BBL 2019-20, Match 1: Brisbane Heat vs Sydney Thunder: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Toss Update

Sydney Thunder won the toss and elected to bat first

Brisbane Heat:

Tom Banton(w), Max Bryant, Chris Lynn(c), Matt Renshaw, Sam Heazlett, Ben Cutting, Mark Steketee, Josh Lalor, Mitchell Swepson, Ben Laughlin, Zahir Khan

Sydney Thunder:

Usman Khawaja, Alex Hales, Callum Ferguson(c), Alex Ross, Daniel Sams, Matthew Gilkes(w), Chris Green, Nathan McAndrew, Arjun Nair, Jonathan Cook, Chris Tremain

Match Details:

The 1st match of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2019-20 will be played between Brisbane Heat and Sydney Thunder at  The Gabba in Brisbane.

Preview

Brisbane Heat will lock horns with Sydney Thunder in the season opener of BBL 2019-20. The Heat have announced a star-studded squad that comprises of Chris Lynn, Tom Banton, Max Bryant and Matt Renshaw, who will have a responsibility on their shoulders to score runs for their side. However, they will be short of their new signing AB de Villiers who will join the team in the second half of the season.

But, still, Heat has enough firepower present in their batting that can outclass Thunder in the season opener. In bowling, they have Josh Lalor, Ben Cutting and Mitch Swepson, who did convincingly well in the previous season of the league and the same will be expected from them again.

Sydney Thunder has Callum Ferguson, Alex Hales and Usman Khawaja with the bat whereas in bowling they have Chris Green, who is an exciting bowler. They also have a formidable fast bowling duo of  Chris Tremain and Daniel Sams as they will play an important role for their side in taking early wickets in the match.

Weather Condition/Report:

The weather for the BBL 2019-20 season opener is expected to be perfect with no chances of rain. However, the temperature is expected to deviate between 29 and 31 Degree Celsius according to Accuweather.

Pitch Condition/Report:

The track at Gabba is expected to go in favour of the fast bowlers as far as trends are concerned. The pacemen will get a lot of bounce from the wicket because of which the batsmen will thrive for playing strokes against them. However, the team batting first will have to post some big score otherwise they will have to end up on the losing side. The chasing teams have found it relatively easy at this venue.

Average first innings score: 151 (Completed T20 matches in BBL 2018-19)

Chasing team’s record: Won – 4, Lost – 0, NR – 1

Injury and Availability News:

AB de Villiers will join the Brisbane Heat in the second half of the season.

Probable Playing XIs

Brisbane Heat:

Chris Lynn (c), Tom Banton, Max Bryant, Matthew Renshaw, Ben Cutting, Sam Heazlett, James Peirson (WK), Josh Lalor, Ben Laughlin, Mitch Swepson, Zahir Khan.

Bench – Cameron Gannon, Mark Steketee

Sydney Thunder:

Alex Hales, Usman Khawaja, Callum Ferguson, Alex Ross, Matthew Gilkes (WK), Nathan McAndrew, Arjun Nair, Dan Sams, Tanveer Sangha, Chris Green, Chris Tremain.

Bench – Jonathan Cook, Liam Hatcher

Team News:

Chris Lynn is a T20 specialist batsman, who is known for his hitting. In the previous BBL season, he mustered 385 runs in 14 games with four half-centuries. He will be a hot favourite pick for any Dream11 Fantasy Side. Callum Ferguson had a great stint in BBL 2018-19 as he scored 442 runs in his 14 outings and will look to do the same in the season opener. Josh Lalor will be another important player to watch out, who was the leading wicket-taker for his side Sydney Thunder in last season.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain Options – Chris Lynn, Tom Banton, Callum Ferguson

Vice-Captain Options – Alex Hales, Usman Khawaja, James Peirson

Suggested playing XI no.1 for fantasy cricket:

Keeper – James Peirson

Batsmen – Chris Lynn, Tom Banton (C), Alex Hales, Usman Khawaja, Callum Ferguson (VC)

All-Rounders –Matthew Renshaw, Daniel Sams

Bowlers – Josh Lalor, Chris Tremain, Chris Green

Suggested playing XI no.2 for fantasy cricket:

Keeper – Matthew Gilkes

Batsmen – Chris Lynn, Tom Banton, Usman Khawaja (C), Callum Ferguson

All-Rounders –Matthew Renshaw, Daniel Sams, Ben Cutting (VC)

Bowlers – Josh Lalor, Chris Tremain, Mitch Swepson

Expert Advice:

Try to pick fast bowlers in the opening match because of the conditions that are expected to go in favour of the pacers. Usman Khwaja and Chris Lynn are expected to play a good knock in the opening game for their side.

Probable Winners:

Brisbane Heat is the favourites to win the season opener against Sydney Thunder.

*Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision