Cricket fans in Canberra will have plenty of opportunities to catch some live action, with Manuka Oval playing host to three matches over the opening week of the BBL.
WHO IS PLAYING AND WHEN?
- Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat – Friday 11 December 7.15pm
- Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder – Saturday 12 December 4.05pm
- Sydney Thunder vs Brisbane Heat – Monday 14 December 7.15pm
The Sydney Thunder have made Manuka Oval their second home in recent seasons, having played five matches at the ground in the past three seasons. They may have a slight home ground advantage over their opponents, however, their results have been mixed at the venue with two wins, two losses and one no result from their five contests.
The other interesting statistic to note is that the past four BBL matches at the ground have all been affected by either rain or bushfire smoke.
The current weather forecast in Canberra predicts a 5% chance of rain for Friday, 10% chance for Saturday and 30% chance for Monday, so fingers crossed the rain stays away and we get the full complement of overs.
THE PLAYERS TO WATCH
Melbourne Stars – Glenn Maxwell
Without doubt, the player to watch for the Stars is their skipper Glenn Maxwell. Quite possibly the most entertaining man in cricket, Maxwell reached into his deep bag of tricks for Australia in the recent ODI and T20I series against India, including that famous 100 metre switch hit six he hit right here at Manuka Oval. Can win a game off his own bat and fans will be heading along hopeful to see him at his brilliant best.
Brisbane Heat – Chris Lynn
Recently crowned the Biggest Hitter of the BBL in a recent fans’ survey, Chris Lynn is one to keep your eye on, especially if you’re in the crowd! Lynn has made a habit of hitting massive sixes in the BBL so you might want to park a long way from the ground because if he gets onto one, it’s heading out of the stadium. He can be a bit all or nothing though, so hopefully he can put on a show at least once here.
Sydney Thunder – Alex Hales
The big-hitting Englishman is back at the Thunder for another season after impressing last season with 576 runs at an average of 38.4 and strike rate of 146.9. Hales is another player who can run hot or cold, but when he’s on, you’re in for a show.
Click here for the full BBL10 draw.
