The Melbourne Stars and Perth Scorchers will square off in the Big Bash League's 20th game in 2022–2023. The Perth Stadium will host a match between two teams that are at opposite ends of the Big Bash League 2022 points spectrum. The Perth Scorchers, the defending champions, have won three of the last four games, with their lone loss coming in a contest that they really ought to have won. Melbourne Stars, who are currently in seventh place but are currently in second place, are in desperate need of a turnaround. Given that they've already had success this season against the Stars, the Scorchers also hold the psychological advantage. The four-time champions destroyed the Stars attack at the Junction Oval in Melbourne last week, eliminating them from the match with a masterful performance from Faf du Plessis and Josh Inglis. Naturally, it's a new day and a new place, but if anything, the Stars' inability to defeat the Scorchers in their own backyard will make things more difficult for them.
The Stars' depth at the plate was always going to be put to the test with Glenn Maxwell out due to a fractured leg. Joe Clarke and Beau Webster have taken the initiative so far, but their teammates haven't consistently pitched in. If they are to defeat the unstoppable Scorchers bowling unit today, players like Nick Larkin, Hilton Cartwright, and Marcus Stoinis seem to have a significant part to play. Despite the Stars recently suffering a loss to this particular opposition, things are looking much better with the ball. Luke Wood has established himself by scoring five goals in that game, albeit at a high cost. He has taken 9 wickets this season, which only serves to furt her support this. Nathan Coulter-Nile and skipper Adam Zampa have both contributed, and Zampa is still productive. Trent Boult, a Kiwi import, would presumably take advantage of the favorable weather in Perth and participate as well.
The Scorchers' depth at the plate may once again be put to the test if he does strike out quickly. Faf du Plessis is under a great deal of pressure to perform the majority of the heavy lifting for the home team because Mitchell Marsh is not available and Adam Lyth is still struggling to find his form. When the going got tough, captain Ashton Turner stood up for his team and saved them from disaster against the Adelaide Strikers. Du Plessis and Inglis have presented well, and Aaron Hardie has stepped up when it has counted by making valuable contributions. However, the Scorchers' batsmen still have a questionable appearance. But not of the ball-throwing variety. While Ashton Agar and Peter Hatzoglou are as good a spin team as any, Jhye Richardson and Jason Behrendorff keep making progress throughout phases. Andrew Tye's masterful spell against the Strikers, which made the Scorchers' attack in fine fettle, would also have eased concerns about his physical condition.
The Scorchers are expected to start as the favorites in their "Furnace," according to all the indications. Having said that, the Stars bowlers should be confident in their chances on a fast and lively wicket at Perth Stadium. They should be able to pin the Scorchers to the mat if they can get past that top-order. However, if they don't, they might be in for yet another long night at a time when they desperately need a turn for the better.
Melbourne Stars vs Perth Scorchers
Perth Scorchers won by 6 wickets
They did lose some early wickets and the game was closely balanced at 73/3 at the end of the 12th over, but the Scorchers have romped home here with 6 wickets and almost three overs to go and it has really been an Ashton Turner show tonight. Josh Inglis and Turner, however, found that it was incredibly simple once they were working together. The two batted in a responsible partnership after becoming accustomed to the wicket's pace. Turner lost control and forced the Stars out of the game, but Inglis rotated the strike and served as the anchor. Adam Lyth batted exceptionally well earlier before being unfortunate dismissed. He laid the groundwork on which the rest of the batting order could build.
Throughout the game, the Stars gave it their all on the ball and put in a valiant effort. They started off with some early wickets and managed to keep the score close until the 13th over or so. They lost their line and lengths, though, as soon as Turner started to attack, and they were unable to effectively fend off his onslaught. In the end, the Scorchers had an easy time of it because they were unable to really turn the situation into a game. They chose Trent Boult as their best bowler, so leaving him behind for the final few overs was undoubtedly a tactical mistake. The Scorchers are checking off most of the boxes and their bowling has been the best so far this season, so overall, an emphatic victory for them as they have moved to the top of the table. The Stars, however, are still in agony as they have now dropped 5 of their previous 6 games. Here, they'll need to quickly refocus and put their act together.
Perth Scorchers - Cameron Bancroft, Cooper Connolly, Jason Behrendorff , Aaron Hardie, Laurie Evans, Ashton Agar, Jhye Richardson, Andrew Tye, Phil Salt, Peter Hatzoglou, Nick Hobson, Matthew Kelly, Josh Inglis, Ashton Turner, Mitch Marsh, Lance Morris, Tymal Mills.
Melbourne Stars - Joe Burns, Adam Zampa, Brody Couch, Hilton Cartwright, Joe Clarke, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Clint Hinchliffe, Marcus Stoinis, Liam Hatcher, Trent Boult, Beau Webster, Glenn Maxwell, Nick Larkin, Luke Wood.
Match 20 of Big Bash League 2022-23 happened at The Perth Stadium in Perth, Western Australia.
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