Hobart Hurricanes v Perth Scorchers: Big Bash Saturday preview

Hobart Hurricanes struggled for consistency with the bat in last season's Big Bash and they endured a horror start to this season's competition.

The Hurricanes were bowled out for just 74 in Thursday's opening game against Melbourne Renegades and the scorecard in Geelong could have looked even worse.

Captain Nathan Ellis scored 35 to drag his side from 8-40, but the Renegades chased down their target with 11 overs to spare and the Hurricanes now face a daunting clash with Perth Scorchers on Saturday.

The Scorchers, Big Bash champions in 2021/22 and 2022/23, cruised to a six-wicket win over Melbourne Stars in their season opener and are favourites to follow up with victory in Tasmania.

Hobart Hurricanes v Perth Scorchers betting preview

Inglis back to boost Perth top order

The Scorchers are missing injured all-rounder Aaron Hardie, who has cracked 90 not out and 85 not out in his last two Big Bash clashes with the Hurricanes.

And they were not entirely convincing with the bat in their opening-night win over the Stars, as overseas signings Finn Allen (6), Keaton Jennings (4) and Matty Hurst (4) were all dismissed cheaply inside the Powerplay.

However, Cooper Connolly's 64 anchored the innings before Ashton Turner (37 not out) and Nick Hobson (27 not out off 14 balls) sealed a comfortable run-chase.

The Scorchers will be boosted by the availability of Josh Inglis, who has been released from Australia's Test squad and is 3.50 to be Perth's Top Batter in Hobart.

Inglis was not required to bat in last season's win over the Hurricanes as Perth chased down 173 for the loss of only one wicket.

His previous two appearances against Hobart produced scores of 53 off 35 deliveries and 62 off 37 and he is 5.00 to hit the most sixes for the Scorchers.

Inglis has made a couple of explosive T20 centuries for Australia recently, hitting eight sixes in his 110 against India in November 2023 and clearing the ropes seven times in a 49-ball 103 against Scotland in September.

Hurricanes desperate to end poor run

The Hurricanes are aiming to bounce back from their miserable opening defeat to the Renegades, but they have a woeful record against the Scorchers, losing seven of the last eight meetings between the teams.

Even with home advantage Hobart are 2.20 to snap that streak with a win over the 1.68 Scorchers and veteran opener Matthew Wade is doubtful due to a calf injury.

The Hurricanes lost six wickets in the first five overs of their innings in Geelong and they are 1.90 to have an opening partnership of under 17.5 on Saturday.

Skipper Ellis was the one bright spark in their loss to the Renegades, top-scoring with 35 before taking 2-12 from three overs.

Ellis dismissed the dangerous Josh Brown and Jacob Bethell and he is 9.50 to be named Player of the Match in the Hurricanes' first home game of the season.

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Hobart Hurricanes v Perth Scorchers odds

Hobart Hurricanes - 2.20
Perth Scorchers - 1.68

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.