Sydney Thunder v Adelaide Strikers Big Bash Tips: Must-win Strikers can down Thunder

• Strikers probably value

• Manuka pitch tricky

• Warner still available

Sydney Thunder v Adelaide Strikers
Saturday 13 January, 08.30
TV: Live on Sky Sports

Sydney Thunder v Adelaide Strikers team news

David Warner flew in by helicopter, landing ostentatiously on the outfield of the SCG for the Sydney Smash. He then produced a masterclass in how not to win a chase, losing his team the game with 37 from 39. Unfortunately for them he plays again.

Probable XI: Warner, Hales, Bancroft, Kohler-Cadmore, Davies, Sams, Green, McAndrew, Gray, Hatcher, Sangha

Strikers could include Chris Lynn, who missed the win over Hobart with a hamstring problem. More likely is that Jake Weatherald deputises after a strong show. There's no Alex Carey.

Probable XI: M Short, D Short, Weatherald, Hose, Kelly, Overton, Nielsen, Thornton, Payne, Boyce, pope

Sydney Thunder v Adelaide Strikers pitch report

Nine of the last 17 first-innings producing scores of under 160 at Manuka. With Thunder's batting unreliable and Strikers' new-look bowling attack proving much cannier, an unders play on the 20-over par line at around 157.5 is an option if the toss goes our way.

Sydney Thunder v Adelaide Strikers match odds

If Strikers win they book a play-off spot. They have won three-in-a-row and will be deserving of a last-four spot after getting their act together.

Thunder, of course, have won only once this term. They looked a disjointed, disinterested team in the Sydney Smash which really struggles with the bat. We're surprised Strikers are as big as 1.845/6.

Sydney Thunder v Adelaide Strikers player bets

Warner top-scored against Sixers. It was his first win in six. Just because Warner puts ego before team doesn't necessarily make him a bad wager in the format. He is boosted to 11/43.75. Matt Short is boosted to 11/53.20. Weatherald is too big at 11/26.50 after thriving at No 3 v HH.

Read Big Bash analysis here