The KFC Big Bash League (BBL) is set to kick off with an exciting opener featuring the Brisbane Heat against the Melbourne Renegades at GMHBA Stadium in Geelong. The match is scheduled for tomorrow at 6:15 PM Queensland time.
Brisbane Heat’s Updated Squad for BBL|15 Opener
Brisbane Heat welcomes back leftarm spinner Paddy Dooley. He joins the team as a Local Replacement Player for Matt Kuhnemann, who is recovering from a side strain. Dooley made his BBL debut with the Heat during the 202021 season and has played a total of 19 games for the Hobart Hurricanes since then.
- Paddy Dooley: 28 years old, 25 wickets in BBL, economy rate of 7.59, average of 20.60.
- Liam Haskett: 24 years old, previously played for Adelaide Strikers, joins as another Local Replacement Player.
Potential Debutants and Team Dynamics
Alongside Dooley and Haskett, the Heat may have up to five debutants for this game, including:
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Oli Patterson
- Hugh Weibgen
- Lachlan Hearne
Coach Johan Botha expressed confidence in the team’s depth, stating, “We’re pleased that Liam can join us. He’s had a taste of the BBL already.” Botha is optimistic about Dooley’s return, given his prior experience with the squad.
Injury Updates and Absentees
The Heat are managing injuries with two significant players unavailable for this match:
- Matt Kuhnemann (side strain)
- Tom Alsop (knee soreness)
Additionally, Australian representatives Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, and Michael Neser are absent as they prepare for the upcoming Ashes Test.
Match Overview
Brisbane Heat will be led by Nathan McSweeney, who has a strong track record, having captained his team to victory in the 202324 BBL Final against the Sydney Sixers. The encounter marks the fourth meeting between the Heat and Renegades at GMHBA Stadium, with the Heat winning two of the previous matches.
Football fans can catch the live broadcast of the match on Channel 7, 7Plus, Foxtel, and Kayo.
Brisbane Heat Squad for the Opening Game
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | International |
| Xavier Bartlett | Active |
| Max Bryant | Active |
| Paddy Dooley | Local Replacement Player |
| Liam Haskett | Local Replacement Player |
| Lachlan Hearne | Active |
| Nathan McSweeney (c) | Active |
| Colin Munro | International |
| Oli Patterson | Active |
| Jimmy Peirson | Active |
| Matthew Renshaw | Active |
| Hugh Weibgen | Active |
| Jack Wildermuth | Active |