2018-19 Big Bash League – Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Thunder Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Thunder taking place? Thursday, 17th January - 08:15 (UK)
Where is Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Thunder taking place? The Gabba
What is the expected weather for Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Thunder? Temperatures between 24-28c with no rain expected
What channel is Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Thunder on? Channel 7 & Fox in Australia & BT Sport 2 in the UK
Where can I stream Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Thunder? BT Sport subscribers can stream the match online via the BT Sport website
Where can I get tickets for Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Thunder? http://www.brisbaneheat.com.au/tickets
THE STATISTICS
HEAD-TO-HEAD
All-time meetings: Brisbane Heat W7, Sydney Thunder W1
Last meeting: Brisbane Heat beat Sydney Thunder by 15 runs (D/L)
THE TEAM NEWS
BRISBANE HEAT
Coach: Daniel Vettori
Captain: Chris Lynn
- Brisbane will be looking to build on a resounding 101-run win over Melbourne Renegades on Sunday, their third victory of the season and one which leaves them in sixth position in the standings, but only two points off the top four.
- Batsman Sam Heazlett and pace bowler Mark Steketee are recalled to the squad for the match at The Gabba, with Marnus Labuschagne, Matt Renshaw and Joe Burns all leaving the setup to join up with the Cricket Australia XI team in Hobart for the tour match against Sri Lanka which weakens them notably.
- Paceman James Pattinson, who had picked up four wickets in five matches with an economy rate of 6.76, has been ruled out for the rest of the competition with the side strain which kept him sidelined against the Renegades.
SYDNEY THUNDER
Coach: Shane Bond
Captain: Shane Watson
- The Thunder sit second in the table with four wins from their eight games so far and go to The Gabba off the back of a thumping 71-run win against Adelaide Strikers on Sunday so confidence is good.
- The match at Spotless Stadium was the team’s first without leading run scorer Jos Buttler following his departure to join up with the England squad in the West Indies and Jay Lenton is set to keep his place behind the stumps in his absence.
- Ryan Gibson is named in the Thunder squad for the first time this season, replacing Jason Sangha, who has joined up with the Cricket Australia side for their three-day match at Blundstone Arena.
THE PREDICTION
With both teams coming into the game on a high following emphatic wins last time out, an intriguing contest is in store and it could be explosive stuff with two of the BBL’s star men, Chris Lynn and Shane Watson, set to lock horns. Both arrive at The Gabba in top form and have the capability to make a match-winning impact, although with three of the competition’s top scorers in their ranks – McCullum, Max Bryant and Chris Lynn – the Heat’s firepower can overpower the Thunder and end a six-game losing streak at home.
