BBL 2024-25: Predicting Melbourne Stars’ Playing XI for their clash against Sydney Sixers

The ‘struggling’ and ‘down and out’ Melbourne Stars will take on the ‘number 3’ Sydney Sixers in the 11^th game of the ongoing Big Bash League 2024. The game will be played at the ‘iconic’ Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney on December 26, at 12:35 PM (IST).

Melbourne Stars are currently struggling at the eighth and last spot in the tournament standings, with three consecutive defeats in their three matches so far. They are coming off a 15-run defeat against the Adelaide Strikers in the last game following the defeats against Perth Scorchers and Brisbane Heat.

Marcus Stoinis and Co. will aim to win this game and get off the mark in the tournament; with that said, here we’ll have a look at the predicted playing XI of the Melbourne Stars for the upcoming BBL clash against Sydney Sixers.

Openers: Ben Duckett, and Sam Harper (WK)

The Stars’ management might opt to go ahead with the same opening pair of Ben Duckett and wicketkeeper-batter Sam Harper. The latter scored 48 runs in the last game against the Strikers. He could provide vital stability to the team while opening the innings.

However, Harper’s opening partner Ben Duckett went back to the pavilion on a golden but he is still expected to make a strong comeback in the next game against the Sixers.

Middle-Order: Marcus Stoinis (C), Glenn Maxwell, Tom Fraser Rogers, and Hilton Cartwright

The middle-order of the Melbourne Stars’ batting lineup can be led by the skipper Marcus Stoinis himself who will be there to bat at number 3. Stoinis scored 27 runs off 19 balls in the last game, hitting 4 fours and a six.

Skipper can be accompanied by the veteran batter and power-hitter, Glenn Maxwell and Tom Fraser Rogers in the middle order. Besides these two, Hilton Cartwright could also play a pivotal role as a finisher to add some quick and important runs to the team’s account.

All-Rounders: Beau Webster and Tom Curran

Beau Webster and Tom Curran can be added to the playing XI of Melbourne Stars in the capacity of all-rounders. Though the duo didn’t live up to the expectations in the last fixture against the Strikers, still the management might trust their ability to deliver with both bat and ball.

Webster and Tom Curran might score some crucial runs with the bat while batting in the lower order. On the other hand, they can also provide some much-needed breakthroughs for stars while bowling.

Bowlers: Adam Milne, Doug Warren, and Peter Siddle

Adam Milne scalped 2 wickets at 32 runs in his four-over stint in the previous clash for the Stars. Milne was accompanied by the veteran pacer Peter Siddle, who bowled a brilliant and economical spell, scalping 2 wickets at just 21 runs in his entire four-over quota.

Milne and Siddle will also be joined by Doug Warren in the  bowling attack of the Melbourne Stars for their must-win game against the Sydney Sixers.

Disclaimer: This exclusive news is based on the author’s insights, analysis, and intuition. While reviewing this information, consider the points discussed and form your own conclusions.

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