Key Match Facts
- Perth Scorchers welcome back Test stars Mitch Marsh and Jhye Richardson to their squad.
- Melbourne Renegades make two changes with Kane Richardson and Marcus Harris joining the squad.
- Cooper Connolly leads BBL|14 run-scoring with 272 runs.
- Tom Rogers tops wicket-taking charts with 11 wickets.
- Scorchers aim to strengthen top-four position while Renegades seek to end four-match losing streak.
Overview Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | BBL|14 Match 26 |
| Teams | Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Renegades |
| Venue | Optus Stadium, Perth |
| Date | January 7, 2024 |
| Local Time | 4:15 PM AWST |
| AEDT Time | 7:15 PM |
| Broadcast | Channel 7, Fox Cricket, Kayo Sports |
| Current Standing | Scorchers (4th), Renegades (6th) |
Team Updates
The Perth Scorchers receive significant reinforcement with Australian Test players Mitch Marsh and Jhye Richardson returning to the squad. New Zealand international Finn Allen continues his strong form and might take wicketkeeping responsibilities. Ashton Agar approaches full fitness after recovering from back spasms.
Melbourne Renegades bring experience back into their lineup. Kane Richardson returns after missing the Melbourne derby due to soreness, while Marcus Harris earns his first squad inclusion of BBL|14. These additions come at the expense of Mackenzie Harvey and Callum Stow.
Squad Compositions
Perth Scorchers: Ashton Turner (c), Ashton Agar, Finn Allen, Jason Behrendorff, Cooper Connolly, Sam Fanning, Aaron Hardie, Nick Hobson, Matt Kelly, Mitch Marsh, Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, Matthew Spoors, Andrew Tye
Melbourne Renegades: Will Sutherland (c), Jacob Bethell, Josh Brown, Xavier Crone, Laurie Evans, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Marcus Harris, Fergus O’Neill, Kane Richardson, Tom Rogers, Gurinder Sandhu, Tim Seifert, Jon Wells, Adam Zampa
Match Significance
This fixture carries substantial weight for both teams’ playoff aspirations. The Scorchers, currently fourth with six points, aim to solidify their position before a challenging Sydney road trip. The Renegades, sitting sixth with four points, desperately need to halt their losing streak to maintain realistic finals hopes.
Statistical Analysis
The head-to-head statistics reveal interesting patterns. The Renegades secured a narrow two-wicket victory in their previous encounter this season. Five of the Scorchers’ last six BBL matches were won by teams bowling first. The Renegades’ fielding shows improvement, matching their entire BBL|13 season catch total (28) already this season.
Player Focus
Cooper Connolly emerges as a key figure for the Scorchers, remaining unbeaten in his last two innings (48* and 43*). His previous encounter with the Renegades yielded 66 runs. Tom Rogers continues his exceptional form for the Renegades, maintaining the best bowling strike rate (11.8) among Renegades bowlers with 10+ wickets in a single BBL season.
Broadcast Information
Cricket enthusiasts can catch the action live on Channel Seven, 7plus, Fox Cricket, and Kayo Sports. Radio coverage available through ABC Sport and SEN. Match officials include Shawn Craig and Steve Dionysius as on-field umpires, with Troy Penman and Jamie Thomas serving as third and fourth umpires respectively.
