Big Bash 2022/23 match preview: Perth Scorchers v Melbourne Renegades

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 will host Melbourne Renegades in match 52 of the 2022/23 Big Bash, the 12th edition of the tournament.

When is it taking place?

The game is scheduled to start at 4.15pm local time (8.15am GMT) on Sunday, January 22.

Where is the match being played?

The game will be played at Optus Stadium in Perth.

Who's got the form?

Perth Scorchers are assured of a top-two finish - and therefore, two shots at reaching the final - after winning 10 of their 13 group matches and have only lost once (a six-run defeat against Sydney Sixers) in their past six matches.

Melbourne Renegades, meanwhile, have had a more stop-start tournament. After winning their opening three matches, they embarked on a four-match losing streak. In their past five outings, they have won three and lost two, suffering an eight-wicket defeat against Sydney Thunder last time out.

When these two sides met at the beginning of January, Perth Scorchers completed a five-wicket win with two balls to spare. Andrew Tye picked up three big wickets for the Scorchers before runs from Cameron Bancroft and Josh Inglish helped the defending champions get over the line.

Sam Harper has been Melbourne Renegades' brightest batter [Darrian Traynor/Getty Images]

What's the key match-up?

How Melbourne Renegades fare will depend significantly on how Sam Harper performs with the bat.

Though he was dismissed for a duck three times in four matches earlier in the tournament, he has now scored three half-centuries in his past four matches. His 238 runs have come at a strike rate of 152.56 - one of only two regular starters, alongside Will Sutherland, currently striking above 120.

By contrast, the likes of Aaron Finch and Martin Guptill are labouring somewhat. The former's 279 runs have come at 110.71 while Guptill's 141 runs have come at an even slower rate (108.46).

Given the Scorchers have no trouble scoring runs, you'd suspect anything below 160 will not be enough. Therefore, brisk scoring - itself no easy feat against a stacked attack - is paramount.

Unfortunately for Harper, five of his nine dismissals have come against right-arm pace - music to Andrew Tye's ears.

What's the weather forecast?

Top temperatures of 25 degrees Celsius but a reasonable chance of showers through until 3pm local time.

What is the team news?

Jason Behrendorff is in line for a recall for the Scorchers after being rested for his side's trip to Adelaide. Batter Chris Sabburg has also been included in the matchday squad.

Kane Richardson has been ruled out after pulling up sore following the defeat against Sydney Thunder while Shaun Marsh (hamstring) will face a fitness test before he is cleared to return. Should he feature in Perth, Aaron Finch would become the first player to make 100 appearances for the Renegades.

What are the squads?

Perth Scorchers: Ashton Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Jason Behrendorff, Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Peter Hatzoglou, Nick Hobson, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kelly, Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Stephen Eskinazi, Hamish McKenzie, David Payne (replacement for Tymal Mills for second half of the season)

Melbourne Renegades: Zak Evans, Aaron Finch, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Sam Harper, Mackenzie Harvey, Shaun Marsh, Kane Richardson, Tom Rogers, Will Sutherland, Jon Wells, Jack Prestwidge, Ruwantha Kellapotha, Marcus Harris, Martin Guptill (replacing Liam Livingstone, 10 group matches and finals), Corey Rocchiccioli, Peter Handscomb, Fawad Ahmed (injury replacement for Shaun Marsh), Matt Critchley (overseas replacement from January 9)

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

Jason Behrendorff is expected to return for the Scorchers [Darrian Traynor/Getty Images]

What are the possible starting XIs?

Perth Scorchers: Stephen Eskinazi, Cameron Bancroft, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, Ashton Turner, Nick Hobson, Ashton Agar, Andrew Tye, David Payne, Lance Morris, Jason Behrendorff

Melbourne Renegades: Martin Guptill, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Sam Harper, Aaron Finch, Matt Critchley, Jono Wells, Will Sutherland, Tom Rogers, Corey Rocchiccioli, Fawad Ahmed, David Moody

What are the odds?

Perth Scorchers are favourites with the bookmakers, with a best price available of 8/13. Melbourne Renegades are considered the outsiders, with some outlets offering 6/5.

What's the prediction?

With or without the returning Behrendorff, Perth Scorchers should win this clash.

Are tickets available?

Yes. The cheapest remaining tickets are $11 for children and $27 for adults via Ticketmaster. 

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.

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 the streaming service Kayo. Fox will show every game, while 45 matches, including the knockout stages, will be shown free-to-air on Channel Seven.