Dumped Test batsman Nathan McSweeney may return for Brisbane Heat against Adelaide

Having been dropped from the Australian team, Nathan McSweeney could play in the BBL on Sunday night for the Brisbane Heat.

Test discard Nathan McSweeney is a chance to return to BBL duty with Brisbane Heat at the Gabba on Sunday night.

Dumped from the Australian squad on Friday just three Tests into his international career, McSweeney – who was Brisbane’s captain in last season’s final win over the Sydney Sixers – could make his first appearance of the BBL season when the Heat host the Adelaide Strikers,

The Heat, whose title defence started on a successful note midweek with an eight-wicket midweek win over the Melbourne Stars at the MCG, will finalise their squad on Saturday.

Apart from the potential presence batting all-rounder McSweeney, the Heat may also be boosted by the availability of experienced New Zealand batsman Colin Munro, who missed Wednesday’s win with a hamstring problem.

Left-arm fast bowler Spencer Johnson, who was also sidelined for the win over the Stars with a toe injury, is another Heat star who could return on Sunday.

“He had a bowl (in the nets on Thursday),” Munro said of Johnson.

“I’ll speak to some of the staff to see where we’re at in terms of injuries, and then we’ll see what happens.”

Roaming Renners is back🎤#BBL14 | @natstoragepic.twitter.com/r9beNGqxLI

— Brisbane Heat (@HeatBBL) December 19, 2024

Munro said his hamstring was getting “better and better” with each day..

“It’s a big day coming up for me in terms of trying to get some running under my belt and some strength through it, and hopefully Sunday comes around and it’s good to go,” he said.

However, English import Tom Alsop looms as a longer term casualty with a quad injury that also forced him to miss Wednesday’s win.

“His (injury) is a little bit worse than mine,” Munro said of the 29-year-old batsman-wicket-keeper.

“He’s devastated and most of the boys are. He’s come into the group and fitted in really well, and he’s trained really hard.

“Hopefully he can come back a little bit stronger later on.”

Heat coach Johan Botha said: “We’ll see what the options are for us while he recovers but fortunately the scans indicated it is on the minor side of things.”

Despite Botha’s optimism, the Heat are already looking at options to replace Alsop in their squad, with fellow Englishman Tom Banton a reported target.

Meanwhile, Brisbane pace bowler Michael Neser continues his recovery from a hamstring injury but is not expected to be available to play until early next month.