The Brisbane Heat fell agonisingly short of a finals appearance in BBL08 missing the finals by just one point. After an impressive off season of recruiting, they head into BBL09 as favourites. We take a look at the Brisbane Heat in our full 2019-20 Big Bash League team preview below!
Brisbane Heat Team Preview
Current Squad: Chris Lynn, Tom Banton, AB de Villiers, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Zahir Khan, Ben Laughlin, James Pattinson, Max Bryant, Joe Burns, Ben Cutting, Sam Heazlett, Matthew Renshaw, Josh Lalor, Mitch Swepson, Jack Prestwidge, Mark Steketee, Jimmy Peirson, Marnus Labuschagne, Matt Kuhnemann, Cameron Gannon
Last Season: 5th
In: AB de Villiers, Tom Banton, Zahir Khan, Ben Laughlin, Cameron Gannon
Out: Brendon McCullum, Brendan Doggett, Alex Ross
Brisbane showed plenty of promise but were plagued by inconsistency in BBL08. Their batting was destructive and capable of putting up big scores, however their bowling line up struggled to contain opposing sides.
The Heat addressed their bowling weakness by picking up the BBL’s all time wicket taker in Ben Laughlin and further strengthened their batting by signing AB de Villers, arguably the best ever import to play in the history of the BBL.
The Heat won’t have too many issues with international duties, Joe Burns, Marnus Labuschagne will miss the beginning of the season with test duties. Given the form of the test bowling attack, it looks unlikely that James Pattinson will feature in the test side which is a big bonus for the Heat.
Darren Lehmann returns to coach the Heat in BBL09 after coaching the Heat in the BBL01 before becoming the Australian coach.
Batting
AB de Villers, Chris Lynn, Max Bryant, Tom Banton, Sam Heazlett make up a formidable batting line up, and that’s without adding Marnus Labuschagne and Joe Burns into the side when test duties finish. It’s clear to see the Heat have the best batting side in the comp, spoilt with depth and variety which will allow them to throw up many different combinations to suit whatever situation is thrown at them.
Banton will play the first the first eight games of the season before de Villers will play the remaining part of the season. BBL08 saw the emergence of a new ‘bash brother’ in Max Bryant, along with Chris Lynn will look to cause carnage at the top of the order on an excellent batting surface at the Gabba.
The bash brothers will be well complimented by Sam Heazlett, Labuschagne and Joe Burns through the middle order. There is no weakness in this batting line up, the Heat will no longer rely solely on their power hitters at the top of the order. They have a batting line up with real substance which will help them avoid the inconsistency that plagued them last season.
Bowling
Ben Laughlin is a massive signing for the Heat who have always struggled in the bowling department across the history of the BBL. Pair Laughlin with James Pattinson and Afghanistan spin duo Mujeeb and Zahir Khan, the Heat at full strength possess a lethal bowling attack.
Along with Mitchell Swepson, the Heat will be able to throw out some spin heavy attacks if they want. Cameron Gannon and Ben Cutting will be competing for the third seamer spot in the side. The Heat possess almighty variety and depth in their bowling, it will be interesting to see how they line up come the pointy end of the season.
Best XI
1. Chris Lynn
2. Max Bryant
3. AB de Villiers
4. Marnus Labuschagne
5. Joe Burns
6. Sam Heazlett
7. Jimmy Pierson
8. James Pattinson
9. Ben Laughlin
10. Cameron Gannon
11. Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Prediction: 1st
The Heat are spoilt for choice with bat and ball, they are the clear favourites for the BBL09 premiership. It may take the Heat some time to figure out what their best eleven is, but they will be firing at the pointy end of the season. A destructive batting line up and a lethal bowling attack, this side is overflowing with talent. Expect the Heat to be raising the trophy at the final.
Max Bryant top BRI batsman
$2.50
Ben Laughlin top BRI bowler
$3.60
