The Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25 season continues with an exciting clash between the Melbourne Renegades and Hobart Hurricanes at Simonds Stadium in Geelong on Thursday. This match marks the fifth fixture of the tournament, and both teams are looking to establish momentum early in the season.
The Renegades enter this match after a disappointing start, having lost to the Sydney Sixers by five wickets in their opening game. Their batting showed promise, but the bowling attack struggled significantly. Jake Fraser-McGurk, who was the leading run-scorer for the Renegades last season with 257 runs, will be crucial for their batting lineup. Tim Seifert also adds depth to the batting order as a wicketkeeper-batter. The bowling unit, led by Kane Richardson and Adam Zampa, needs to step up to support the team’s efforts. The Renegades will rely on their experienced players like Will Sutherland and Jonathan Wells to deliver under pressure.
The Hurricanes are starting their campaign in this match and will be eager to set a positive tone for the season. Historically, they have performed well against the Renegades, winning five out of their last six encounters. Ben McDermott, who scored 261 runs last season, is expected to lead the batting charge alongside Tim David and Matthew Wade. Nathan Ellis is a key bowler who had a strong showing last season and will be vital in containing the Renegades’ batting lineup. The Hurricanes boast a robust squad with players like Chris Jordan and Mitchell Owen providing both experience and skill.
BBL|14, REN vs HUR:
- Date and Time: December 19: 8:15 am GMT / 7:15 pm local/ 1:45 pm IST
- Venue: Simonds Stadium, Geelong
Simonds Stadium Pitch Report:
The pitch at Simonds Stadium in Geelong is expected to provide an engaging contest for both batters and bowlers during the match between the Melbourne Renegades and Hobart Hurricanes. Historically, this venue has favoured batting, with the average first-innings score hovering around 141 runs. However, teams aiming for a competitive total should target 160 runs or more to feel secure.
The surface is generally good for batting, allowing players to play their strokes freely as the ball comes onto the bat nicely. Fast bowlers can find some movement in the air, which may pose challenges early on, making it crucial for teams to assess conditions at the start. Spinners, on the other hand, may struggle for assistance on this track.
REN vs HUR Dream11 Prediction Picks:
- Wicketkeeper: Tim Seifert
- Batters: Marcus Harris, Tim David, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Jacob Bethell, Josh Brown
- All-rounders: Chris Jordan, Will Sutherland
- Bowlers: Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa, Nathan Ellis
REN vs HUR Dream11 Prediction Captain and Vice-Captain:
Choice 1: Will Sutherland (c), Chris Jordan (vc)
Choice 2: Tim David (c), Nathan Ellis (vc)
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REN vs HUR Dream11 Prediction Backups:
Ben McDermott, Nikhil Chaudhary, Riley Meredith, Thomas Stewart Rogers
REN vs HUR Dream11 Team for today’s match (December 19, 8:15 am GMT):
Squads:
Hobart Hurricanes: Nathan Ellis (c), Matthew Wade (wk), Ben McDermott, Shai Hope, Caleb Jewell, Tim David, Nikhil Chaudhary, Chris Jordan, Mitchell Owen, Riley Meredith, Peter Hatzoglou, Billy Stanlake, Waqar Salamkheil, Marcus Bean
Melbourne Renegades: Will Sutherland (c), Jake Fraser-McGurk, Josh Brown, Tim Seifert (wk), Mackenzie Harvey, Laurie Evans, Fergus O Neill, Thomas Stewart Rogers, Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa, Gurinder Sandhu, Jacob Bethell, Jonathan Wells, Callum Stow, Marcus Harris