Big Bash League (BBL 2018/19): Sydney Thunder vs Adelaide Strikers, Dream11 Prediction, Playing XI Updates & Fantasy Cricket Tips - January 13th, 2019

In the first match of a triple header on Sunday, defending champions Adelaide Strikers travel to Sydney to take on the Thunders. While Travis Head and Colin Ingram were successful in their efforts against the Stars on Friday, the onus will be on new recruits Anton Devcich and Chris Jordan who have come in for Buttler and Root to come up with the goods.

With the Strikers looking to solidify their top half position, the Thunders will be hoping to return to winning ways in what should be an exciting encounter.

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Squads to pick from:

Sydney Thunder:

Fawad Ahmed, Jono Cook, Pat Cummins, Callum Ferguson, Ryan Gibson, Chris Green, Liam Hatcher, Usman Khawaja, Jay Lenton, Nathan McAndrew, Arjun Nair, Kurtis Patterson, Sam Rainbird, Daniel Sams, Gurinder Sandhu, Jason Sangha, Shane Watson, Anton Devcich, Chris Jordan

Adelaide Strikers:

Wes Agar, Alex Carey, Michael Cormack, David Grant, Travis Head, Colin Ingram, Rashid Khan, Ben Laughlin, Jake Lehmann, Michael Neser, Liam O'Connor, Peter Siddle, Matt Short, Billy Stanlake, Cameron Valente, Jake Weatherald, Jon Wells, Nick Winter.

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Playing XI Updates:

Sydney Thunder: The departure of their highest runscorers, Jos Buttler and Joe Root should result in a few changes in the set-up. Anton Devcich and Chris Jordan have cut short their stint for the Northern Knights in New Zealand and should slot into the starting eleven straight away. Jay Lenton will keep wickets for the Thunder resulting in Sam Rainbird's exclusion.

Possible XI: Devcich, Watson(C), Ferguson, Sangha, Lenton(WK), Sams, Green, Jordan, Cook, Fawad and Sandhu

Adelaide Strikers: With Billy Stanlake's return from national duty, Wes Agar should make way for the tearaway pacer. Apart from the one change, the Strikers should field the same line-up that won against a depleted Stars side. Colin Ingram and Travis Head will be key to the Strikers batting in the absence of Alex Carey.

Possible XI: Weatherald, Short, Head(C), Ingram, Wells, Rashid, Neser, Nielsen(WK), Laughlin, O'Connor and Stanlake

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Fantasy Tips and Suggestions

Wicket-keeper: With both first-choice keepers not available, either of two can be picked with both of them able to make an impact lower down the order. Harry Nielsen should nick it with his glovework although Jay Lenton's not bad.

Batsmen: Travis Head was instrumental in the Strikers win over the Stars and should be persisted with alongside in-form opener, Jake Weatherald. Shane Watson and Callum Ferguson are viable picks to go with in the absence of Shane Watson and Joe Root. Watson is due for a big score and could come off against a formidable Strikers bowling unit. Colin Ingram can also be drafted in for either Head or Weatherald.

All-rounders: Anton Devcich's reputation for destruction up the order is well known and is an invaluable pick along with Daniel Sams, who has easily been the best all-rounder of the Big Bash League so far. Michael Neser can be opted for as the third all-rounder with added batting responsibility upon him.

Bowling: Rashid Khan's inclusion is a no-brainer as he is the Strikers trump card. Ben Laughlin should be the second Strikers bowler in your fantasy teams although Stanlake wouldn't be too far off. Fawad Ahmed has been pivotal to the Thunders' fortunes and his performance will go a long way in determining the outcome of the match.

Captain: Shane Watson and Travis Head are the preferred options for captain but you can back your instincts with clever selections of either Anton Devcich or Daniel Sams who can provide the complete package.

Fantasy Suggestion #1: Harry Nielsen (WK), Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Callum Ferguson, Shane Watson, Anton Devcich, Daniel Sams, Michael Neser, Rashid Khan, Ben Laughlin and Fawad Ahmed. Captain: Travis Head.

Fantasy Suggestion #2. Jay Lenton (WK), Shane Watson, Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Jason Sangha, Anton Devcich, Daniel Sams, Michael Neser, Billy Stanlake, Rashid Khan and Jono Cook. Captain: Shane Watson

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