BBL 2019-20 team preview, squad, predictions: Brisbane Heat

Brisbane Heat had won the second edition of the Big Bash League, back in 2012-13. However, since then they have made it to the top four only once, in 2016-17. They had finished fifth last season, missing out on a semi-final spot by 1 point despite winning their last 3 league matches.

However, their fortune may change this time. They managed to sign AB de Villiers, their greatest acquisition since Brendon McCullum, who had played for them till last season. In de Villiers, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Jimmy Neesham, and the newest sensation, Tom Banton (who is also likely to keep wickets), the Heat have found an excellent overseas contingency.

Chris Lynn and the big-hitting Max Bryant will join de Villiers and Banton to form one of the most explosive batting line-ups of the tournament. On the other hand, while they have quality spinners (including Mitchell Swepson), the James Pattinson-led attack is probably not the most potent of the lot.

In a nutshell, Brisbane’s success would depend a lot on their top order and spinners. A top-four spot seems unlikely at this stage, but who knows?

Key players

Chris Lynn: A much sought-after name in franchise cricket, the Brisbane captain strikes at 142 in this format. Fresh from a terrific show at the Abu Dhabi T10, Lynn will be key to the Heat’s success.

AB de Villiers: This will be “AB”‘s first appearance in BBL. Given his terrific record across formats and geography, he will almost certainly be a runaway success here.

Zahir Khan: Batsmen – even in international cricket – have not been comfortable against Zahir’s Chinaman bowling. Who knows, a mystery spinner may pave the path for Brisbane?

Brisbane Heat squad

Domestic players: Chris Lynn (c), Joe Burns, Max Bryant, Sam Heazlett, Matt Renshaw, Jimmy Peirson, Jack Prestwidge, Mark Steketee, Josh Lalor, James Pattinson, Ben Laughlin, Cameron Gannon, Mitchell Swepson.

Overseas players: AB de Villiers, Ben Curran, Jimmy Neesham, Tom Banton, Zahir Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

Coach: Darren Lehmann.

Prediction

Unlikely to make it to the top four.