The Brisbane Heat will welcome the return of Australian spinner Matthew Kuhnemann for tomorrow’s hotly anticipated KFC Big Bash League home game against the Perth Scorchers at the Gabba.
Kuhnemann was cleared today to make his return after missing the Heat’s opening game on Monday as he recovered from a side strain.
His inclusion will see fellow left-arm spinner Paddy Dooley drop out of the squad. Dooley was a Local Replacement Player in Monday’s exciting final over loss to the Melbourne Renegades at Geelong.
POV: You’re batting at the Gabba | Helmet Cam
The Heat has also called in Toombul pace bowler Tom Balkin to their 14-player squad.
The BBL Technical committee today approved Balkin’s inclusion in the Heat, making him the team’s third Local Replacement Player alongside Liam Haskett and Dooley who each played in the opening game.
Under BBL regulations, Balkin must be included in the final twelve that is announced at the bat flip tomorrow.
The 21-year-old right-arm quick was included as a Queensland Bulls rookie contracted player this season and has recently resumed playing following a stint on the sidelines with a shin injury.
A former Australian Under-19 paceman, he would make his BBL debut if chosen in the starting side.
International batter Tom Alsop continues to return from a knee injury, training with the team last night at the Gabba.
It will be the first time since the Heat’s championship season in BBL|13 in 2023-24 that the Scorchers will have played in Brisbane.
Both teams will mark the tragic events in Sydney last weekend with black armbands and a minute’s silence before the game.
Tomorrow’s game is an exclusive broadcast on Fox Cricket and streamed through KAYO.
Player Summary
Unavailable: Tom Alsop (knee), Michael Neser, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne (all Aust); Spencer Johnson, Callum Vidler (back injuries).
Out: Paddy Dooley (LRP) – omitted.
In: Matt Kuhnemann, Tom Balkin (LRP).
SQUAD | Brisbane Heat v Perth Scorchers
Tomorrow 6.15pm | The Gabba
10. Shaheen Shah Afridi (Int)
95. Tom Balkin (LRP)
19. Xavier Bartlett
17. Max Bryant
99. Liam Haskett (LRP)
22. Lachlan Hearne
30. Matthew Kuhnemann
38. Nathan McSweeney
82. Colin Munro (Int)
54. Oli Patterson
59. Jimmy Peirson
77. Matthew Renshaw
23. Hugh Weibgen
24. Jack Wildermuth
