Brisbane Heat will take on Melbourne Renegades in Match No. 39 of the Big Bash League 2020-21 at the Manuka Oval, Canberra on Thursday (January 14). The Heat were on a three-match winning streak before they lost to Sydney Sixers in a close encounter. The Chris Lynn-led side are currently placed at No. 6, while the Renegades are languishing at the bottom of the points table.

Head-to-head

Overall matches - 13 | Brisbane - 3 wins | Melbourne - 10 wins

Last five games: Brisbane – 1 win | Melbourne - 4 wins

Suggested team

While you could go for the above team, you also have the option of choosing your own team from cricket.com Fantasy Research Centre. Based on algorithms we come up with six different teams that could fetch crucial points.

Pitch, conditions and team combination

The Manuka Oval has hosted six games so far this season and the batsmen here have scored at an average of 21.9 and a run-rate of 8.3, which is the third-best amongst all the eight venues that have been used in this edition. Meanwhile, the bowlers have picked up a wicket every 15.9 deliveries.

There is not much difference between how the fast bowlers and spinners have gone about their business at this venue. The pacers here have operated at an average of 22.8 and a strike rate of 16.3, compared to 22.3 and 16.4 of spinners. Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb ur Rahman will take no further part in this season, which means there are not many quality spinners that you could pick in your XI. However, there are some pretty solid fast bowlers up for grabs.

Captain Selection

Chris Lynn has only played five games this season but the dynamic right-hander is still Brisbane's leading run-getter. Lynn has smashed 223 runs at an average of 44.60 and a strike rate of 151.70. Lynn has scores of 30 and 69 in the two T20 that he has played at the Manuka Oval.

X-Factors

Jack Wildermuth is someone who could get you points from all three facets of the game. The 27-year-old hasn't got much chance to bat in the last two-three games but has been amongst wickets. The all-rounder has so far taken nine wickets at an average of 19.77 and a strike rate of 19.3.

Shaun Marsh (35.28) is the only Renegades batsman with an average of more than 30 this season. The left-hander has slammed three fifties and has scored 247 runs in seven encounters. He didn't play the last two games because of the birth of his third child but is expected to make his return against Brisbane.

Kane Richardson is a genuine wicket-taker in white-ball cricket. The right-arm seamer has so far claimed 12 wickets at a strike rate of 16.4. Richardson is someone who bowls at the death and could easily one or two wickets in those two overs. The 29-year-old is a safe bet when it comes to T20 cricket.