A look ahead at the chances of the Brisbane Heat team in the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL), with their campaign beginning on December 11, 2020.
Brisbane Heat were the champions in the second edition of the BBL, but are yet to replicate that success. In fact, that remains their only appearance in a final, and they have only qualified for the latter changes on one other occasion, in 2016/17. Still, there were signs of progress last season, when a congested points table meant just one point separated Brisbane Heat in seventh and Hobart Hurricanes in fourth. A run for the playoffs in the 2020 season isn’t beyond them.
Brisbane Heat BBL team preview
If you’re an England fan, then Brisbane Heat are the BBL team to follow. While Tom Banton will no longer be appearing this season, they’ve added specialist finisher Lewis Gregory, coming man Dan Lawrence, and South Africa-turned-Surrey star Morne Morkel to their impressive roster. With Mitch Swepson the country’s in-form spinner, hopes are high that the Heat can turn around their sketchy recent form.
Brisbane Heat squad list
Chris Lynn (c), Xavier Bartlett, James Bazley, Max Bryant, Joe Burns, Tom Cooper, Lewis Gregory, Sam Heazlett, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Ben Laughlin, Dan Lawrence, Morne Morkel, Jimmy Peirson, Mark Steketee, Mitch Swepson, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Jack Wildermuth, Matthew Willans, Simon Milenko, Jack Wood, Lachlan Pfeffer
Key domestic player: Chris Lynn
Now largely unencumbered by international obligations, Chris Lynn can go focus on doing what he does best: dominating Big Bash League attacks and indoctrinating fans to his own brand of Lynsannity. Last season was an unusually modest one for the hard-hitting batsman – he managed only two fifties and averaged under 30 for the first time since 2013/14 – so he’ll be desperate to make amends in 2020.
Key overseas player: Mujeeb Ur Rahman
The Afghan wunderkind was Brisbane Heat’s most economical bowler in the 2019 tournament, conceding just over a run a ball in his six appearances. His unique bag of tricks and variations will be key in stifling powerful batting orders, while his ability to bowl at various stages of the innings means he balances the Heat’s attack well.
Brisbane Heat BBL schedule
Dec 11, 2020, Melbourne Stars v Brisbane Heat, Manuka Oval, 7:15 pm
Dec 14, 2020,Sydney Thunder v Brisbane Heat, Manuka Oval 7.15 pm
Dec 23, 2020, Brisbane Heat v Adelaide Strikers, The Gabba, 6.15 pm
Dec 27, 2020 Brisbane Heat v Hobart Hurricanes, The Gabba, 6.15 pm
Dec 30, 2020, Hobart Hurricanes v Brisbane Heat, The Gabba, 6.15 pm
Jan 2, 2021, Brisbane Heat v Sydney Sixers, TBC 8.15 pm
Jan 4, 2021, Brisbane Heat v Sydney Thunder, TBC, 7.15 pm
Jan 7, 2021, Brisbane Heat v Melbourne Stars, TBC, 9.20 pm
Jan 10, 2021, Sydney Sixers v Brisbane Heat, TBC, 7.15 pm
Jan 14, 2021, Brisbane Heat v Melbourne Renegades, TBC, 7.15 pm
Jan 19, 2021, Perth Scorchers v Brisbane Heat, TBC, 7.15 pm
Jan 21, 2021, Adelaide Strikers v Brisbane Heat, TBC, 7.15 pm
Jan 23, 2021, Melbourne Renegades v Brisbane Heat, TBC, 4.05 pm
Jan 26, 2021, Brisbane Heat v Perth Scorchers, TBC, 1.05 pm
