Last Updated on 4 days by Charbel Coorey
READ: January 6 2020: Thunder vs Heat Preview Preview and Dream11 Prediction
Just like that, another year has passed and the ninth edition of the Big Bash League is about to begin.
The 2010-2019 decade – about to end – saw the birth of the BBL and a significant change in the Australian summer landscape. It all kicks off again as Brisbane Heat and Sydney Thunder, both BBL underachievers despite one Title each, kick off the season at the Gabba.
READ: January 6 2020: Thunder vs Heat Preview Preview and Dream11 Prediction
Key Players to Watch/Key Stats
- Chris Lynn has four 50+ scores in his past six T20 innings. Also, he loves Sydney Thunder, scoring 427 runs against them in nine games at an average of 71.17 and strike rate of 175.00.
- Tom Banton is also one to watch. He is coming off a very successful T20 Blast campaign, scoring 549 runs at a strike rate of 161.47.
- Usman Khawaja is out with a point to prove at his home ground in domestic cricket. He has 87 runs in three games vs the Heat, with starts a key feature he needs to build on.
- Callum Ferguson is coming off 70 (55) in a trial game vs the Sixers. Usman Khawaja scored 66 and Arjun Nair scored 42 and took 3/25.
- Alex Hales lands in Australia having scored 97 off 55 balls in the Mzansi Super League.
- All-rounders Daniel Sams and Ben Cutting can provide excellent value with both bat and ball.
- Josh Lalor finished fourth in the BBL08 wicket-taking chart with 20.
Key to a Brisbane Heat win
The power in the Brisbane Heat lineup is scary. The much-anticipated debut of Tom Banton is upon us, and how quickly he can make an impact will be interesting to see. With Max Bryant, Ben Cutting and Chris Lynn also powerful hitters, the Heat will be out to push the Thunder onto the back foot early, of which the middle order, if needed, can build on.
However, can the Heat bowling withstand the pressure? Much like RCB in the IPL, the Heat’s bowling has often let them down despite their batsmen hitting big. Ben Laughlin, BBL’s all-time wicket-taker, will be out to take wickets in the crunch overs, along with the likes of Josh Lalor and the spinners keeping the Thunder batsmen quiet.
Key to a Sydney Thunder win
Shane Watson, who starred at the Gabba last season, is no longer at the helm. This is a worry for the Thunder, who often relied on Watson for his experience. However, Usman Khawaja, architect of the Thunder’s only Title, along with Alex Hales and captain Callum Ferguson, need to steer the ship of what is an inexperienced Thunder squad.
Also, can the Thunder limit the Heat’s hitting ability? Plenty of talent, such as Liam Hatcher (injury replacement for Gurinder Sandhu) and Tanveer Sangha, is available, but can they overcome inexperience and keep their cool? The slow bowlers, such as the ever-reliable Chris Green, might hold an important key in limiting the Heat batsmen, despite a good pitch expected.
Possible Playing 11
Brisbane Heat have named their 12-man squad. They found plenty of success by opening with Ben Cutting at the end of last season, and could do so again.
Brisbane Heat: 1. Tom Banton, 2. Ben Cutting, 3. Chris Lynn (c), 4. Max Bryant, 5. Matthew Renshaw, 6. Sam Heazlett, 7. James Peirson (wk), 8. Mitch Swepson, 9. Mark Steketee, 10. Josh Lalor, 11. Zahir Khan/Cameron Gannon
Sydney Thunder have also named their 12-man squad. Liam Hatcher has replaced Gurinder Sandhu, who is out with a calf injury. He could line up.
Sydney Thunder: 1. Usman Khawaja, 2. Alex Hales, 3. Callum Ferguson (c), 4. Alex Ross, 5. Daniel Sams, 6. Matthew Gilkes (wk), 7. Chris Green, 8. Arjun Nair, 9. Nathan McAndrew, 10. Liam Hatcher, 11. Chris Tremain
Pitch and Conditions
The forecast looks great for the first game of BBL09: about 25 degrees by the time the first ball is bowled. Traditionally, the Gabba surface offers very true pace and bounce – expect the same here.
Dream11 Prediction
READ: January 6 2020: Thunder vs Heat Preview Preview and Dream11 Prediction
Option 1:
Option 2:
READ: January 6 2020: Thunder vs Heat Preview Preview and Dream11 Prediction
Match Prediction
Should be a blockbusting start to the BBL09 season.
Brisbane Heat have won seven out of eight completed games vs Sydney Thunder. With a powerful looking team on paper (even without AB de Villiers yet), the Heat look good for a first-up win.
Thanks for reading!
