Hobart Hurricanes v Melbourne Renegades Big Bash Tips: Renegades worth a risk as outsiders

• Renegades may be underrated

• Maddinson a problem

• Wade in the squad

Hobart Hurricanes v Melbourne Renegades
Saturday 23 December, 08.15
TV: Live on Sky Sports

Hobart Hurricanes v Melbourne Renegades team news

Matthew Wade returns to the squad after missing the defeat by Perth with a back strain. That means Mitchell Owen could miss out with all-rounder Nikhil Chaudhary impressing with the bat.

Possible XI: Wade, Jewell, McDermott, Hain, David, Anderson, Chaudhary, Jordan, Ellis, Dooley, Stanlake

Renegades have a decision to make about skip Nic Maddinson. It's 24 runs in eight innings and a dreadful record even further back. Shaun Marsh is approaching fitness and Will Sutherland is batting too low to accomodate him. Aaron Finch can lead and Peter Siddle is an extra bowling option.

Possible XI: De Kock, Clarke, Fraser-McGurk, Finch, Wells, Sutherland, Rogers, Richardson, Zampa, Mujeeb, Siddle

Hobart Hurricanes v Melbourne Renegades pitch report

More than 160 has been busted only nine times in the last 18 T20 matches at the Blundtsone Arena so be wary about overs bets at more than 165.5. Ten have been won by the side batting first in that sequence. In their last meeting on this ground last year Hobart managed to defend 122.

Hobart Hurricanes v Melbourne Renegades match odds

If Renegades could get their XI right and remove Maddinson, we'd be keen on betting them at 2.285/4. Hurricanes look too far short at 1.784/5.

They were perhaps flattered even by an eight-wicket defeat by Perth. Had it not been for Chris Jordan's desperate late cameo they wouldn't have even made 150.

Hobart Hurricanes v Melbourne Renegades player bets

We'll keep an interest running in Jono Wells until he cops for Renegades. Sportsbook go 17/29.50. He would have gone very close last time against Perth had he managed to get on strike. Quinton de Kock is boosted to 23/103.30. For Hobart Wade is boosted to 11/43.75.

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