Big Bash League LIVE: Sydney Thunder vs Brisbane Heat, Preview, and prediction

Both teams are currently in the bottom half of the table, and while it is too early to look at the standings, both teams will be looking to pick up the all-important two points in their upcoming clash. While the Thunder are reeling after two straight defeats, Brisbane recorded an impressive win over league leaders Adelaide Strikers in their last game. 

Head to head

Total games played - 15

Brisbane Heat won - 10

Sydney Thunder - 5

Pitch report

The surface of the Sydney Showground stadium is conducive to both batsmen and bowlers. Fast bowlers may not benefit from the new ball as the cover provides little pace, so batters can exploit this aspect.

Players to watch

Alex Hales

Chris Green

Sam Billings

Mark Steketee

Match prediction: Brisbane Heat will beat Sydney Thunder because in the 15 matches played against each other, Brisbane Heat have won 10, while Sydney Thunder have won only 5

Squad:

Sydney Thunder squad: Alex Hales, Rilee Rossouw, Matthew Gilkes(w), Oliver Davies, Daniel Sams, Chris Green(c), Alex Ross, Nathan McAndrew, Sam Whiteman, Gurinder Sandhu, Brendan Doggett, Toby Gray, Joel Davies, Blake Nikitaras, Ben Cutting, Baxter Holt, Usman Qadir

Brisbane Heat squad: Max Bryant, Colin Munro, Matt Renshaw, Sam Billings, Ross Whiteley, Jimmy Peirson(w/c), Michael Neser, Matthew Kuhnemann, James Bazley, Mark Steketee, Mitchell Swepson, Xavier Bartlett, Jack Wildermuth, Will Prestwidge, Josh Brown, Sam Heazlett