Batting Partnerships 

Melbourne Stars have the lowest opening stand average in the ongoing BBL.

Here is string of their 1st wkt partnerships in each match – 1.19.1.16.5.0.1.16.0.30. Although Ben Ducket had a decent season, and always performs when team is struggling. Perhaps they could have a make-shift opener for today’s knock out match against Sydney Thunder. Hilton Cartwright could open the batting for Stars. Cartwright in terms of rotating strike is not very fluent down the batter. He is more of slogger who can be very useful against the new ball. He does have decent technique against fast bowlers.

Below is stats analysis of partnerships for each wicket

Cartwright so far has scored 119 runs of 99 balls, featuring 13 boundaries (9x4+4x6). However he is the only player in their squad whose scoring rate and strike rate is low between the third phase (11-15^th over). It goes up in last phase provided he stays around. Stars have dept in the middle to lower order. It would be appropriate someone with strong punch/ and power hitting skills should open with Ben Duckett. Cartwright has opened the innings in past with some success.

Stars are desperate to get a decent start, and if Cartwright can muscle few over the ropes and bat till the power play, then batting flow will get some real boast.

Cartwright runs breakdown in phases