Perth Scorchers will take on Melbourne Stars in Match No. 9 of the Big Bash League 2020-21 at Aurora Stadium, Launceston on Wednesday (December 16). The Scorchers lost their opening encounter, while the Stars have not just won both their encounters but have also fetched the two Bash Boost points on offer in their two games.

BBL head-to-head

Overall: Matches – 16 | Perth – 8 Wins | Stars – 8 Wins

Last 5 Matches: Perth – 3 Wins | Stars – 2 Wins

Suggested Teams

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

Ground details and team combination

This will be the first match of the season in Launceston’s Aurora Park. One of the two venues in Hobart, Aurora Park has hosted only four games across the previous two BBL seasons.

On Tuesday, Hobart Hurricanes were bundled out for 146 against Adelaide Strikers. The latter chased down the total in 18.4 overs. The likes of Peter Siddle, Wes Agar, James Faulkner and Nathan Ellis picked up a major chunk of the wickets and it would be ideal to have at least three fast bowlers in your XI.

Captain Selection

Glenn Maxwell: The dynamic right-hander has managed to turn things around after a dreadful IPL. Maxwell has scores of 45, 63*, 59, 2, 22 and 54 respectively in three ODIs and as many T20Is against India and he did that at an insane strike rate. Maxwell looked in solid form against Brisbane Heat as well, slamming 46 off just 26 deliveries. He then followed it up with a 29-ball 39 against Sydney Thunder. He even bowled in both those games, which means he could get you more points with his offspin as well.

X-Factors

Marcus Stoinis: The allrounder showed his true potential when he scored more than 700 runs in the previous season with a best of 147 not out to lead Stars to the BBL final. The big man couldn't open his account against Brisbane but was at his very best against Thunder. The opener smoked 61 off just 37 deliveries and could once again wreak havoc against Perth.

Fawad Ahmed: With 15 wickets to his name, the legspinner was the third-highest wicket-taker among spinners in BBL 9. Being an attacking spinner, he is likely to be among the wickets once again and will help you earn crucial fantasy points. Fawad looked a bit rusty against Melbourne Renegades but still managed to pick up a wicket.

Josh Inglis: With 405 runs to his name, the wicketkeeper-batsman was among the top-10 highest run-getters in BBL 9. While these came at a strike-rate of 154, against spin this strike-rate went in excess of 170. The right-hander didn't have a great first game and would like to turn things around as soon as possible. Also, being a wicketkeeper he is sure to earn you points with his glovework.