Laid-back Brisbane Heat star Max Bryant trying to ‘stress less’ ahead of Big Bash League campaign

HE is one of Australian cricket’s most relaxed characters but Max Bryant plans to take his laid-back attitude to even greater heights as he embarks on a new Big Bash League journey with the Brisbane Heat.

HE is one of Australian cricket’s most relaxed characters but Max Bryant plans to take his laid-back attitude to even greater heights as he embarks on a new Big Bash League journey with the Brisbane Heat.

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Preparing for the Heat’s BBL opener against Sydney Thunder at the Gabba on December 17, Bryant’s role has taken on greater significance this season following the departure of New Zealand great Brendon McCullum.

Still just 20, the Gold Coast Dolphins master blaster has been a revelation in his two-season, 14-game BBL career with Brisbane, averaging 27.91 at the top of the order at a blistering strike rate of 150.

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While another successful run in 2019-20 could put Bryant in the picture for Australian selection, he said he would do away with targets to that end in a bid to keep his mind as clear as possible.

“I don’t really like to make goals or expectations, I’m just that type of guy. I’m trying to stress less,” the Cudgen product said.

Gold Coast Dolphins and Brisbane Heat batsman Max Bryant at Surfers Paradise beach. Picture: Jerad Williams

“If I set a goal I get disappointed if I don’t achieve it so I’m just backing my training and my ability to try and get me over the line. I think it’s still the same game plan (despite McCullum’s exit) - just stick to the simple things, not try and overcomplicate things and try and win games for my team.

“The way I play is pretty attacking so I don’t really change my game too much. I’m looking forward to the Big Bash.

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“I’m very excited for the entertainment, the crowds and I think it’s going to be a good two months of cricket.”

Warming up for the BBL in Queensland Premier Cricket last weekend, Bryant smashed 140 from 108 balls – his second ton of the season - to lead the Dolphins to victory against Souths.

The knock, which included five sixes, was the perfect preparation as he join forces with Chris Lynn and international recruits AB de Villiers (South Africa) and Tom Banton (England) at the Heat.

“I played against Tom in the Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand a couple of years ago and we’ve seen what he can do in the international leagues. AB de Villiers is probably the best Twenty20 player that has ever existed so it’s good to have them in the team to try and learn some stuff off them,” Bryant said.

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“I’ve been in good form, I think. It’s always good to get a couple of scores under the belt before Big Bash, it gives that confidence to keep going.

Bryant in action for the Heat earlier this year. Picture: AAP Image/Dave Hunt

“I do think we have a very strong team. We’ve just got to search for that consistency, we didn’t really have too much last year.

“I think we were one of the better teams last year, we were just lacking that consistency. So hopefully with the two big names of Banton and de Villiers, it can help bring some consistency to the team.”

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The Heat will play games at Metricon Stadium against the Melbourne Stars (December 20) and Perth Scorchers (January 1).

Bryant will play for the Dolphins in their opening T20s against Wests and Souths in Brisbane tomorrow, before they return home to face Ipswich-Logan at Robina on Sunday.