Big Bash 2022-23 match preview: Perth Scorchers v Melbourne Stars

Key match-ups, analysis, form, team news, weather forecast, tickets, TV and streaming information, odds, predictions and more ahead of the latest encounter in the 2022/23 Big Bash

What's the match?

Perth Scorchers take on Melbourne Stars in match 20 of the 2022/23 Big Bash, the 12th edition of the tournament.

When is it taking place?

The game is scheduled to start at 6.15pm local time (10.15am GMT) on Thursday, December 29.

Where is the match being played?

The game will be played in Perth at the Optus Stadium.

Who's got the form?

Melbourne Stars have endured a poor start to BBL12, winning just once - a 38-run victory over Hobart Hurricanes - in their opening four matches and are only being kept off the foot of the table thanks to their net run rate (-0.398 compared to Brisbane Heat's -1.196).

Perth Scorchers, by contrast, are riding high. The defending champions have won three matches from a possible four, with Hobart Hurricanes the only side to take points off them.

When the two sides met earlier in the competition, Perth Scorchers won by 61 runs after blasting a first-innings total of 229 for 7.

^{Faf du Plessis is a threat with the bat for the Scorchers [Daniel Pockett/Getty Images]}

What's the key match-up?

Faf du Plessis and Josh Inglis will be rubbing their hands at the opportunity to take another crack at Melbourne Stars' bowlers.

Du Plessis smashed 68 runs off 33 balls when the two sides met on December 23 while Inglis, batting at No.4, scored 74 runs off 33 deliveries. Adam Zampa was the only bowler to concede fewer than 10 runs per over.

Add the likes of Nick Hobson, Ashton Turner and Aaron Hardie - the latter of whom is striking at over 150 - into the mix and it could be another tough day for the Stars.

What's the weather forecast?

A scorching hot day in Perth, with temperatures set to be in the high-20s even in the evening.

What is the team news?

Perth Scorchers have been very consistent with their selections to date and are unlikely to make any changes to a winning XI.

Nathan Coulter-Nile has been added to Melbourne Stars' squad, with Liam Hatcher the most likely to make way.

What are the squads?

Perth Scorchers: Ashton Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Jason Behrendorff, Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green, Laurie Evans (contract terminated), Aaron Hardie, Peter Hatzoglou, Nick Hobson, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kelly, Mitch Marsh (injured), Tymal Mills (withdrawn), Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, Phil Salt (injured), Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Faf du Plessis (replacing Laurie Evans, first seven matches only), Adam Lyth (replacing Phil Salt, first half only), Stephen Eskinazi, Hamish McKenzie, David Payne (replacement for Tymal Mills for second half of the season)

Melbourne Stars: Trent Boult, Joe Burns (injured), Hilton Cartwright, Joe Clarke, Brody Couch, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Liam Hatcher, Clint Hinchliffe, Nick Larkin, Glenn Maxwell (c), Marcus Stoinis, Beau Webster, Luke Wood, Adam Zampa, Campbell Kellaway, Tom O'Connell, Sam Elliott, Cam McClure, James Seymour (local replacement player)

*Squads are for the whole BBL and not specific to this match

What are the possible starting XIs?

Perth Scorchers: Faf du Plessis, Adam Lyth, Nick Hobson, Josh Inglis, Aaron Hardie, Ashton Turner, Ashton Agar, Jhye Richardson, Andrew Tye, Jason Behrendorff, Peter Hatzoglou

Melbourne Stars: Thomas Rogers, Joe Clarke, James Seymour, Beau Webster, Nick Larkin, Hilton Cartwright, Campbell Kellaway, Luke Wood, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Trent Boult, Adam Zampa

Melbourne Stars will be hoping for better luck with the ball this time round [Daniel Pockett/Getty Images]

What are the odds?

Perth Scorchers are the favourites for this clash with odds of 11/18 while the Stars are available at 6/4.

What's the prediction?

It's hard to see Perth Scorchers not winning this clash given their form and the runs they piled on against the Stars just a few days ago.

Are tickets available?

Tickets are available via Ticketmaster, with adult tickets starting from $27.

Where can I watch the game?

Sky Sports hold the UK rights for the BBL, with coverage split between Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Mix. This game is available on Sky Sports Mix.

Ball-by-ball radio commentary will also be available via BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra and BBC Sounds for selected matches.

Fox Sports and Seven Network both have television rights in Australia while coverage will also be available via streaming service Kayo. Fox will show every game while 45 matches, including the knockout stages, will be shown free-to-air on Channel Seven.