Big Bash Tips Matches 27 and 28: Are Strikers worth title gamble?

• Sixers beginning to motor with Ashes heroes coming back 

• Abbott underrated for top bowler v Stars

• Melbourne vulnerable defending at the 'G

• Is Strikers late charge on?

• Short rock-solid for top bat

Melbourne Stars v Sydney Sixers
Thursday 8 January, 8.15
TV: Live on Sky Sports

Melbourne Stars v Sydney Sixers Big Bash tips

Sydney Sixers have won three of their last four and the storied Bash franchise are beginning to look in ominous form. They come up against a Stars side who made a fast start but may have been flattering to deceive. While Stars won four straight they did so by chasing in each of them. When it came to setting a target and defending, they lost their last two. The toss, then, could be crucial at the MCG where there has been a 60% bias for the chaser in the last 30.

With Sixers the outsiders on the match odds our first call is backing them should they chase at around 2.1411/10. We don't expect the market to shift much at all if the Stars were to bat first.

There are team changes of note. Sam Curran bolsters a ridiculously strong Sixers who bat all the way down to Sean Abbott as a potential No 11. For the play-offs they could welcome back Steve Smith and Mitch Starc. The time to back them for the title could be now at 8.207/1. Joe Clarke (hip) is a doubt for Stars who have called up Sam Hain as a replacement. 

In terms of players to follow Glenn Maxwell is well overdue a top-bat win but we can't get involved with the 7/24.50, a cut from 9/25.50 just two games earlier without any sign of form to suggest that's fair.

Top Sixers bowler does have clear value, though, with Sean Abbott rock-solid on a two-year win rate of 37%. Sportsbook offer 12/53.40. He was unfortunate to be pipped on economy last time out. Another Sixers player of note is Jordan Silk for top bat. Silk is 10/111.00 and is due a score. He has won at a rate of 20% in the past so is significantly underrated. We're not convinced the Sixers top order goes quick enough to blow anyone away in the middle-order, either. 

Hobart Hurricanes v Adelaide Strikers
Friday 8 January, 08:15
TV: Live on Sky Sports

Hobart Hurricanes v Adelaide Strikers Big Bash tips

It's that time of the Big Bash season when has to wonder whether Adelaide Strikers are about to mount a significant play-off challenge. The Ashes is approaching its end and Travis Head and Alex Carey could soon become available.

Head and Carey would revolutinise a batting unit desperate for quality. Strikers have won two of their last three and have ticked up at just the right time to keep their play-off aspirations realistic. Could Head and Carey tip things in favour of an 18.5035/2 gamble on the Betfair Exchange outright market?

The problem is, this rationale is nothing new. Head and Carey might come back in and inspire. Or they might not. It's yet to happen and they are certain not to be involved in this game.

Hobart are a warm order for success and top the table. They will be boosted (in time) by Ashes hero Beau Webster although he may find the domestic batters less hospitable than Will Jacks.

Our top-rated bet is an interest on Matt Short for top Strikers bat at Sportsbook's 23/103.30. Short wins 42% of the time and is in the win zone. 

Now read our dedicated Ashes section here.