Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder, 5th Match - Live Cricket Score, Commentary

It's the night match of the double header day and it's a big one. Still smarting after their shock loss to Adelaide Strikers, the Stars return to the MCG as they host the high flying Sydney Thunder - who broke their seven match losing streak against the Sixers, in the first match of the season. Can the Stars get going or will Thunder cause another huge upset? There was some rain earlier in the day, but it's cleared now and we will have a prompt start.

The Stars will bowl first. So all eyes will be on Usman Khawaja as he comes out to bat with Kallis. How will that hamstring hold up?

Teams:

Sydney Thunder (Playing XI): Jacques Kallis, Aiden Blizzard, Michael Hussey(c), Usman Khawaja, Shane Watson, Ben Rohrer, Andre Russell, Chris Hartley(w), Fawad Ahmed, Clint McKay, Gurinder Sandhu

Melbourne Stars (Playing XI): Luke Wright, Marcus Stoinis, Kevin Pietersen, Glenn Maxwell, David Hussey(c), Peter Handscomb(w), James Faulkner, John Hastings, Adam Zampa, Scott Boland, Ben Hilfenhaus

Aiden Blizzard's stay at the crease lasted all of eight deliveries in which he scored 3 balls before an ill-fated attempt to slog Adam Zampa brought about his downfall. Thunder got a good start but haven't been allowed to get away. Smart captaincy from D Hussey. He's rotating his bowlers around very cleverly.

There it is! That's the first wicket. Jacques Kallis didn't look all that comfortable in the middle. Perhaps age is catching up with the legendary all-rounder. Attempts an expansive drive, can only nick it to the keeper. First wicket for the Stars. Thunder are going along just fine however. 49 for 1 in the powerplay with Khawaja on 37 off 25.

Here's Maxwell with his off spinners immediately after the fielding restrictions are lifted!

Usman Khawaja and Jacques made a quiet start before the Australian took the attack to the Stars with a flurry of sweetly timed boundaries. Khawaja attempted to throw his bat at everything in the first few overs and only a switch back to orthodox cricketing shots brought him the the results he desired. Kallis, on the other hand, was happy picking the singles on offer. A good test for those Khawaja hamstrings!

Shane Watson falls to Glenn Maxwell and this was as plumb as it gets. A straight delivery on the middle stump that Watto looks to sweep. Misses and that's goodbye! Meanwhile, Khawaja is keeping the Thunder ticking and gets to his half-century with a two to long on. All eyes on his reaction after sprinting back for the second. The Boxing Day Test is six days away.

He's joined by Mr. Cricket Michael Hussey in the middle. Thunder are 3 for 73 after 10.

Thunder lose another after going past the 100-run mark. This time it is the captain Mike Hussey who has to go. Maxwell goes around the wicket and bowls one full and straight. Mr. Cricket is beaten on his attempt to work the ball towards midwicket. Second wicket for the Big Show. Khawaja is joined by Andre Russell now.