The 23rd match of the Big Bash League 2024-25 will see the Melbourne Renegades take on the Melbourne Stars at The Gabba in Brisbane.

The Renegades currently hold 6th place on the points table with 4 points but are under pressure following two consecutive defeats, including a recent 5-wicket loss to the Adelaide Strikers. On the other hand, the Stars find themselves at the bottom of the standings, having managed just one win in six matches. However, they will take confidence from their most recent performance, a morale-boosting 5-wicket victory over the Brisbane Heat. This clash promises to be a critical encounter as both teams strive to rejuvenate their campaigns.

Big Bash League 2024-25, Match 23

• Date and time: January 4; 8:15 am GMT/ 7:15 pm local/ 1:45 pm IST
• Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne

Melbourne Cricket Ground Pitch Report

The pitch at the MCG is expected to provide a balanced contest between bat and ball. Early on, bowlers, especially those with the new ball, may find some assistance, while the surface is likely to become more favorable for batters as the game progresses.

With consistent bounce and pace, the pitch should encourage aggressive stroke play, offering batters opportunities to score freely. However, the larger boundaries could impact the scoring rate, demanding a blend of precision and power from the batters. This dynamic sets the stage for an intriguing battle as teams work to balance offense and defense. The conditions promise a thrilling match, requiring both bowlers and batters to adapt to the evolving challenges.

REN vs STA Dream11 Prediction Picks:

• Wicketkeeper: Tim Seifert
• Batters: Hilton Cartwright, Ben Duckett, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Jacob Bethell
• All-rounder: Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Will Sutherland
• Bowlers: Peter Siddle, Adam Zampa, Mark Steketee

REN vs STA Dream11 Prediction Captain and Vice-Captain:

Choice 1: Will Sutherland (c), Marcus Stoinis (vc)
Choice 2: Ben Duckett (c), Jacob Bethell (vc)

Also READ: Twitter reactions: Chris Lynn’s explosive knock helps Adelaide Strikers crush Melbourne Renegades in BBL|14

REN vs STA Dream11 Prediction Backups:

Sam Harper, Daniel Lawrence, Thomas Stewart Rogers, Kane Richardson

REN vs STA Dream11 Team for today’s match (January 4, 8:15 am GMT):

Squads:

Melbourne Stars: Ben Duckett, Thomas Fraser Rogers, Sam Harper (wk), Daniel Lawrence, Marcus Stoinis (c), Glenn Maxwell, Hilton Cartwright, Usama Mir, Mark Steketee, Joel Paris, Peter Siddle, Jonathan Merlo, Doug Warren, Campbell Kellaway

Melbourne Renegades: Josh Brown, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Tim Seifert (wk), Jacob Bethell, Mackenzie Harvey, Laurie Evans, Will Sutherland (c), Xavier Crone, Adam Zampa, Gurinder Sandhu, Kane Richardson, Thomas Stewart Rogers, Jonathan Wells, Callum Stow

Also WATCH: Jacob Bethell blasts a gigantic 96-metre six off Cameron Boyce to electrify the Melbourne crowd in BBL 2024-25

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