Melbourne Stars v Brisbane Heat: Big Bash 2022-23 match preview

Key meetings, analysis, form, team news, weather forecast, tickets, TV and streaming information, odds, predictions and more ahead of the last meeting in the Big Bash 2022/23

what is the game

Melbourne Stars host Brisbane Heat in Game 44 of Big Bash 2022/23, the 12th edition of the tournament.

When does it take place?

The game is scheduled to start on Monday, January 16 at 19:15 local time (8:15 GMT).

Where is the game played?

The game will be played at the MCG in Melbourne.

Who has the form?

Brisbane Heat won against Adelaide Strikers, while Stars lost their previous match against Renegades.

Both are the bottom two teams in the points table, with Melbourne Stars bottom with six points and Brisbane Heat seventh with seven points.

Colin Munro, the highest run scorer for Heat this season, and Sam Billings have departed for ILT20, which has somewhat reduced their clout. However, in their previous game, they still had too much for the Adelaide Strikers. James Bazley picked up three wickets while Mitchell Swepson registered a paltry 1-21 in four overs.

Stars, on the other hand, had very little to offer this season. Their batting line-up depends heavily on Joe Clarke, who scored 59 goals in the previous game but failed to lead his team to the finish line. In the bowling department, England left-hander Luke Wood has impressed with 17 wickets so far.

Adam Zampa’s Melbourne Stars keep losing (Getty Images)

What is the key game?

The key match-ups for this competition will be between Heats Batting and Stars’ Bowling. Despite being bottom of the points table, Melbourne’s bowling has done well this season. Luke Wood is the fourth-highest wicket-taker, while Zampa has been frugal with an economy rate of 6.93.

Brisbane Heat, on the other hand, have skipper Usman Khawaja, Josh Brown, Marnus Labuschagne, Matt Renshaw and others in a stacked batting lineup.

What is the weather forecast?

A sunny day in Melbourne with highs of around 29 degrees Celsius early in the game.

What’s new from the team?

Marcus Stoinis has recovered from a thigh strain and returns to the Stars squad.

Warwickshire batsman Sam Hain made his Brisbane Heat debut last time out.

What are the squads?

Melbourne Stars: Trent Boult, Joe Burns (injured), Hilton Cartwright, Joe Clarke, Brody Couch, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Liam Hatcher, Clint Hinchliffe, Nick Larkin, Glenn Maxwell (c), Marcus Stoinis, Beau Webster, Luke Wood, Adam Zampa, Campbell Kellaway, Tom O’Connell, Sam Elliott, Cam McClure, James Seymour (local substitute)

Brisbane Heat: Xavier Bartlett, James Bazley, Sam Billings, Max Bryant, Sam Hain, Sam Heazlett, Usman Khawaja, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Colin Munro, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Matthew Renshaw, Mark Steketee, Mitchell Swepson, Ross Whiteley, Jack Wildermuth , Spencer Johnson, Will Prestwidge, Josh Brown

*Squads apply to the entire BBL and are not specific to this game

Marnus Labuschagne is back in Brisbane Heat colors (Getty Images)

What are the possible starting XIs?

Melbourne Stars: Joe Clarke, Tom Rogers, Marcus Stoinis, Hilton Cartwright, Beau Webster, Nick Larkin, James Seymour, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Luke Wood, Clint Hinchcliffe, Adam Zampa

Brisbane Heat: Josh Brown, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Matt Renshaw, Sam Hain, Jimmy Peirson, James Bazley, Michael Neser, Spencer Johnson, Mitchell Swepson, Matt Kuhnemann

How are the chances?

Melbourne Stars are underdogs at bookmakers, with a best available price of 13/10. Perth Scorchers are favorites at 8/11.

What’s the prediction?

Brisbane Heat will be confident of prevailing against the tournament’s bottom team.

Are tickets available?

Yes. Tickets start at $5 for general admission and can be purchased through Ticketek.

Where can I see the game?

Sky Sports holds the UK rights to the BBL, with coverage split between Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Mix.

Ball-by-ball radio commentary will also be available via BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra and BBC Sounds for selected matches.

Fox Sports and Seven Network both have television rights in Australia, while coverage will also be available on streaming service Kayo. Fox shows every game, while 45 games, including the knockout stages, are free-to-air on Channel Seven.

Related topics