Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
BBL08 Match 1: Brisbane Heat vs Adelaide Strikers Preview + Dream11
The eighth edition of the Big Bash League begins in Brisbane, AKA Kevin Pietersen’s favourite city. It is a full home and away season for the first time ever, which might be considered too long. However, there is little doubt that the competition will deliver plenty of excitement, as always.
The opening game sees Brisbane Heat come up against last season’s champions. The Heat possess plenty of firepower in their batting line up, and will be keen to improve on their seventh place finish in BBL07. Chris Lynn will skipper the side, and it will be interesting to see what impact leadership has on his batting, which will be key to the Heat’s fortunes this season.
Adelaide Strikers deservedly enter BBL08 as one of the favourites for the title. Skipper Travis Head will be missing for nearly the entirety of the campaign, but despite that, the Strikers still possess a fine squad that can give the competition a shake once again. Alex Carey has had a big year, following on from his magnificent BBL07 campaign, and the Strikers’ bowling attack will be keen to repeat their efforts from last season. Will they kick off the new season with a win away from home?
READ: Six big BBL08 predictions + Fantasy Tips!
Key to a Brisbane Heat win
Can Brisbane Heat be considered the Royal Challengers Bangalore of BBL?
The Heat once again enter a season with a batting heavy lineup. Chris Lynn and Brendon McCullum have the potential to tear attacks apart, especially at the Gabba, and these two are key to the Heat’s chances in the opening clash. However, Lynn and McCullum will need strong batting support. Joe Burns had a strong BBL07, striking at over 140, and the likes of Alex Ross and Ben Cutting will be key in delivering a strong total for the Heat.
But, their bowling lineup once again looks a little light, and will be banking on James Pattinson and Mujeeb Ur Rahman to deliver wickets and control. Ben Cutting, Josh Lalor, Ben Doggett and Mark Steketee went for a combined 9.47 an over in BBL07; an area Brisbane must improve. Can the Heat dismiss the dangerous Alex Carey and Jake Weatherald cheaply, off the back of building pressure through dots?
Brisbane Heat vs Adelaide Strikers Preview + Dream11: Chris Lynn is key to the Heat’s chances
Key to an Adelaide Strikers win
Like Chris Lynn and Brendon McCullum will be key for the Heat, the same applies to Alex Carey and Jake Weatherald for the Strikers. These two were central to Adelaide’s BBL07 success, and will be key again in ensuring the Strikers get BBL08 off to the perfect start. However, despite Travis Head missing, the Strikers still possess quality in the likes of Colin Ingram and Jake Lehmann, who can take apart a Heat attack that has struggled for control over the years. Can the Strikers’ batsmen deliver as a unit?
But, what could be central to the result is how the Strikers’ bowlers fare. The Gabba is known for its high scoring matches in BBL Cricket, and this is where Brisbane’s best chance lies in this one. Can Adelaide pick up regular wickets to halt the Heat’s progress? You can be certain Rashid Khan will be introduced to nullify the Lynn threat. Billy Stanlake, Peter Siddle, Michael Neser and Ben Laughlin represents a well-rounded bowling squad. If the Strikers bowlers have a good night out, there could very well be only one result.
Predicted Playing XIs
Brisbane Heat will be looking for some balance in their side to complement their big hitters.
Brisbane Heat: 1. Joe Burns, 2. Brendon McCullum, 3. Chris Lynn (c), 4. Max Bryant 5. Sam Heazlett, 6. James Peirson (wk), 7 Ben Cutting, 8. Mitch Swepson, 9. Mark Steketee, 10. James Pattinson, 11. Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Adelaide Strikers will be without Travis Head who is on Test duty.
Adelaide Strikers: 1. Alex Carey (wk), 2. Jake Weatherald, 3. Matthew Short, 4. Colin Ingram (c), 5. Jonathan Wells, 6. Jake Lehmann, 7. Rashid Khan, 8. Michael Neser, 9. Peter Siddle, 10. Billy Stanlake, 11. Ben Laughlin
Dream11
Strong options available with both bat and ball in the tournament opener. Below is my Dream11 team with a few pointers.
- Alex Carey is my pick for BBL08 leading runscorer. A cool, calm character, Carey can be captained with confidence.
- Jake Weatherald is gun for Adelaide, and is a good pick. Jake Lehmann offers good value, so too Colin Ingram.
- Chris Lynn is worth the price tag in BBL Cricket.
- James Pattinson and Mujeeb Ur Rahman will be key for Brisbane Heat.
- Rashid Khan can be counted on down the order, and of course with the ball. Ben Laughlin is an option for plenty of death wickets.
READ: Six big BBL08 predictions + Fantasy Tips!
Stats and Facts
- Head-to-Head: Brisbane Heat 3, Adelaide Strikers 4.
- Chris Lynn has hit the most sixes in BBL (102).
- Ben Laughlin has the most wickets in BBL (85).
Prediction
A high-scoring match could be on the cards to kick off BBL08.
I think Adelaide Strikers have the better balanced side, thanks to a more well-rounded attack, and will win this game.
Thanks for reading!
Also Read: Australia vs India 2nd Test Player Ratings! (Funny)
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BBL08 Match 1: Brisbane Heat vs Adelaide Strikers Preview + Dream11
