Big Bash League 2018-19: Match 44, Hobart Hurricanes vs Brisbane Heat - Preview and Predicted Playing XI
With only a handful of games remaining, the 44th game of BBL 2018-19 sees table toppers, Hobart Hurricanes face the Brisbane Heat. The latter are virtually out of the tournament after a disheartening loss to the Melbourne Stars on Sunday.
While the Heat have been heavily dependent on the 'Bash Brothers' this season, the Hurricanes have their very own version of the moniker with D'Arcy Short and Matthew Wade in ominous form for the 2017-18 BBL finalists. With the Blundstone Arena set to host the match, one can expect a very competitive game with both teams trying to get one over the other on Tuesday.
Hobart Hurricanes
Batting
The Hurricanes have been brilliant with the bat with their openers, D'Arcy Short and Matthew Wade currently occupying the top two spots in the run-scorers charts. Their opening partnership is key to the Hurricanes with the likes of Ben McDermott and George Bailey doing the damage in the latter stages.
Caleb Jewell has been quite impressive since his debut against the Scorchers and should continue to play at number three for Hobart. With the prospect of facing the off-spin of Mujeeb ur Rahman looming large, the potential clash is one to watch out for.
Bowling
Johan Botha's retirement leaves a spot vacant in the Hobart side. Jarrod Freeman, an off-spinner by trade and also useful lower order batsman, has been drafted into the side and should take the vacant spot.
Riley Meredith and James Faulkner have surprisingly overshadowed pace sensation, Jofra Archer with 14 and 16 wickets respectively. The trio have inflicted damage in the first six and the death overs to devastating effect and should be key to countering the might of the Heat top-order.
Expected Playing XI
Matt Wade(C&WK), D'Arcy Short, Caleb Jewell, George Bailey, Ben McDermott, Simon Milenko, Jarrod Freeman, James Faulkner, Jofra Archer, Riley Meredith and Clive Rose
Brisbane Heat
Batting
Chris Lynn hasn't been firing of late and that has had an adverse effect on the Heat. Virtually out of the competition, the Heat's middle order this season has been disastrous. They have tried and tested the likes of Sam Heazlett, Marnus Labuschagne, Joe Burns, Alex Ross and Matt Renshaw with little success.
Renshaw was amongst the runs though against the Stars but wasn't able to score freely in the middle overs but should continue to bat at number four for them. Sam Heazlett could be back for Alex Ross, who has a couple of single digits scores to show for his efforts.
Bowling
The bowling, on the other hand, has been decent. Josh Lalor and Brendan Doggett have done well in the absence of spearhead, James Pattinson. Mujeeb ur Rahman has been the standout bowler for the Heat with an economy worth envying.
With the left-hand pair of Short and Wade up against him, Mujeeb will be accounted upon by the Heat to deliver them a few quick wickets inside the powerplay to the pave the way for a Heat victory.
Expected Playing XI
Brendan McCullum, Max Bryant, Chris Lynn(C), Matt Renshaw, Jimmy Pierson (WK), Ben Cutting, Jack Prestwidge, Brendan Doggett, Josh Lalor, Mitchell Swepson and Mujeeb ur Rahman