Big Bash 2022-23 final - match preview: Perth Scorchers v Brisbane Heat

Key match-ups, analysis, form, team news, weather forecast, tickets, TV and streaming information, odds, predictions and more ahead of the grand finale to the 2022/23 Big Bash

What's the match?

Perth Scorchers take on Brisbane Heat in the final of the 2022/23 Big Bash, the 12th edition of the tournament.

When is it taking place?

The game is scheduled to start at 4.30pm local time (8.30am GMT) on Saturday, February 4.

Where is the match being played?

The game will be played in Perth at Optus Stadium.

Who's got the form?

Well, it's the final, so both sides have had to show some reasonable form to get this far.

Perth Scorchers finished the regular season with 11 wins from 14 matches to top the standings. They have won their last four matches, including the playoff against Sydney Sixers to book their spot in the final. 

Brisbane Heat got to the final the hard way, squeezing into the post-season places in fifth before beating Sydney Thunder, Melbourne Renegades and Sydney Sixers in the knockouts.

The Scorchers won both previous meetings between these two teams this season, and with considerable ease - seven and eight-wicket successes came with more than three overs to spare on each occasion. 

^{Perth Scorchers are hot favourites to retain their title [Getty Images]}

What's the key match-up?

Brisbane Heat are going to need to bowl out of their skins to contain the Perth Scorchers' top order. Each of Aaron Hardie, Cameron Bancroft and Josh Inglis has scored a half-century against Heat this season (Hardie, the standout player in the competition this year, has gone beyond 50 both times he's batted against Brisbane in 2022/23).

In each of their defeats by the Scorchers earlier in the campaign, Brisbane batted first but could not put enough runs on the board - 171 for 9 at Optus Stadium, and 155 for 6 at the Gabba. They do not have Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne or Matt Renshaw to call on either. It's not a great look, either for Heat or for the final of the Big Bash in general.

What's the weather forecast?

A hot, hot day is expected in Perth with temperatures peaking at 39 degrees Celsius. It should have cooled a little for the start of play, but expect temperatures of above 30 for much of the match.

What is the team news?

Brisbane Heat are without Test players Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Matt Renshaw and Mitch Swepson. Ashton Agar and Lance Morris miss out for Perth Scorchers for the same reason. Jhye Richardson has been recovering from a hamstring injury and this game may well come too soon for him to feature.

What are the squads?

Perth Scorchers: Ashton Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Jason Behrendorff, Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Peter Hatzoglou, Nick Hobson, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kelly, Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Stephen Eskinazi, Hamish McKenzie, David Payne (replacement for Tymal Mills for second half of the season)

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

*Squads are for the whole BBL and not specific to this match

What are the possible starting XIs?

Perth Scorchers: Steven Eskinazi, Cameron Bancroft, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, Ashton Turner, Cooper Connolly, Nick Hobson, Jason Behrendorff, Andrew Tye, David Payne, Peter Hatzolgou

Brisbane Heat: Sam Heazlett, Josh Brown, Nathan McSweeney, Sam Hain, Jimmy Peirson, Max Bryant, Michael Neser, Michael Bazley, Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, Matt Kuhnemann

Brisbane Heat are outsiders in their second Big Bash final [Getty Images]

What are the odds?

Perth Scorchers are the overwhelming favourites for this clash, with odds of 5/11. Brisbane Heat, meanwhile, are available at 28/13.

What's the prediction?

Perth Scorchers. At a canter.

Are tickets available?

This match is sold out.

Where can I watch the game?

Sky Sports hold the UK rights for the BBL, with coverage split between Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Mix. This game is available on 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 via streaming service Kayo. Fox will show every game while 45 matches, including the knockout stages, will be shown free-to-air on Channel Seven.