Reigning BBL champs Brisbane Heat host Strikers in first Gabba home game
The BBL’s best fast bowler is determined to lead the Heat to a second straight title – starting with a danger game at The Gabba this weekend. Get the lowdown on that match, and other events happening around Brisbane.
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The Brisbane Heat’s first home game of the 2024/25 tournament will be a battle of the BBL titans.
Last season’s highest wicket takers, the Heat’s Xavier Bartlett and Spencer Johnson, will be taking on the highest run scorer, Strikers captain Matt Short, in a replay of the Challenger semi-final.
The teal team outlasted the blue by 54 runs in that match, and went on to win The Final by the same margin over the Sixers two days later.
Bartlett expected the December 22 contest at The Gabba to be full of spice, with both sides fielding strong teams again this year.
“We’re expecting them to come really hard at us, as one of the premier teams in the comp,” the paceman said.
“Short sets the tone at the top of the order, so hopefully we can get him out rather cheaply.”
Bartlett also named England Test star Ollie Pope and big-hitters Chris Lynn and Jake Weatherald as potential dangers in the opposition’s line-up – but the Strikers will no doubt be talking about him in the same way.
In addition to his stellar form in the BBL last season, the Queenslander has been a regular in Australia’s white-ball line-ups of late and blitzed Victoria with a spell of 5-32 in the Sheffield Shield earlier this month, after returning from a side strain.
Bartlett is hungry for more appearances for Australia – including at Test level. But for now, his sights are solely set on propelling the Heat to a second straight title.
“I’m really excited for this year’s Big Bash, my body is feeling really good,” the 25-year-old said.
“Trying to go back-to-back will be a really big challenge, but we’re looking forward to that challenge. We’ve had basically the same list for two years now, so you gel together, know each other’s strengths.”
Bartlett snared three wickets in the Heat’s first match of the season at the MCG – an eight-wicket win over the Melbourne Stars.
He has played in teal since 2020. The side is stacked with his “best mates”, including new Aussie Test opener Nathan McSweeney who Bartlett has been playing with “since I was about 12 or 13”.
“Same with Max Bryant, I went to school with Matt Kuhnemann,” he added. “I absolutely love bowling with Spencer (Johnson). To see him rise over the last couple of years, take his chances to play franchise cricket all around the world and play cricket for Australia, I’m really pleased for him.”
One new face at the club is former South African all-rounder Johan Botha, who has taken on the head coach roles at the Heat and Queensland Bulls.
Bartlett said Botha had impressed him in the Shield.
“It’s really exciting for our group to have him,” he said. “We’ve also got (New Zealand journeyman) Colin Munro and Usman Khawaja, two senior players we’ll lean on a lot.”
Bartlett expected Test trio Khawaja, McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne to join the group once the series against India wrapped up, adding the squad would “welcome them with open arms.
“They’re class players who have been integral parts of the squad for a number of years,” he said.
Heat fans should also be excited to cheer on English all-rounder Paul Walter – “a breakout star for us last year” – and “unsung heroes”, spinners Kuhnemann and Mitch Swepson.
The Brisbane Heat will take on the Adelaide Strikers at The Gabba, 6.15pm on December 22. Tickets available via Ticketek.
WHAT’S ON IN BRISBANE
Brisbane International tennis
Nick Kyrgios’ return to tennis will ensure big crowds and another bumper edition of the Brisbane International. One of the city’s most popular summer events features Kyrgios, Italian Matteo Berrettini, defending champion Grigor Dimitrov, Gael Monfils, Alexei Popyrin and Jordan Thompson in the men’s draw. The women’s schedule includes reigning Australian Open and US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka and world No.4 Jessica Pegula. The tournament runs from December 29 to January 5 at the Queensland Tennis Centre. Kids go free as part of Family Fun Day on December 29. Adult ticket prices start from $30 and a family pass (two adults and two children) starts from $60.
Visit brisbaneinternational.com.au
Folk Festival
More than 2000 artists, musicians and presenters from across Australia and around the world will grace the stages of the Woodford Folk Festival, from December 27 to January 1. This year’s program includes Baker Boy, Jaguar Jonze, Meg Washington, Tia Gostelow, The Joy (South Africa) and Amanda Rheaume (Canada). The annual festival has arts and crafts, dance workshops, comedy shows and a special New Year’s Day showcase.
Visit woodfordfolkfestival.com
A Christmas Carol
The award-winning stage spectacle, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, is playing at QPAC’s Playhouse until December 24. Adapted by Shake & Stir Theatre Company, this is a magical, large-scale production full of song, humour, love and lashings of festive joy perfect for the entire family. A Christmas Eve featuring the story of Ebenezer Scrooge runs for 90 minutes and is suitable for audiences 10 years and older.
Visit qpac.com.au
Bound for Glory
Brisbane Roar host Perth Glory in Round 9 of the A-League Men’s competition on December 21. Both the Roar and Glory have endured tough starts to the season, but the A-League is where future stars of the game get their start. The match at Suncorp Stadium starts at 4pm. Tickets start from $22.
Visit brisbaneroar.com.au
Night racing
This weekend’s Queensland Summer Racing Carnival will feature night racing at the Gold Coast on Friday, December 20, and Group racing at Eagle Farm on Saturday, December 21.
It’s all part of the lead-in to the Magic Millions on the Gold Coast in January. The carnival delivers nearly $30m in prize money and bonuses, with 10 action-packed meetings showcasing the nation’s top talent.
Visit racingqueensland.com.au
Party time
Furnace and the Fundamentals will be bringing a Christmas-themed party to the Tivoli on December 21. Billed as “Australia’s most epic party band”, the six-piece music entertainers perform A Very Furnace Christmas at the popular Brisbane live music venue from 8.30pm.
Visit thetivoli.com.au
Have a ball
A Queensland derby kickstarts Round 13 of the National Basketball League on Friday, December 20. The Brisbane Bullets will host Cairns Taipans at the Brisbane Entertainment from 6.30pm. The Bullets also have a home game against the Illawarra Hawks on December 27. There are a range of hospitality and ticketing options at Bullets games, including courtside seats and Champions Club access.
Visit brisbanebullets.com.au
NYE fireworks
There are plenty of family-friendly fireworks events planned for New Year’s Eve. In Brisbane, the annual Lord Mayor’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks will be held at South Bank Parklands with two free shows (7.45pm and midnight). The best viewing locations are Clem Jones Promenade, the Cultural Forecourt, Riverside Green and River Quay. On the Gold Coast, celebrations take place from 8pm everywhere from Broadbeach and Coolangatta, to Coomera and Surfers Paradise. Check your local council websites for times and locations.
Originally published as Reigning BBL champs Brisbane Heat host Strikers in first Gabba home game
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