Hobart Hurricanes vs Perth Scorchers Prediction - Big Bash League

The defending BBL champions host Perth Scorchers in the traditional New Year's Day fixture at Ninja Stadium. Both teams are depleted by Ashes call-ups, making this a battle of depth.

Team News & Form

Hobart Hurricanes (4W-1L, 1st place): Captain Nathan Ellis leads the defending champions. They beat Perth by 4 wickets on Dec 26 and followed up with another win over Renegades (Wade 43*). However, they're missing key players: Tim David (Grade 2 hamstring - OUT for season), Beau Webster (returned to Ashes squad), and Jake Weatherald (Ashes cover). Charlie Wakim comes into the squad.

Perth Scorchers (3W-2L, 3rd place): Captain Ashton Turner is in red-hot form - 99* off 41 balls (8 sixes) vs Thunder on Dec 30. However, Josh Inglis has returned to the Ashes squad after one BBL match and is NOT available. Finn Allen and Cooper Connolly provide firepower.

Key Players

Hobart: Matthew Wade (43* last match), Ben McDermott, Nathan Ellis (c), Rishad Hossain (8 wickets - 3rd in Golden Arm), Chris Jordan.

Perth: Ashton Turner (c, in peak form), Finn Allen, Cooper Connolly, Aaron Hardie, Laurie Evans.

Head-to-Head This Season

Hurricanes won the Dec 26 meeting by 4 wickets at Perth. Tim David (42*) and Nikhil Chaudhary (34) chased down 150. Rishad Hossain took 3/33.

Venue: Ninja Stadium, Hobart

Hurricanes' home fortress. They won their maiden title here in January 2025 (Mitchell Owen's record-equalling 39-ball century). Strong home record with passionate crowd support.

Final Verdict

Both teams are depleted - Hobart missing David/Webster/Weatherald, Perth missing Inglis. Hobart's home advantage, league-leading position, and recent win over Perth tip the balance slightly. Turner's form keeps Perth dangerous.

Hobart Hurricanes at 55% confidence.

Value Note

Bookmakers have Hobart at 1.78 (56.2% implied). Our 55% assessment gives -1.2% edge - no value on Hobart.

Perth at 2.01 (49.8% implied) vs our 45% gives -4.8% edge - no value there either.

SKIP for betting. Both teams depleted by Ashes. Market priced correctly.