Big Bash League 2018-19: Match 43, Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Renegades - Preview and Predicted Playing XI

After seven glorious years at the summit of the Big Bash League, the 2018-19 season has been one of hardship and failure for Perth Scorchers. The three-time champions now find themselves at the bottom of the table and having to depend on the other teams to go through to the semis.

In spite of having slim hopes of qualifying, the Scorchers still have pride to salvage against a Melbourne Renegades side which is firmly in the race for a top-four finish. With the Optus Stadium suiting the batsmen, this match is likely to be a high-scoring thriller.

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Perth Scorchers

Batting

Their batting has improved a lot over the past few games with the likes of Cameron Bancroft and Ashton Turner regularly among the runs. With the introduction of Shaun and Mitchell Marsh, the batting unit looks fairly solid with Hilton Cartwright also capable of delivering a few lusty blows.

Marsh's recent form suggests that he is in very good form and could be key to the Perth Scorchers' fortunes if they are picking up a win against the Renegades. Apart from Shaun Marsh, Ashton Turner has also been impressive with 306 runs for the Scorchers this season, a tally which has also earned him a first call-up to the Australian ODI side.

If they are to negotiate a very well balanced, Renegades unit, Turner must come to the party once again without a doubt.

Bowling

In spite of having some of Australia's best in their ranks, it's been the bowling that has let them down on more than one occasion. Andrew Tye has been dismal at the death after being hit for a few by James Faulkner and Callum Ferguson in the previous games.

Nathan Coulter-Nile has been fairly impressive and Matt Kelly is also doing superbly since his introduction into the side. In Jason Behrendorff, they have a very capable swing bowler who can do damage within the powerplay overs itself to set the tone for the rest of the proceedings.

If the Scorchers are to keep their slim hopes of making the semis alive, they would want to fire in unison to make it happen.

Expected Playing XI

Shaun Marsh, Cameron Bancroft (wk), Ashton Turner, Mitchell Marsh (c), Hilton Cartwright, Nick Hobson, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Andrew Tye, Matt Kelly, Jason Behrendorff and Usman Qadir

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Melbourne Renegades

Batting

The Renegades batting has been unpredictable throughout the season. They have bundled out on more than one occasion while they have also chased down huge targets in excess of 170 too. In Aaron Finch, they have one of the best T20 batsmen in the world right now and will be key to how the Renegades perform with the bat.

Veterans Tom Cooper and Cameron White are slowly finding their feet in the competition and are looking in good touch as well. Their best batsman this season has been youngster Sam Harper with a tally of 232 runs to his name.

Bowling

The bowling has been their stronger suit with Kane Richardson and Harry Gurney performing exceptionally well in the previous matches. They have been ably supported by the trio of Boyce, Nabi and Christian, rounding off a well oiled and variety filled bowling attack. But against a formidable Perth batting line-up, Richardson and co will have their task cut out at the Optus Stadium.

Expected Playing XI

Aaron Finch (c), Mackenzie Harvey, Sam Harper (wk), Cameron White, Tom Cooper, Mohammed Nabi, Daniel Christian, Chris Tremain, Cameron Boyce, Kane Richardson and Harry Gurney