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In the 36th match of the ongoing big bash league, Adelaide Strikers takes on Melbourne Stars at Adelaide Oval today. Both teams are equally poised against each other and have faced major ups and downs throughout the tournament. With playoff spot open for both the teams and a win at today will take them to inch closer to the playoffs. Strikers are lacking consistency and only their captain Alex Carey is coming good at the middle order. But when it comes to their bowling they are arguably one of the best bowling units in the tournament with Wes Agar and Rashid Khan are picking up more than 20 wickets between them. But today they will not be going to get the services of Peter Siddle who injured himself during their last game against renegades. So they need to regroup strongly and needs to put up a strong performance that will fancy their chances of qualifying for playoffs.

Melbourne Stars have won only three games out of eight games they have played so far. They are also facing inconsistency with the bat with only Marcus Stoinis and glen Maxwell have come good with the bat at times. Apart from them none of them has come good for them. Andre fletcher has not delivered up to his potential so far and he might get replaced today. Liam Hetcher is leading with 10 wickets and win will definitely help them to move up in the points table. They are a quite well-balanced team and if they are playing as a unit which will help them to beat Adelaide Strikers with a better margin. Their seam bowlers Haris Rauf, Sam Rainbird Billy Stanlake should need to bowl with more responsibility that will help them contain the strikers batting order. Adam Zampa is bowling well at tandem and their onus is on their batsmen to put up a fighting performance again Adelaide Strikers.

Players to watch out for:

Alex Carey:

Captain Alex Carey is in fine form with the bat this season. He has produced some stellar performance this season. He will look to repeat the same performance that will help his side to put up a strong performance that will help his side to get better off Adelaide Strikers.

Marcus Stoinis:

Marcus Stoinis has already shown what he is capable of. He is in fine form but with little bit inconsistent. He is also not getting ample support from his partner Andre Fletcher. So he needs to put up a strong performance that is crucial for Melbourne stars to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Pitch report:

Adelaide Oval is traditionally a batting-friendly pitch which will help the batters to score freely. Today also you can expect the same. But for this season it offers little movement for seam bowlers. So you can expect the captains opt for chasing.

Expected Playing XI:

Adelaide Strikers:

Matt Renshaw, Phil Salt, Alex Carey (C&WK), Jono Wells, Jake Weatherald, Ryan Gibson, Daniel Worrall, Rashid Khan, Danny Briggs, Wes Agar, and Harry Conway

Melbourne Stars

Andre Fletcher, Marcus Stoinis, Hilton Cartwright, Nick Larkin, Glenn Maxwell (C), Ben Dunk, Seb Gotch (WK), Haris Rauf, Sam Rainbird, Billy Stanlake, and Adam Zampa

Final thoughts:

Strikers have the edge to hold the game but at the same time, Melbourne stars have enough firepower in all the departments to upset strikers. With playoff chances are in line you can expect a gritty performance from both the teams with strikers edging stars.