Big Bash Tips Matches 31 and 32: Smith, McDermott and Wood strong bets

• Smith back for Sixers

• Title charge is on for Sixers

• Hobart welcome back Webster

• Strikers fancied versus Perth

• Wood record is strong

Hobart Hurricanes v Sydney Sixers
Sunday 11 January, 03.05
TV: Live on Sky Sports

Sydney Sixers v Hobart Hurricanes Big Bash tips

Sixers welcome back Steve Smith after his Ashes heroics. Smith will be available for the remainder of the season and his timing - as ever - is perfect. 

The Sixers are superbly poised for an assault on the top two with three games remaining having won their last three. Mitchell Starc should be available for the last two group games and the play-offs. Todd Murphy, the spinner, would be a welcome addition as they have lacked variation with the ball.

Jake Weatherald and Beau Webster are available for Hurricanes. Weatherald might not get into this XI, however. Webster adds to an already powerful line-up which is cruising towards the final.

Hurricanes are 1.845/6 for the victory which seems fair considering the league positions. The 4.804/1 about Sixers winning the tournament has been almost cut in half since Perth's collapse against Renegades. It wouldn't be a huge surprise if this was a dress rehearsal for the final. There is small change available for Sixers to make the last two at 2.001/1. 

We want to be on Smith for runs as he is such a reliable batter in this competition. He's essentially too good for it. He should open the batting so Sportsbook's 11/43.75 that he outscores his team-mates is a bet.

We also like the 18/119.00 that Smith and Ben McDermott top score fot their teams. McDermott has been HH's Mr Reliable and it's worth a small stake. 

Adelaide Strikers v Perth Scorchers
Saturday 10 January, 08:15
TV: Live on Sky Sports

Adelaide Strikers v Perth Scorchers Big Bash tips

The annual gamble on Strikers when they get their Australia players back may have already fallen by the wayside. Travis Head, pipped by Mitchell Starc for player of the Ashes series, has confirmed he will play no part in the Bash this season.

Alex Carey, however, should be available and he is required to bolster a flaky batting line-up. In defeat by Hurricanes only two players made double figures. One of those was Liam Scott's 91. Mackenzie Harvey is likely to come out for Carey who should slot in at No 3. 

Scorchers are in second but cannot be considered reliable. They were hammered by Renegades and although it was only their third loss, it is worth remembering they failed to defend 257 against Heat. They are capable of extremes with bat and ball. This seems to have been spotted by the match odds market which has Strikers at 2.166/5.

Our top-rated bet is a return to overs on Luke Wood's performance at 20.5. Heis massively underrated on the numbers. Last time he wasn't quoted and he beat the mark again. 

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