The Melbourne Stars team is scheduled to play their fourth match of the season against Brisbane Heat at Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 18, 2024. The players are looking forward to come back strong after being six-wicket losers in their first outing against Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League 2024-25.
That day, Stoinis and Tom Curran both contributed 37 runs, and the team managed a relatively meager total of 147/9, which the Scorchers chased down with relative ease. The Brisbane Heat, the defending champions, are starting their BBL campaign with this game. However, they face stiff challenges as some of the stars like Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney are away for national duty. Injury to key players in the form of Spencer Johnson (toe) and Michael Neser (hamstring) has also affected them.
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The MCG pitch is conventionally balanced and allows batters and bowlers with scope. Fast bowlers expect an early swing, while the game can come into assistance of spinners. Batting will thrive if a batting side settles quickly to it. Based on the given conditions, teams might be ready to chase once they have won the toss.
Considering the last performance of the Stars and all lineup issues the Heat team might face, this battle looks to be tight. For this reason, the Stars have good chances to capitalize on the home advantage to mark the first win in this season, while the Heat try to overcome their absences, seeking a good start in defending the title.
Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat Team Prediction
- Captain-M Stoinis
- Vice Captain-M Neser
- Wicket Keeper-S Harper
- Batters-C Munro, H Cartright
- All Rounders-M Neser, M Stoinis, B Webster, T Curran, P Walter
- Bowlers- A Milne, X Barlett, S Johnson