Sydney Thunder v Perth Scorchers: Big Bash Monday preview

After a high-scoring Big Bash defeat against Sydney Sixers, Perth Scorchers are aiming to bounce back on the second leg of their trip to Sydney.

The Scorchers face Sydney Thunder on Monday, but they are missing fast bowler Jhye Richardson, who is set to have shoulder surgery this week.

Richardson (0-51) and AJ Tye (0-62) took plenty of punishment during the 14-run defeat to the Sixers, whose opener Steven Smith cracked an unbeaten 121 off 64 balls.

The Scorchers have won only three of their eight matches, leaving them three points behind the Thunder, who claimed a thrilling four-wicket victory over the five-time champions in Perth on 3rd January.

Sydney Thunder v Perth Scorchers betting preview

Konstas could ease burden on Warner

The Scorchers were stunned by Smith last time out and now they face another of Australia's modern-day batting greats - Thunder captain David Warner.

The left-hander is relishing his first full BBL season and his last four scores have been 86 not out, 49 - in the away win over the Scorchers - 50 and 88 not out.

Warner is 3.40 to continue his fine form by being the Thunder's Top Batter on Monday and his teenage opening partner Sam Konstas is 4.33.

The youngster's whirlwind summer saw him score 113 runs at a strike-rate of 82 in the final two Test matches against India, although he struggled on his return to Big Bash action.

Konstas made four off nine balls in last week's defeat to Hobart Hurricanes, having been bowled for a second-ball duck by Sixers spinner Akeal Hosein in his previous BBL innings.

However, he marked his Thunder debut with a sparkling 56 off just 27 balls against Adelaide Strikers and is 4.33 to score a fifty against the Scorchers, with the consistent Warner 3.50 to make another half-century.

Hardie needs to find form with the bat

The Thunder's charge towards the play-offs has been slowed by recent defeats to Brisbane Heat and the Hurricanes, as well as a washout in their home fixture against the Hurricanes.

They are 2.05 to complete the double over 1.78 visitors the Scorchers, who were downed by Sherfane Rutherford's 39 not out from 19 balls in the teams' first meeting.

West Indies all-rounder Rutherford has since left the Thunder, while Australia's T20I captain Mitchell Marsh is unavailable for the Scorchers.

The balance of Perth's side has been hampered by Aaron Hardie having to play as a specialist batter and he is yet to make a matchwinning contribution.

A first-ball duck against the Sixers last time out means Hardie has scored only 70 runs in five innings this season and his lack of boundaries is a concern.

The powerful Hardie has hit just four fours and one six from 79 balls and he is 6.00 to hit the most fours for the Scorchers on Monday, while he is 6.50 to hit the most sixes for his side.

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Sydney Thunder v Perth Scorchers odds

Sydney Thunder - 2.05
Perth Scorchers - 1.78

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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.