Big Bash League (BBL 2018/19): Melbourne Stars vs. Adelaide Strikers, Dream11 Today Match Prediction, Playing XI Updates & Fantasy Cricket Tips - January 23rd, 2019

After a dismal show in their ten-wicket loss to table toppers, Hobart Hurricanes, Adelaide Strikers have their task cut out as they face another rampant side in the form of the very aptly named, Melbourne Stars.

While Colin Ingram tried to accelerate from one end on Monday, he didn't get any help from his fellow teammates which could prove to be critical once again when they take on a Stars side, keen to continue their momentum after Marcus Stoinis inspired them to a thrilling victory over the Renegades.

With both teams languishing in the bottom half of the table and with the business end of the tournament already underway, this match should be very closely fought over and should provide the entertainment that the BBL is so dearly known for.

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Squads to choose from

Melbourne Stars:

Michael Beer, Jackson Bird, Scott Boland, Liam Bowe, Dwayne Bravo, Jackson Coleman, Travis Dean, Ben Dunk, Seb Gotch, Evan Gulbis, Peter Handscomb, Sandeep Lamichhane, Nic Maddinson, Glenn Maxwell, Jonathan Merlo, Marcus Stoinis, Daniel Worrall, Adam Zampa, Tom O'Donnell.

Adelaide Strikers:

Wes Agar, Alex Carey, Michael Cormack, David Grant, Travis Head, Colin Ingram, Rashid Khan, Ben Laughlin, Jake Lehmann, Michael Neser, Liam O'Connor, Peter Siddle, Matt Short, Billy Stanlake, Cameron Valente, Jake Weatherald, Jon Wells, Nick Winter, Harry Nielsen.

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Playing XI Updates

Melbourne Stars:

The Stars have the luxury of Glenn Maxwell and Nic Maddinson in the middle order in addition to two world-class all-rounders in Marcus Stoinis and Dwayne Bravo.

They have the luxury of as many as nine players who played international cricket for their respective countries and this should hold them in good deed as they take on a wounded Adelaide Strikers side.

Possible XI: Stoinis, Dunk, Handscomb(WK), Maxwell(C), Maddinson, Bravo, Gulbis, Plunkett, Zampa, Bird and O'Connell.

Adelaide Strikers:

After a humiliating loss at home, the Strikers would be pondering a few changes with the likes of Matt Short and Liam O'Connor not providing the goods in recent games.

With Wes Agar's inclusion into the squad, he should replace Liam O'Connor with Agar doing well in his previous outing against the Stars.

Jake Lehmann could be in the reckoning with Cameron Valente not proving enough with neither bat or ball.

Possible XI: Carey(WK), Weatherald, Ingram(C), Short, Wells, Lehmann, Rashid, Neser, Agar, Stanlake and Laughlin.

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Fantasy Tips and Suggestions

Wicket-keeper

Alex Carey is due for a big score with the South Australian getting a start against the Hobart Hurricanes without any result.

He should be preferred over Pete Handscomb with the presence of Rashid Khan in the opposition ranks too inspite of him being a very good player of spin.

Batsmen

Nic Maddinson and Ben Dunk have been getting starts without effect and should be backed over Glenn Maxwell, who has had his problems with leg-spin.

Jake Weatherald and Jono Wells should do well with both of them being amongst the runs this season quite consistently.

All-rounders

Dwayne Bravo and Matthew Short should be viable options to go along with Marcus Stoinis, who had been in brilliant form of late. His all-rounder show against India and Renegades in the previous match vindicates his inclusion.

Bowlers

Rashid Khan is a must have in any fantasy side and should be included in your team alongside Ben Laughlin and Jackson Bird. Billy Stanlake can also slot in for either of the two pacers with his ability to extract bounce on any pitch.

Captain

Marcus Stoinis is the obvious choice of a majority of the fantasy teams and why not? His form has been sensational and gives in four overs of penetrative bowling as well. Ben Dunk and Rashid Khan are also options for the captain.

Fantasy Suggestion #1: Alex Carey(WK), Nic Maddinson, Ben Dunk, Jake Weatherald, Jono Wells, Marcus Stoinis, Dwayne Bravo, Matthew Short, Rashid Khan, Ben Laughlin and Jackson Bird. Captain: Marcus Stoinis

Fantasy Suggestion #2: Peter Handscomb (WK), Glenn Maxwell, Colin Ingram, Nic Maddinson, Marcus Stoinis, Matt Short, Michael Neser, Rashid Khan, Liam Plunkett, Adam Zampa and Billy Stanlake. Captain: Rashid Khan