Brisbane Heat: All hot air or the real deal in BBL 2020-21

Brisbane Heat fans have heard it all before. This import will shine, our star batsmen have fired with clubs in BBL warm-ups. But is it just more hot air or is Brisbane Heat the real deal?

Brisbane Heat fans have heard it all before. This import will shine, our star batsmen have fired with clubs in BBL warm-ups. But is it just more hot air or is Brisbane Heat the real deal in 2020-21?

On paper, yet again, the Heat should be semi-final contenders.

But supporters have every right to view the team’s prospects with suspicion given the underwhelming performances over the last few seasons.

Have the players given supporters who flock to the Gabba in their droves value for money? Absolutely not.

And to be brutally honest, as a person sitting at home willing better for the side, the team has come across poorly, very poorly via the television.

You know what it looked liked?

It has looked like the side has been in desperate need of a pep talk from Queensland Bulls batting greats Allan Border or Kepler Wessels about putting value on their wickets.

It has looked like the team has needed to peer into the grandstands filled with people, then look down on the badge on their chest and perform accordingly.

One of the worst things to happen to the Heat’s BBL squad was when Chris Lynn, at the height of his extraordinary deeds several seasons ago, uttered the words in an interview: “See ball, hit ball.’’

Max Bryant is a thrilling opening batsmen. (AAP Image/Darren England)

Is it really that simple?

Take Lynn as an example. If Chris Lynn had not been hampered by injury, few doubt he would not have been a serious Test cricket contender. He is that good.

And he is still that good. 

But does he do his ability justice?

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Put simply, if Chris Lynn bats 15 overs he scores plenty of runs because he is a natural talent.

The same with Max Bryant. Is thrashing 30 and then getting out really good enough?

If Bryant bats deep into the 20 over innings, he will have a mountain of runs to his name because he is a natural scorer, a natural talent.

But to bat 15 overs or more, a batsman will need to defend some good balls, or push ones and twos.

There is no harm in that, even in T20 cricket.

So just like in previous seasons, a legion of fans will get behind the Heat - again - hoping to see a change from previous summers. Because change is needed. 

The Heat’s campaign starts with an away game on Friday against Melbourne Stars (Manuka Oval), with the first home match on December 23 against the Adelaide Strikers.

Originally published as Brisbane Heat: All hot air or the real deal in BBL 2020-21