Sydney Sixers v Melbourne Renegades: Big Bash Monday preview

Last season's beaten finalists, the Sydney Sixers, begin their quest for a fourth Big Bash title when they welcome the Melbourne Renegades to Sydney Cricket Ground on Monday.

The Sixers suffered a 54-run defeat in the 2023/24 final to the Brisbane Heat, the second time in the last three editions they have fallen at the last hurdle.

As for the Renegades, their only trip to the Big Bash showpiece event ended in victory back in 2018/19 when they overcame the Melbourne Stars by 13 runs.

Sydney Sixers v Melbourne Renegades betting preview

All change for the Renegades

After last season's disappointing seventh-placed finish - the fourth time in the last five editions they have failed to qualify for the play-offs - Melbourne have undergone extensive changes in their playing roster and coaching team.

Cameron White has replaced David Saker as coach, Will Sutherland has been appointed captain following Nic Maddinson's switch to the Thunder and they no longer have Aaron Finch and Shaun Marsh, who have both retired.

Laurie Evans has been brought in and he could turn out to be a real coup if he can reproduce the form he showed with the Perth Scorchers last season.

The Englishman scored 292 runs from seven innings, an average of 58.40, and the 2.37 on him to get 30+ runs on Monday is appealing.

Opener Josh Brown is another notable addition, having been snapped up after his title-winning campaign with the Heat in which he scored 366 runs, the second-highest tally in the competition.

The 30-year-old Australian blasted 23 sixes, second only to Matthew Short, and he is priced at 5.00 to clear the rope the most times in the match.

England's Jacob Bethell is an intriguing selection, although his availability will be limited due to international commitments, while 32-year-old Marcus Harris adds experience to the batting.

Consistency the key for Sydney

While there have been plenty of changes for the Renegades, Sydney have opted for continuity in their ranks and have made just a few tweaks to their roster.

Consistent performer James Vince returns and he will be eager to lead the team forward, having scored 1,785 runs over his six seasons with the Sixers.

Australian Test ace Steve Smith should be squeezed in for a couple of matches around his international commitments, although he is currently taking part in the third Test against India.

Todd Murphy is now the senior domestic spinner in the side following the retirement of Steve O'Keefe and he returned an impressive economy rate of 6.15 last season.

The 24-year-old will be hoping to add to his wickets tally, though, having taken just four in nine matches.

Melbourne can start strong

It hasn't been a happy time for Melbourne in the Big Bash of late, but they have made some notable changes and they can get off to the perfect start in Sydney.

Brown and Evans add strength to the batting department and the duo will be crucial to the team's chances of at least making the play-offs.

Sydney are a good outfit but they appear to be missing a bowler with express pace and that could hurt them, especially if the Renegades get off to a positive start.

The 2.15 available for Melbourne to win the match is hard to ignore.

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Sydney Sixers v Melbourne Renegades odds

Sydney Sixers - 1.72
Melbourne Renegades - 2.15

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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.