraiz Shamsi goes out of the squad two days after taking three wickets in defeat by Perth.

The hosts are the favourites at 1.804/5 but we've seen little from them to suggest that is a wrong price worth taking. These two may be as poor as each other.

If Thunder were to bat first on what has been a very good batting wicket historically, we could well see them favourites at the break. Their batting blitzed brilliantly against Hobart with David Warner producing a memorable ton. The problem came when they were shown to be hopeless at trying to defend.

Our two bets are both on Strikers player. Luke Wood has a great record beating the 21.5 player performance (1pt per run, 10 per catch, 20 per wicket) line with Sportsbook's 10/111.91. Meanwhile Jamie Overton is underestimated at 11/26.50 for top bowler on win rate. With Shamsi still listed he should be cut shortly. 

Perth Scorchers v Melbourne Renegades
Wednesday 7 January, 08:15
TV: Live on Sky Sports

Perth Scorchers v Melbourne Renegades Big Bash tips

Perth Scorchers are running hot and, although in second position on the ladder, some might argue they could be the best team in this. Were they to win this clash they would leapfrog Hurricanes into pole by dint of net run rate, a reliable indicator for ability. 

Scorchers have won three in a row and although two of those came against Strikers and Thunder, they also beat Hurricanes at a canter. We do have worries over their bowling, though. But at this stage it looks unlikely to be key into the knockouts. They might get jhye Richardson back for this match given non-Ashes involvement. 

Our focus is away from Scorchers, however, and with Tim Seifert, the Renegades opening bat. Seifert wins at a shade under 27% in Big Bash and on a decent batting track he gets our support with Sportsbook's 3/14.00.

It was only five games ago that Seifert smashed a century against Brisbane Heat so we should have no concerns about his form. Yes, there are low scores recently but that comes with the territory as an opening bat in this format.

The flip side is that due to the powerplay and the freedom to hit he could get off to a strong start, disrupt plans and have the market won after five overs or so. 

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