Nathan McSweeney’s epic act in match winning BBL knock for Brisbane Heat

Nathan McSweeney starred for the Brisbane Heat on his return to the BBL in the perfect response to being dropped from the Test side.

Test discard Nathan McSweeney made a memorable and match-winning return to the BBL in Brisbane Heat’s thrilling three-wicket victory over the Adelaide Strikers on Sunday night.

Dropped from the Australian team for the Boxing Day Test against India after playing in the first three matches of the series, McSweeney — who is captain of South Australia’s Sheffield Shield side – was rushed back into Brisbane’s team for the Gabba clash.

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And he didn’t disappoint, shrugging off the low of his Test axing with a match-defining 78 not out off 49 balls as the Heat reached their target of 175 off the last ball of their 20th and final over to start the defence of their title with back-to-back wins.

It was Mitch Swepson who hit the final run but McSweeney’s innings was the difference in a superb contest.

The Heat’s win was also aided by an impressive 54 off 27 balls from Matt Renshaw, who seemed set for a bigger score until he was bowled by leg-spinner Lloyd Pope, sweeping the ball on to his stumps to leave the Heat at 3-85 in the 10th over.

McSweeney, who had strode to the crease with the Heat’s score at 1-14, then upped the ante as he guided Brisbane home on his return to domestic cricket. At one stage he hit a ramp shot over the wicketkeeper’s head.

Watch Nathan McSweeney’s highlights in the video above

Nathan McSweeney plays a reverse sweep during his match-winning innings for Brisbane Heat against the Adelaide Strikers. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

“It was nice to contribute and be not out in the chase, so it’s a great night for us, and we’re two from two, so it’s a great start to the season,” McSweeney told Fox Sports.

“I really enjoyed my time in the three weeks I was around the Test squad, and absolutely loved every minute of it, but when I’m back here I’m just trying to win the game for Brisbane, and I’m very happy that we could get the job done.”

Nathan McSweeney got picked for all the reasons we’ve all seen in the last 48 hours since he was dropped. Class, poise, temperament, care and clear ability. On and off the field. And it’s why he’ll play a lot more Test cricket for his country in the future.

— Adam White (@White_Adam) December 22, 2024

What an innings of skill and character from Nathan McSweeney 👍
Dropped from Test cricket to match winner in the @BBL#WellPlayedpic.twitter.com/8xEwW9Frex

— Damien Fleming (@bowlologist) December 22, 2024

Earlier, McSweeney told Channel 7 he hoped to “one day be a permanent member” of the Test team.

“All the guys and the support staff have made me feel very welcome. It was a dream come true,” he said.

“I’ll put my head down and work really hard in the nets, and if I get another opportunity, hopefully I can play a bit better.

“Not that I scored the runs I would have liked, but I felt like my gane was in a decent spot.”

Earlier, a brilliant cameo from Englishman Jamie Overton, who made an unbeaten 45 off just 24, ensured the Strikers posted a competitive total of 6-174 from their 20 overs.

Jamie Overton smashes the ball during his unbeaten innings of 45 for the Adelaide Strikers against Brisbane Heat. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

It was an innings that was marred by a mix-up that led to his batting partner Alex Ross being run out for 20 in the 16th over to leave the Strikers at 5-112.

However aided by a swift 23 from 11 balls by the powerful James Bazley, Overton more than made up for costing Ross his wicket with an impressive innings that included three sixes and three fours.

Thornton’s highs and lows

Strikers paceman Henry Thornton had an eventful few overs early in the Heat’s innings.

With the Heat having already lost the wicket of opener Jimmy Peirson for just eight – off the bowling of Thornton – the Strikers had the chance to grab a second scalp in just the third over when Brisbane captain Colin Munro failed to properly connect with a ball from Jamie Overton.

The Kiwi veteran skied it to short mid-wicket, with Thornton seeming certain to take the catch.

However, much to his horror, he dropped a sitter,

But rather than drop his head, Thornton didn’t take long to make amends, clean bowling Munro for seven with the first ball of the next over as Brisbane slumped to 2-19.