Big Bash League (BBL 2018/19): Melbourne Stars vs Hobart Hurricanes, Dream11 Prediction, Playing XI Updates & Fantasy Cricket Tips - January 14th, 2019

After a brief hiatus, the Hobart Hurricanes are back in action as they take on a depleted Melbourne Stars side that is looking to get back into winning ways in the absence of their premium stars Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa.

The Hurricanes would want to continue their impressive run of form which sees them sit at the top of the table but will not find it easy against the likes of Dwayne Bravo and Nic Maddinson in the opposition. With the match slated to be held at the MCG, the fantasy cricket world is sure to witness a thriller.

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Squads to pick 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.

Hobart Hurricanes:

Jofra Archer, George Bailey, Johan Botha, Alex Doolan, Jake Doran, James Faulkner, Caleb Jewell, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Simon Milenko, Tymal Mills, David Moody, Tim Paine, Tom Rogers, Clive Rose, D'Arcy Short, Aaron Summers, Matthew Wade.

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Playing XI Updates:

Melbourne Stars:

Although the team heads into this clash on the back of consecutive losses, not many changes are expected from the Stars. Ben Dunk and Evan Gulbis have been good at the top of the order but the middle order hasn't shown up with Nic Maddinson, Nick Larkin and Seb Gotch failing.

The bowling is fairly settled with Dwayne Bravo and Liam Plunkett leading the line-up with the ball in hand. Tom O'Connel could be drafted in for Liam Bowe with the spinner not able to put in the desired performances. Much is expected from former Australian U-19 star, Jonathan Merlo with the bat.

Possible XI: Gulbis, Dunk, Larkin, Maddinson (C), Gotch(WK), Bravo, Merlo, Plunkett, Boland, Bird, Bowe/O'Connell.

Hobart Hurricanes:

The Hurricanes have no cause for concern with the team being easily the most dominant and well-balanced team in the BBL this season so far. Their opening pair of captain Matthew Wade and D'Arcy Short have been in blistering form with both southpaws scoring in excess of 150 runs so far in the BBL.

They have been ably supported by the pace bowling trio of James Faulkner, Jofra Archer and youngster Riley Meredith. Simon Milenko and Johan Botha have played their part to perfection with thier cameos and will hope for their sixth win of the season over the Stars on Monday.

Possible XI: Wade(C&WK), Short, Doolan, McDermott, Bailey, Milenko, Botha, Faulkner, Archer, Rose and Meredith

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Fantasy Tips and Suggestions:

Wicket-keeper: Matthew Wade is the obvious choice for wicket-keeper with the only other available choice Seb Gotch, who is not in any sort of run-scoring form. Moreover, Wade is the second highest run-scorer amongst wicket-keepers in the tournament and should be backed for another good performance.

Batsmen: D'Arcy Short has been sensational for the Hurricanes ever since his debut two years ago. He is currently the third highest run-scorer in the BBL this year and would want to make up for his rare failure against the Renegades.

Ben McDermott and George Bailey scored fifties in their previous match and either of them would fit perfectly in the fantasy teams. Although the left-hander hasn't been at his best, Nic Maddinson is one player who cannot be kept down for too long. Maddinson along with Ben Dunk or Nick Larkin would be viable options.

All-rounders: Dwayne Bravo and James Faulkner are capable bowlers in the death overs with the latter even picking wickets with the new ball. With a serious dearth in form and talent in the Stars line-up, Dwayne Bravo should be relied upon with both bat and ball. Both of them are must have picks for any fantasy side.

Bowlers: Jofra Archer and Riley Meredith have enthralled the BBL audience so far with their array of slower balls and freakish pace. Both of them are invaluable picks and should be backed against an out of form Stars batting unit.

Liam Plunkett was the pick of the bowlers against the Strikers and will be hoping for another good performance. Scott Boland is another option that would be fruitful in any fantasy contest.

Captain: D'Arcy Short should be the preferred choice with his handy leg-spin also resulting in crucial points. He is indeed the complete package and is an obvious choice for captain. Ben McDermott and Nic Maddison are players who could also be backed with the mantle of the captain.

Fantasy Suggestion #1: Matthew Wade(WK), D'Arcy Short, Ben McDermott, Nic Maddinson, Ben Dunk, Dwayne Bravo, James Faulkner, Scott Boland, Liam Plunkett, Jofra Archer and Riley Meredith. Captain: D'Arcy Short.

Fantasy Suggestion #2: Matthew Wade(WK), Nick Larkin, Nic Maddinson, D'Arcy Short, Alex Doolan, George Bailey, Dwayne Bravo, Riley Meredith, Jofra Archer, Scott Boland and Liam Plunkett. Captain: Nic Maddinson

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