BBL 2017, Match 2 Preview: Brisbane Heat vs Melbourne Stars

Brisbane Heat had a decent campaign last time around, but that was all on the back of one individual brilliance of Chris Lynn. But only teamwork can win you titles and this time around, the Blues are looking very strong with a good mixture of youth and experience. Under the leadership of Brendon McCullum, they will kick-start their campaign against Melbourne Stars.

Melbourne Stars came close to winning the title on numerous occasion but always remained shy. This time around, they have a new leader in John Hastings, the former Australian International bowler who recently bid adieu to ODIs and Tests. The fast bowler brings in loads of experience with him and will be a great addition to the side.

Some very big names on the International circuit like Kevin Pietersen, Shadab Khan, James Faulkner, Glenn Maxwell and Luke Wright will be in action at the Gabba on Wednesday. The tournament kick-started with a mouth-watering Sydney Derby on Tuesday and it only raises the fans’ expectations for this game.

Toss: Melbourne Stars won the toss and opted to field

Brisbane Heat (Playing XI): Brendon McCullum(c), Jimmy Peirson(w), Sam Heazlett, Joe Burns, Alex Ross, Ben Cutting, Shadab Khan, Mark Steketee, Josh Lalor, Brendan Doggett, Mitchell Swepson

Melbourne Stars (Playing XI): Luke Wright, Ben Dunk(w), Kevin Pietersen, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, James Faulkner, John Hastings(c), Evan Gulbis, Adam Zampa, Scott Boland, Michael Beer

Focus will be on

Chris Lynn (Brisbane Heat)

One of the most explosive T20 cricketers in the world right now, Chris Lynn’s market value in the shortest format has risen astronomically. The 27-year-old is finding it difficult to make his place in the national side, but wherever he goes for a T20 League, he leaves his mark there. He is coming off a long injury layoff, which will only make his task more challenging.

Glenn Maxwell (Melbourne Stars)

He might be a little disappointed on missing out of the Ashes squad, but Maxwell now has a platform to prove the selectors wrong. After thinking hard for long, Maxwell received the cold shoulder from the Aussie selectors, which eventually paid off as they regained the Urn in style. The Big Show will be eager to blast a few bowling lineups and keep knocking the selectors’ doors till they break.

Playing combinations

Brisbane Heat

Chris Lynn and Joe Burns will open the innings for the Heat. Skipper Brendon McCullum will come in at number three, followed by the very talented Sam Heazlett. Alex Ross, Josh Lalor, Ben Cutting, and Jimmy Pierson are the other cricketers who will be appearing in the middle order.

Mitchell Swepson is touted as the next big thing in the Aussie spin department, it’ll be interesting to see how he copes. Accompanying him is Pakistan’s teenage sensation Shadab Khan in the spin department. Josh Lalor, Ben Cutting, and Mark Steketee are the other bowling options for McCullum.

Melbourne Stars

Previous year’s highest run-scorer Ben Dunk will open the innings alongside English cricketer Luke Wright. They have some pretty experienced T20 cricketers in Marcus Stoinis, Kevin Pietersen, Faulkner and Glenn Maxwell, who add a lot of firepower in the middle order.

Evan Gulbis and Scot Boland will be trusted with the new ball for the Stars, alongside skipper John Hastings. They have some wonderful all-rounders like James Faulkner, Luke Wright, Marcus Stoinis, and Maxwell, who add a different dimension to the side. Adam Zampa will be operating with Michael Beer in the spin department.

StatAttack

1 – Ben Dunk, who represented Adelaide last season, finished as the highest run-scorer in the 2016-17 campaign.

3 – Chris Lynn is the third highest run-scorer in BBL history with 1,412 runs.