Big Bash League (BBL05) Round 3 Betting Tips

The festive fixtures of the Big Bash League (BBL05) are just around the corner with Round 3 set to resume on Boxing Day. The atmosphere is sure to be as electric as the action on the field. It is technically just the third round of the BBL season but so much has happened from the opening match that you would regret a single minute of missed cricket action. Let’s look at what’s in store for us with our Big Bash League Round 3 tips.

Dec 26, 4:10 PM local: Perth Scorchers vs Brisbane Heat at the WACA

Two teams yet to open their accounts, the Scorchers and Heat will try to kick-start their BBL campaign on Boxing Day.

Double defending champions, the Scorchers started on the wrong foot with a 4 wicket loss to Strikers. The margin could have been much more had it not been for the control exhibited by their bowlers. The batting unit had a failure except for Adam Voges and Shaun Marsh, who will both be missing this match because of international duty.

The Heat are already at the bottom of the table with two consecutive losses and it’s hard to see them lifting themselves from that position this season. Their bowling remains a worry as they failed to exert any control in either match so far this season. The flagging form of James Hopes is a concern but he is too good a player to be under-performing for long.

Verdict: Scorchers should prove too strong for their struggling opponents – $1.55 at Sportsbet

Dec 27, 7:10 PM local: Sydney Sixers vs Melbourne Stars at the SCG

The Sixers rebounded from their opening day loss by thumping Hurricanes by 95 runs and then defeating the Renegades on their home turf to get their BBL campaign back on track. At the Christmas break they are on top of the ladder but have played an extra match. Brad Haddin and Michael Lumb have given their team an explosive start, while Nathan Lyon provided finishing touches with the ball. Lyon will be missed for this match but in Steve O’Keefe they already have someone who can lead the spin attack eventhough he wasn’t used against the Renegades.

The Stars put up a team capable enough of fighting for the title but early evidence is not convincing. Flashes of brilliance in their first game earned them a loss against Strikers but it was against Thunder that they had to face the heart break of one run loss. They left the charge too late in that game and would be wary of the same. Star import Kevin Pietersen will be missing from this game as he has flown home for Christmas and the birth of his child. His absence will require other batsmen to stand up and fill the void.

Verdict: Back the Stars to open their account – $1.95 at Sportsbet

Dec 28, 7:10 PM local: Sydney Thunder vs Adelaide Strikers at Spotless Stadium

The Thunder have started the new BBL season on the right note with back-to-back wins powered by the performances of their big guns in Mike Hussey and Usman Khawaja. Only Khawaja will be missing on national duty, so the Thunder do not face a huge exodus which could turn out to their advantage. Andre Russell has been one of the recruits of the season so far and could still prove to be their X-factor.

The Strikers aren’t far behind the Thunder so far this season with a spotless record of their own after the first two matches. Adil Rashid proved to be a smart link in their bowling line-up while Alex Ross continues to impress with his power batting skills. With Ben Laughlin showcasing his death bowling skills once again, Strikers look a difficult opponent to face this season.

Verdict: Back the Strikers to continue their ascendancy – $2.00 at Sportsbet (money back if they score 160 runs and lose)

Dec 29, 6:10 PM local: Brisbane Heat vs Hobart Hurricanes at the Gabba

The Heat will be under pressure after two losses in the opening two rounds and will be under even more pressure if they lose to Scorchers on Boxing Day. So much is expected of their captain Chris Lynn whose form should be worrying. Will he raise his game at the right time for the Heat?

The Hurricanes took an absolute pounding at the hands of Sixers but immediately bounced back with a win over the Heat at home. The cool head and T20 experience of George Bailey is binding them together but the form of Kumar Sangakkara will prove to be just as vital. Can the Hurricanes do the double over Heat?

Verdict: Back the Hurricanes to record another win – $1.74 at Sportsbet

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