Hobart Hurricanes vs. Melbourne Stars: 31st Match Preview

Hobart Hurricanes vs. Melbourne Stars: 31st Match Preview

Melbourne Stars and Hobart Hurricanes are ready to face off in the game 31 of the Big Bash League (BBL) in Melbourne on Monday. The game is of pivotal importance for the home side who need a victory to stay alive in the competition. In the last five meetings between both teams, Stars have a slightly better record as they managed to win on three occasions, whereas Hurricanes emerged victorious twice.

In their previous game, Stars suffered a 41-run defeat against Adelaide Strikers in Adelaide on Friday. In the batting department, the home side will be relying on experienced Ben Dunk and Nick Larkin to score bulk of the runs especially in the absence of Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis, both of whom are with Australia national team for the ongoing three-match ODI series against India. In the bowling department, the onus will be on the likes of Dwayne Bravo and Scott Boland to provide timely breakthroughs.

On the other hand, Hurricanes will also enter in the contest knowing they will have to put a much better show after suffering a six-wicket defeat in their previous match against Melbourne Renegades. In the batting department, the team will be relying on the likes of in-form D'Arcy Short and captain Mathew Wade to score bulk of the runs, whereas in the bowling department, the onus will be on the likes of James Faulkner and Jofra Archer to provide timely breakthroughs.

Key Players:


George Bailey – 9 Cr

First in the list of

Melbourne Stars and Hobart Hurricanes are ready to face off in the game 31 of the Big Bash League (BBL) in Melbourne on Monday. The game is of pivotal importance for the home side who need a victory to stay alive in the competition. In the last five meetings between both teams, Stars have a slightly better record as they managed to win on three occasions, whereas Hurricanes emerged victorious twice.

In their previous game, Stars suffered a 41-run defeat against Adelaide Strikers in Adelaide on Friday. In the batting department, the home side will be relying on experienced Ben Dunk and Nick Larkin to score bulk of the runs especially in the absence of Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis, both of whom are with Australia national team for the ongoing three-match ODI series against India. In the bowling department, the onus will be on the likes of Dwayne Bravo and Scott Boland to provide timely breakthroughs.

On the other hand, Hurricanes will also enter in the contest knowing they will have to put a much better show after suffering a six-wicket defeat in their previous match against Melbourne Renegades. In the batting department, the team will be relying on the likes of in-form D'Arcy Short and captain Mathew Wade to score bulk of the runs, whereas in the bowling department, the onus will be on the likes of James Faulkner and Jofra Archer to provide timely breakthroughs.

Key Players:


George Bailey – 9 Cr

First in the list of key players features Hobart Hurricanes' George Bailey. The veteran right-hander is in more than decent form with the bat and has already scored 173 runs in six innings at an average of 57.66. In the team's previous match, the 36-year-old scored a breathtaking 70 not out off just 53 balls, which included six fours and two sixes. Those numbers suggest that Bailey, who is valued at 9 Cr, is the player to have in your team. The former Australia captain has played 190 T20s in his career, where he has scored 3,764 runs at an average of 28.95.

James Faulkner – 9 Cr

Second in the list of key players features Hobart Hurricanes' James Faulkner. The veteran left-arm pacer is having more than decent tournament for the franchise where he has already claimed 10 wickets in just six outings, which shows why he might prove to be an ideal player to be in your team for the match on Monday. The 28-year-old has played 180 T20s in his career, where he has 206 wickets to his name.

Dwayne Bravo – 9.5 Cr

Last in the list of key players features Melbourne Stars' Dwayne Bravo. The 35-year-old is having a decent tournament with the ball in hand as he has already claimed nine wickets in just seven matches, which shows he might not be a bad pick for your team in the next match. However, it will be interesting to see how Bravo will react with more responsibility on his shoulders in the absence of leg-spin duo of Adam Zampa and Sandeep Lamichhane. Former West Indies captain has played 423 T20s in his career, where he has claimed 466 wickets and also scored 6,115 runs.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Azeem Siddiqui
Passionate sports follower in the field of sports journalism for more than five years. Loves writing about cricket, football, and tennis.
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