Sydney Sixers v Melbourne Renegades Big Bash Tips: Spin pair threaten Sixers

• Smith available for Sixers

• Showground pitch could be tricky

• Wells too big at 11/112.00

Sydney Sixers v Melbourne Renegades
Friday 8 December, 08:15
TV: Live on Sky Sports

Sydney Sixers v Melbourne Renegades team news

Steve Smith is available for Sixers but Todd Murphy, who is playing against Pakistan in the tour match, and Hayden Kerr (injury) are out. Sean Abbott and Steve O'Keefe have been included in the squad despite niggles. The latter could leaves them potentially short of spin options with Afghan Izharulhaq arriving only yesterday (Wednesday).He is in the squad, though, as is James Vince.

Possible XI: Philippe, Smith, Vince, Henriques, Silk, Edwards, Abbott, T Curran, Dwarshuis, O'Keefe, Bird/Izharlulhaq

Quinton de Kock remains with Delhi Bulls in the Abu Dhabi T10 for Renegades' first two games. Mujeeb ur Rahman should be available, though. Shaun Marsh has not been involved in warm-ups so it would be a surprise if he plays. Kane Richardson is a doubt with an injury so pacer Fergus O'Neill may get a debut alongside Vic's team-mate Peter Siddle

Possible XI: Maddinson, Clarke, Fraser-McGurk, Finch, Harvey, Wells, Sutherland, Mujeeb, Zampa, Siddle, O'Neill/Richardson

Sydney Sixers v Melbourne Renegades pitch report

There was some confusion around the venue for this one with Cricinfo listing it being played at the the Showground. But we'll hope that syndeysixers.com know where their team is playing so the SCG is where it's at. Only six of the last 13 BBL first-innings have seen scores of more than 160. With both bowling groups potentially depleted, though, that could spoil a par line short in the low 160s.

Sydney Sixers v Melbourne Renegades match odds

Sixers are 1.684/6 with Renegades 2.447/5. That's a strong early opinion from the match odds about the latter. We're not sure they can be dismissed quite so early.

The signing of Adam Zampa, of course, is what makes them a potential bet here. Combining Zampa with Mujeeb gives them eight overs of control and wicket-taking threat.

At the least the spin pair can get these odds down and Renegades can trade as short as 1.804/5.

A seven-game streak for Sixers on the thread is not as big a pointer as usual because of missing players.

Sydney Sixers v Melbourne Renegades player bets

Jono Wells is a solid wager at 11/112.00 for top Renegades bat. Wells had a disappointing return last season after his witch from renegades but on two-season form he has a win rate of 17%. It's worth the risk that he returns to some sort of form.

Check out more from the world of cricket on Betting.Betfair.com

Watch the BBL preview on Cricket... Only Bettor HERE.