BBL7 Semi Final 1 - Perth Scorchers v Hobart Hurricanes @ Optus Stadium

BBL7 Semi Final 1 - Perth Scorchers (8-2) v Hobart Hurricanes (5-5) - Optus Stadium
 
Head to Head History - Perth Scorchers 5, Hobart Hurricanes 2
 
Last 5 - Perth Scorchers 4, Hobart Hurricanes 1
 
Perth Scorchers 13-Man Squad- Adam Voges ©, Cameron Bancroft, Will Bosisto, Tim Bresnan, Hilton Cartwright, , Mitchell Johnson, Matthew Kelly, Michael Klinger, Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh, Hayden Morton,  Jhye Richardson, Ashton Turner,  
 
Hobart Hurricanes 13-Man Squad - George Bailey (c), Dan Christian, Cameron Boyce, Clive Rose, Ben McDermott, Simon Milenko, Tymal Mills, Tom Rogers, Jofra Archer, Tim Paine, Matthew Wade, Nathan Reardon, Alex Doolan
 
Preview - It's a blockbuster semi-final at the brand new Optus Stadium in Perth as the Scorchers host the Hurricanes tonight. The Scorchers are aiming for a remarkable fourth title win, however will christen their new home ground with a sell-out crowd of 60,000 expected, to create a brilliant atmosphere after the ground made its debut with England narrowly beating Australia on Sunday. The Hurricanes are on a 3-game losing streak, however are making their first finals’ appearance in four years under first year coach Gary Kirsten. 
 
Big Batting Battle - Michael Klinger v Tim Paine - I think, with a huge amount at stake here, the men at the top of the order hold the key to their respective side’s chances of a big total. Two vastly experienced opening batsmen will play big roles in the direction of who makes it through to the final. Paine makes his 1st appearance of the season, whilst Klinger has played a key role in a couple of the Scorchers’ title victories with a heap of big game experience. 
 
Big Bowling Battle - Mitchell Johnson v Jofra Archer - It's the battle of express pace here, with the experience of Mitchell Johnson up against one of the star overseas imports in Jofra Archer. Johnson has been hard to get away at the WACA this year, so it will be interesting to see if he is as effective at the new Optus Stadium. Archer has been outstanding for the Hurricanes, with 15 wickets, making him the team’s leading wicket taker and fourth overall in BBL7. However, at his last outing he was off colour, and he was taken for 35 from four overs against the Stars, without taking a wicket. 
 
Ground Dynamic - Optus Stadium - The Scorchers have won all five games at the WACA this season, so I think it's a very interesting dynamic now that they have to head across the road to the new stadium. Of course, it’s great to have 60,000 fans behind you rather then 20,000; however the Broncos struggled in their first couple of seasons at the new Suncorp Stadium, as opposition fans loved playing at such a such an exciting venue. The Scorchers will have to deal with that, and the fact that the pitches might not be as bouncy and unique as the WACA surface that they have played so well. The wicket produced on Sunday for the ODI had decent enough carry with a fair amount of grass and cracks on it, making for a good even contest. I think given this is a semi-final, any score over 165 will be very competitive. 
 
THE LURKER'S PICK (21-19) Perth Scorchers "This is as strong a Perth team as they have named all series, despite the new ground I think they win comfortably" 
 
THE LURKER'S 10 UNIT BANK (-68 Units) 

1 Unit Man off the Match Matt Kelly @ $26

1 Unit Man of the Match Cameron Boyce @ $21
 
3 Units on Perth Scorchers to score between 163 and 172 @ $5 (refunded if don't bat first) 

3 Units on Hurricanes to score between 153 and 162 @ $5 (refunded if don't bat first) 
 
3 Units Scorchers high bat/bowler double of Shaun Marsh/Johnson @ $13
 
3 Units Hurricanes high/bat bowler double of Wade/Archer @ $16