# Melbourne Stars vs Hobart Hurricanes: BBL 2025-26 Match Preview
## Melbourne Stars Squad Announcement and Expectations
The Melbourne Stars are gearing up to kickstart their campaign in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 as they prepare to face the Hobart Hurricanes at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday, December 18. Despite finishing fourth in the previous season, the Stars are eager to make a strong start in the tournament.
Led by Marcus Stoinis, the Stars have announced a formidable 14-member squad for their tournament-opening clash. With a power-packed lineup, the team is focused on getting off to a good start at their home venue. Possessing a balanced squad capable of dismantling any opposition, the Stars are aiming to secure a winning start to their BBL campaign.
## Hobart Hurricanes: Defending Champions
On the other hand, the defending champions, Hobart Hurricanes, have already kickstarted their campaign with a thrilling four-wicket victory against the Sydney Thunder. Chris Jordan was the standout performer in their last-over victory, earning the Player of the Match award for his all-round efforts with bat and ball. The Hurricanes are determined to continue their winning momentum in the upcoming clash against the Stars.
## Match Details and Pitch Report
The match will take place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, where teams batting second have had a slight advantage in T20 matches, winning 16 out of 28 games played at the venue. The average first innings score is 140, but teams may need to aim for a higher total for a competitive target. While the pitch initially favors bowlers, batting becomes easier as the surface wears out.
## Predicted Playing 11s for Melbourne Stars and Hobart Hurricanes
### Melbourne Stars:
– Joe Clarke
– Sam Harper (wk)
– Glenn Maxwell
– Marcus Stoinis (c)
– Hilton Cartwright
– Tom Curran
– Campbell Kellaway
– Haris Rauf
– Peter Siddle
– Mitch Swepson
– Tom Rogers
### Hobart Hurricanes:
– Mitchell Owen
– Nikhil Chaudhary
– Rehan Ahmed
– Ben McDermott
– Tim David
– Matthew Wade (wk)
– Chris Jordan
– Nathan Ellis (c)
– Rishad Hossain
– Riley Meredith
– Billy Stanlake
## Probable Top Performers
### Best Batter:
**Mitchell Owen** showed promise in the Hurricanes’ last match and is expected to provide a fiery start for his team at the top of the order.
### Best Bowler:
**Haris Rauf** has been in fine form and is likely to pose a threat to the opposition during both the powerplay and death overs.
## Match Prediction
In today’s match between the Melbourne Stars and the Hobart Hurricanes, the team bowling first is predicted to have the upper hand. Stay tuned for an exciting clash between two top BBL teams as they battle it out at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
### Melbourne Stars Squad Analysis
The Melbourne Stars have a well-rounded squad with a good mix of experience and youth. Led by Marcus Stoinis, who is known for his explosive batting at the top of the order, the Stars also boast the likes of Glenn Maxwell, who can single-handedly change the course of a game with his all-round abilities. Joe Clarke, the young English batsman, adds depth to the batting lineup with his aggressive strokeplay.
In the bowling department, Haris Rauf and Peter Siddle bring experience and skill to the table. Rauf, known for his raw pace and ability to pick up wickets, will be a key player for the Stars in dismantling the Hurricanes’ batting lineup. Mitch Swepson, the leg-spinner, is another player to watch out for as he can provide crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs.
### Hobart Hurricanes Squad Analysis
The defending champions, Hobart Hurricanes, have a strong squad led by Nathan Ellis. With the explosive batting of Ben McDermott and hard-hitting all-rounder Tim David in the middle order, the Hurricanes have the firepower to post big totals or chase down any target. Chris Jordan’s all-round abilities make him a valuable asset for the team, both with the bat and ball.
In the bowling department, Riley Meredith’s raw pace can trouble the best of batsmen, while Billy Stanlake adds height and bounce to the attack. Rishad Hossain, the leg-spinner, will look to exploit any assistance from the pitch and play a crucial role in containing the Stars’ batting lineup.
### Key Battle: Stoinis vs. Ellis
The battle between Marcus Stoinis and Nathan Ellis will be crucial in determining the outcome of the match. Stoinis, known for his aggressive batting, will look to take on Ellis, who has the ability to pick up wickets with his variations and subtle changes in pace. How Stoinis handles Ellis’ bowling early on could set the tone for the Stars’ innings.
### Pitch Conditions and Match Prediction
The Melbourne Cricket Ground traditionally offers good batting conditions, with the pitch expected to be conducive to strokeplay. The team winning the toss may look to bat first and put up a challenging total on the board. However, the presence of quality bowlers on both sides could make run-scoring a bit challenging in the middle overs.
In terms of prediction, the match is expected to be a closely fought contest with both teams possessing match-winners in their ranks. Ultimately, it may come down to which team holds its nerve in pressure situations and executes its plans better on the day. Fans can expect an entertaining clash between two top teams in the BBL as they battle it out for supremacy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
