One of the underdogs of the Big Bash League, Brisbane Heat will be featuring in this year CLT20 to compete against best teams from around the world in Indian conditions. Sydney Sixers with a star-studied side was taken as favorites for the inaugural edition of BBL but things change after the first week of the tournament itself.
The teams from Melbourne – Melbourne Renegades and Melbourne Stars were looking favorites of the tournament. Melbourne Renegades finished as a top team in the league stage of the tournament and was clearly looking to win the tournament but then its was a surprise from Brisbane Heat who defeated them in the semis thanks to superb century by Luke Pomersbach.
Brisbane Heat met Perth Scorchers in finals where the Heat proved themselves to win the tournament and qualify for the CLT20 2013. Brisbane Heat had some star players including Shane Watson, Mitchell Johnson, Thisara Perera, Dale Steyn and Daniel Vettori in the team but unfortunately most of them has opted for their IPL team instead of Heat. Even the opener Luke Pomersbach is unavailable for CLT20.
Squad:
Captain: James Hopes
Coach: Stuart Law
Batsmen: Joe Burns, Peter Forrest, Dom Michael, Chris Lynn, Alex Kemp.
All Rounders: Daniel Christian, James Hopes, Chris Sabburg.
Bowlers: Ben Cutting, Nathan Hauritz, Kemar Roach, Alister McDermott, Matthew Gale, Cameron Gannon.
Wicket Keeper: Chris Hartley.
Players to Watch out for:
Daniel Christian, all-rounder from South Africa hold the key for Brisbane Heat. He has been a part of this tournament in the past and he is familiar to the Indian conditions following his stint in the IPL. His presence in the slog overs can yield some important runs for his side and he is a type of bowler who has the ability to provide some important breakthroughs.
With CLT20 being played in India, Australia spinner Nathan Hauritz will play crucial role for Brisbane Heat. He has been Heat goto bowler in the Big Bash League and is expected to be so in the Champions League T20 too. He is an experienced campaigner who is no stranger to Indian Conditions.
In IPL, Ishant Sharma and Dale Steyn has shown that T20 can be a game of the bowlers as well. These two bowlers have helped their team Sunrisers Hyderabad to defend low score many times in IPL 2013. If Heat’ pacer Kemar Roach follows Steyn gun’s footsteps, he will be successful too. Roach has the right ingredients needed for a speedster. He will spearhead the Heat bowling attack.
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