BBL champions confident of going back-to-back- despite ‘big outs’
Reigning Big Bash champions the Brisbane Heat are confident they can go back-to-back despite being without two Aussie stars.
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The Brisbane Heat’s bid to win back-to-back Big Bash titles has copped an early blow, with Spencer Johnson and Michael Neser set to miss the early stages of BBL|14.
The Heat defeated the Sydney Sixers in last year’s final to claim the franchise’s second Big Bash title and their bowling attack was a key reason for the teal team’s success.
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Johnson was player of match in last season’s final and went on to make his Australian T20 and ODI debut along with fellow Heat quick Xavier Bartlett.
Johnson, 29, has secured massive paydays in the past two IPL auctions ($1.78m, $510,000) and the left armer has blossomed into one of the world’s leading T20 bowlers.
His figures of 5/26 against Pakistan last month were the best by an Australian fast bowler in T20 internationals.
But unfortunately for the Heat, they will be without Johnson for at least the Big Bash opener against the Melbourne Stars on Wednesday night as he manages a toe tendon complaint.
All-rounder Neser suffered a hamstring strain in the Australia A game last month and will also miss the early stages of the Heat’s Big Bash campaign.
“A big reason why we won last year was our bowlers were fit the whole time,” Heat veteran Jimmy Peirson told news.com.au. “We had six good, fit bowling options every game.
“They’re big parts of the puzzle, Xavier and Spencer, but unfortunately we’re starting without Spencer this first game. He’s got a little niggly injury we’re working through.
“Michael Neser is out as well so a couple of big holes there.
Peirson said Johnson has “got a torn tendon in his toe, that’s as much as I know about the actual injury”.
“We’re mindful of his workload for us for the entire tournament and there’s some white ball tours for Australia afterwards as well,” he said.
“The staff are being quite careful with that one, making sure he’s 100 per cent bulletproof ready to go.
“He’ll miss this first one and hopefully that’s it. It’s a day-by-day prospect at the moment.
“Some big outs definitely, but hopefully those guys will be back early in the tournament and we can keep them fit for the rest of the BBL.
“We’ve got some fast bowlers like Tom Whitney, he played his first game for Queensland this year. Jack Wildermuth, who’s played for the Renegades and the Heat as well, he’ll be part of the squad.
“There’s a big emphasis on Xavier (Bartlett) leading the attack with those guys out. We’ve got our usual guy ‘Tall Paul’ (English import Paul Walter) to bowl his little mystery left armers.
“We’ve got some good spin options with Matt Kuhnemann and Mitch Swepson as well. Will Prestwidge is another one, he’s a good all-round prospect. Definitely some good options.”
England’s Sam Billings has joined the Sydney Thunder, allowing Peirson to open the batting and be Brisbane’s first choice wicketkeeper.
“I had some good turnouts in the One Day games for Queensland, so I’m feeling good,” the 32-year-old said.
“I’m at that age now where I understand my game and know what I need to do to play at this level.
“A couple little changes to make to my game to make sure I’m ready to go at the top of the order. I’m looking forward to that role this year, really making it my own and making an impact on the game and hopefully winning some games for the Heat.”
Peirson said the Perth Scorchers and the Sydney Sixers were the “usual suspects” who would be the Heat’s biggest challengers to claiming consecutive titles.
“The Sixers had a win last night, they’re always clinical, particularly in the round games,” he said. “Perth Scorchers are always clinical as well.
“I actually like the Renegades on paper this year. They look like a strong attack, some good spin options, some good power at the top of the order.
“After winning it last year, I think we’re the team to beat. It’s going to be a great competition.”
The Heat are sponsored by Poolwerx and with a young family Peirson knows all too well the importance of keeping an eye on his kids during summer and all year round in the Queensland climate.
“Having two little ones, they’re three and four now, they’ll try anything so pool safety is really important,” he said.
“We’ve recently moved to a space with a pool so the kids are always in it having fun. I think the biggest thing is to watch your kids when they’re around the pool. Make sure it’s safe, they can’t climb up and get the gate open.
“Just enjoy the time out there with them rather than leave them to their own devices. If I leave them too long by themselves they’ll do something they shouldn’t. Always keeping them supervised when you’re enjoying outside time with them in the pool.”
Through its partnership with the Brisbane Heat, Poolwerx is bringing fans, families, and communities together and championing water safety this summer season. Download Poolwerx’ pool safety checklist here.
You can purchase tickets to Brisbane Heat BBL games here.
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