Brisbane Heat keen to bounce back against the Adelaide Strikers after poor Gabba display

Another slow start to a BBL season has the Brisbane Heat needing a form turnaround to reach the finals.

Mark Steketee’s innings of 33 for the Heat against the Thunder wasn’t enough for the struggling Brisbane side. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Heat paceman Mark Steketee says Brisbane has plenty of time to salvage its BBL season but admits his side’s ordinary performance against Sydney Thunder can’t be repeated.

Perennial slow starters, the Heat have again begun their 2021-22 campaign poorly, losing three of their four matches.

Sunday night’s loss to the Thunder at the Gabba was particularly disturbing.

A forgettable bowling display allowed the Thunder to accumulate 7-196 from their 20 overs.

In reply, the Heat slumped to an embarrassing 5-15. Knocks from Tom Cooper (32), Xavier Bartlett (42 not out) and Steketee (33) saved some face, but the hosts were still beaten by 53 runs.

“It’s definitely not how we want to keep playing our season,” Steketee said.

“I feel like it’s a bit of a trend. We’ve definitely addressed it, but we’re just missing something there at the start of the season.”

The Heat lost four of their first five matches last season before winning six of their remaining nine games to reach the finals, where they won two more games before being knocked out by the Perth Scorchers.

Mark Steketee goes on the attack during his innings of 33 for the Heat against the Thunder at the Gabba. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Brisbane’s latest road to redemption starts on Thursday night in Adelaide against the Strikers.

“We’ve got another opportunity to play really well in these last 10 games and make the finals and go a couple better than what we did last year,” Steketee said.

“I never panic. You get on a roll in these games, in these tournaments, and it’s the back end that counts.

“If you can get yourself into the finals and come in with some good confidence and some good form, then you can go all the way from anywhere.”

For Steketee, it’s a quick return to South Australia after he was there for a few days last week as part of Australia’s Test squad for the Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval.

“I’d love to be a part of it, there’s no doubt about that,” said Steketee, who was in the Australia A team that beat the England Lions earlier this month in Brisbane.

“You’re kidding yourself if you don’t want part of an Australian side, especially in the Ashes.”

Steketee said he was delighted for fellow Heat and Queensland fast bowler Michael Neser to finally get his Test chance in Adelaide after a long wait.

“I was so happy for ‘Ness’,” he said.

“I was there to see his first wicket. I had goosebumps. I just gave him a big hug in the changing rooms.”

Originally published as Brisbane Heat keen to bounce back against the Adelaide Strikers after poor Gabba display