How to watch Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder BBL live and free

The Melbourne Stars take on the Sydney Thunder at Manuka Oval in what should be an exciting clash in the nation's capital. This is how you can watch.

This will be the second game in two nights for the Stars, who opened their campaign against the Brisbane Heat on Friday. The Stars, captained by white ball whiz Glenn Maxwell, are the bookmakers' favourites to win their first BBL title. However, Melbourne did suffer a late setback when England import Jonny Bairstow withdrew to make himself available for Test duties.

This will be the Sydney Thunder's opening match of the tournament. Shane Bond's side has recruited England batsman Sam Billings and Kiwi speedster Adam Milne but the bookies aren't impressed, with one major outlet tipping them for the wooden spoon.

When is Stars vs Thunder?

The Stars vs Thunder fixture will be played out of Manuka Oval in Canberra, Saturday 11 December 4:05pm (AEDT).

How to watch BBL Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder

Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder is exclusive to Fox Cricket, there is no free-to-air coverage. While Channel 7 has access to some games in BBL|10, only Kayo Sports and Foxtel iQ offer all 61 games live across the season.

If you are not an existing Foxtel customer, Kayo Sports is the way to go. Read on to learn why. You can also check out our guide on how to watch BBL|10 here.

Live stream BBL on Kayo: Start your 14-day FREE trial now

Watch Stars vs Thunder on Kayo Sports

If you are a sports fan, Kayo Sports is the place to be, as cricket is among more than 50 sports available. There are also a vast number of special features so you get the absolute most out of your sports viewing experience.

SplitView enables you to watch four sports at once. Interactive Stats and Key Moments Timeline ensure you have all the information you need. If you are pushed for time, as we often are these days, you can catch up quickly on the action with Kayo Minis.

You can watch BBL|10 through your television on Apple TV, Chromecast, Android TV, Telstra TV or Samsung TVs (2017 models and onwards). You can also stream it on your Mac or PC, plus the Kayo Sports app gives you the option to tune in with your Android or iOS device.

If you want to make sure Kayo Sports is right for you, it offers a 14-day free trial for new users. A Basic subscription costs $25 a month and gives you access to two screens. For $35 a month, a Premium subscription gives you another screen to utilise. For all of Kayo's cricket programs, check out our live stream cricket guide.

Stream Stars vs Thunder on Foxtel Now

Foxtel Now is the pay TV giant's digital streaming service. You have to subscribe to the Essentials pack in addition to the Sport pack, which costs $54 a month in total.

If you haven't tried it previously, Foxtel Now offers a 10-day free trial. We have also put together a full guide which includes the list of compatible devices.

History of Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder

The Stars have a tortured BBL history. Living up to their name, they have regularly assembled the most star-studded rosters in the competition, only to fall flat on their face in key moments.

The Stars have never won the BBL and have finished runner-up three times, including the last two seasons. That shows they are still a formidable foe, only missing the finals once in the competition's nine seasons. They also hold a 7-6 head-to-head advantage over the Thunder.

The Thunder, meanwhile, have only qualified for the finals twice. They've lifted the trophy once, back in 2015–16 when Usman Khawaja scored 70 in a thrilling run chase.

Their opponents that night? The cursed Stars.

Who will win Melbourne Stars vs Sydney Thunder?

All eyes will be on Maxwell, but we'll tip the Thunder in an upset here. Captain Callum Ferguson is a perennially under-rated batsman who could plunder at a batsman-friendly Manuka. Khawaja is another classy and consistent BBL performer while England internationals Billings and Alex Hales can clear the ropes with ease.

Image source: Kayo Sports website