Nathan McSweeney bounces back from Test axing with starring role in Heat’s thrilling BBL win v Strikers

Nathan McSweeney produced the perfect response to being dropped from the Test team with a matchwinning innings in Heat’s final ball thriller against the Strikers. WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS

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.

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.

Nathan McSweeney shrugged off the low of his Test axing with a match-defining 78 not out off 49 balls. Picture: Getty Images

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 then upped the ante as he guided the Heat home on his return to domestic cricket.

“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 celebrates Brisbane Heat’s victory. Picture: Getty Images

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.”

“Hopefully one day I can be a permanent member in that Test team,” McSweeney told Channel 7.

“It’s been awesome being a part of it in the last couple of weeks.

“All the guys and the support staff have made me feel very welcoming. It was a dream come true.

“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.”

The Heat prevailed in a thriller. Photo: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images.

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.

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 ball 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.

It was an eventful night for Henry Thornton. Photo: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images.

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.