Brisbane Heat won’t change their style, despite BBL opener loss

The failure of Brisbane’s big-hitting batting line-up against the Sydney Thunder was a familiar story – but English import Tom Banton says it won’t stop the Heat playing on the front foot.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – DECEMBER 17: Tom Banton of the Heat hits the ball over the boundary for a six during the Big Bash League match between the Brisbane Heat and the Sydney Thunder at The Gabba on December 17, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

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Heat import Tom Banton says Brisbane will not tone down its aggressive approach to the Big Bash after suffering a trademark loss in the opening match of the tournament.

The Heat went down to the Sydney Thunder by 29 runs on Tuesday night at the Gabba, failing to chase down a modest total of 172.

The loss was all too familiar for the Heat, whose big-hitting batting line-up failed to fire against the Thunder’s average bowling attack.

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Cutting’s 28 was as big as it got for the Heat. Photo: AAP Image/Albert Perez

All-rounder Ben Cutting top scored for the Heat with 28 as Brisbane struggled to mount any genuine partnership and was bowled out in 19.2 overs.

The Heat played too many loose shots, picking out Thunder fielders in what was more like catching practice for the visitors.

Brisbane will get a chance to bounce back against the Melbourne Stars at Metricon Stadium on Friday night and Banton said they wouldn’t be winding back their all-out approach.

“We said we were always going to be positive,” said Banton, who opened his BBL account with two booming sixes before being caught for 16.

“Some days it will come off and it hasn’t this time. I don’t think we’re going to back down. We will keep going in the next game.”

Banton’s BBL introduction went the usual Heat way. Photo: AAP Image/Albert Perez

The Heat’s five specialist batsmen – Banton, Max Bryant (11), captain Chris Lynn (nine), Matt Renshaw (26) and Sam Heazlett (12) – were all caught trying to hit boundaries.

The Heat had a number of batting collapses last season which saw them miss the finals and resulted in the departure of coach Daniel Vettori and Kiwi star Brendon McCullum.

But Cutting said the Thunder game wasn’t a hangover from last summer’s woes.

“There’s too many new faces for it to be the same old scenario,” he said. “The wicket didn’t shape up like we thought it was going to. Maybe (we have to be a bit smarter) at the top.

“Another night those balls go for six and it doesn’t matter, we’re sitting here talking about a different game and we’ve chased the runs in 18 overs.

“That’s the nature of how we play our cricket. That’s why we’re so good at times, particularly at the Gabba, because we can get away from teams when we take the game on.”

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The Heat could look to bring specialist wicketkeeper Jimmy Peirson into their 11 for the Stars game after Banton admitted he wasn’t the greatest gloveman.

“I don’t mind doing it but I’ll be the first to admit I’m not the greatest at it,” he said.

“Batting is my No.1 priority. I’ll see what’s going to happen there. We’ve got Jimmy as well.”