Perth Scorchers v Adelaide Strikers @ WACA – Friday, 9:15pm AEDT

The Perth Scorchers have a winning record against every side in the Big Bash other than the Adelaide Strikers and Melbourne Stars. The Strikers did the double over the Scorchers last season and will be desperate after losing their opening match to the Brisbane Heat on Wednesday night. The Scorchers are the only team to have won the BBL twice and have made at least the semi-final stage in every year since the inception of the competition. They look to have the most balanced side in the competition, and despite the loss of Brad Hogg to the Melbourne Renegades, they look even stronger this season with the additions of Ian Bell and Mitchell Johnson. The axing of Mitchell Marsh from the Australian Test squad could be a blessing in disguise for the Scorchers. Once his brother Shaun overcomes his finger injury, the Scorchers will be there when the whips are cracking and are The Wolf’s pick to win the competition. The loss of Marsh and the absence of left-arm quick Jason Behrendorff is a big blow to the Scorchers chances and the fact the Strikers have a game under their belt along with their win in Perth last season sways this one in their favour. The Strikers as outsiders at $2.15 is very enticing with The Wolf predicting that the Scorchers might be slow out of the blocks, missing two of their best weapons.

Bet: Adelaide Strikers ($2.15)

Top Scorchers BatsmanVoges made 45* in last season’s match in Perth and will have a point to prove after being left out of the Test squad.

Bet: Adam Voges ($5)

Top Strikers BatsmanTravis Head made 51* against the Scorchers last season and will be keen to make amends after the recent loss to the Heat. The maiden over Head faced from Samuel Badree was the turning point in the match.

Bet: Travis Head ($4)

Top Scorchers BowlerWilley took 2/24 in the match against the Strikers at the WACA last year and could benefit from the presence of Mitchell Johnson if teams decide to be conservative against the former Australian quick and try to take on the likes of Willey.

Bet: David Willey ($4.25)

Top Strikers BowlerThe Wolf can see another Englishman dominating at the WACA and was impressed with Jordan against the Heat on Wednesday night. Jordan took 2/29 and will relish the bouncy conditions in Perth.