2024-25 Big Bash League Preview: Brisbane Heat
As the 14th edition of Australia’s Big Bash League draws ever closer, we’re previewing the tournament by analysing all eight squads in depth.
This piece sees us focus on two-time Big Bash League champions and BBL 13 winners, Brisbane Heat.
Captain: Usman Khawaja
Head Coach: Johan Botha
Confirmed Overseas Players: Colin Munro (NZ), Paul Walter (ENG), Tom Alsop (ENG)
Last Season: Champions
Betting Analysis: Batting
The Heat will be without a number of their top order batters to begin the tournament due to Australia’s Test series against India. Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne and most notably, captain Usman Khawaja all won’t be available initially. McSweeney in particular, is a huge miss having played a big role in Brisbane’s title winning campaign last season, leading the side in Khawaja’s absence. Josh Brown, who top scored for the Heat in BBL13, has left for Melbourne Renegades.
Plenty will depend on Colin Munro at the top of the order and bettors should specifically focus on his six-hitting abilities. Matt Renshaw has the potential to accumulate a significant number of big scores, whilst wicket-keeper Jimmy Peirson is likely to open the batting initially. Tom Alsop has been drafted in as an overseas signing to replace countryman Sam Billings, who has joined Sydney Thunder. But it may take Alsop time to adapt to the standard of cricket and Australian pitches/conditions.
Betting Analysis: Bowling
The main foundation to Brisbane Heat’s success last season was their brilliant bowling attack, two of whom ended the tournament as its top two wicket-takers. A fast bowler with wicked variations, Xavier Bartlett picked up the ‘Golden Arm’ award with 20 wickets and bettors would be wise to note his potency and importance to the Heat.
Another speedster in Spencer Johnson took 19 wickets in 2023-24 and his raw pace will always trouble opposition batters. All-rounder Paul Walter has also been retained, the Essex’s star’s left-arm bowling saw him plunder 17 wickets last time out and the left-arm medium quick boasts a dramatic change of pace which makes him very hard to hit for maximums. However, a hamstring injury renders Michael Neser a doubt for his side’s opening game.
Brisbane Heat Prediction: Slow start expected
It will be very difficult for Brisbane Heat to retain their title when considering the number of big players missing for them come the start of the tournament, not to mention the loss of Brown. Once again, they are likely to play to their strengths of utilising quick bowlers with significant changes of speed on the bouncy, hard pitches of the Gabba. But the batting looks weak on paper and it would be no surprise if the Heat begin the tournament slowly, before improving down the stretch.
