Big Bash 2022-23 match preview: Sydney Thunder v Brisbane Heat

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

What's the match?

Sydney Thunder take on Brisbane Heat in match 17 of the 2022/23 Big Bash, the 12th edition of the tournament.

When is it taking place?

The game is scheduled to start at 7:15pm local time (8:15am GMT) on Tuesday, December 27.

Where is the match being played?

The game will be played in Sydney at the Sydney Showground.

Who's got the form?

Since defeating Melbourne Stars by one-wicket in their tournament opener, Sydney Thunder's season has taken a turn for the worse. They are currently on a three-match losing streak - a run which memorably began with their record-breaking 124-run defeat against Adelaide Strikers - and are marooned at the foot of the table thanks to their shocking net run rate (-1.703). 

Brisbane Heat haven't had an ideal start to BBL12 either, beginning their season with back-to-back defeats against Melbourne Renengades before finally getting some points on the board at the third time of asking. Against Adelaide Strikers, the Heat, led by Sam Billings' half-century, won by six runs.

Alex Hales scored a half-century for Thunder in their most recent outing, indicating that he is returning to something representing his best while Oliver Davies (87 runs, 140.32 strike rate) has also been dangerous. Gurinder Sandhu and Daniel Sams have taken seven wickets apiece.

For Brisbane Heat, Mark Steketee and Michael Neser have been the primary threats with the ball, taking 13 wickets combined. Billings (110 runs, 142.85) and Jimmy Peirson (89 runs, 143.54 strike rate) have led the way with the bat.

 ^{Alex Hales made a welcome return to form last time out [Sarah Reed/Getty Images]}

What's the key match-up?

Neser and Steketee wil fancy their chances against a vulnerable, though improving, batting line-up.

Steketee has taken seven wickets while maintaining an economy of 6.83 while the latter has six wickets (6.87 economy) and has been particularly effective in the powerplay. Against Melbourne Renegades, he picked up four wickets inside the first three overs to reduce Nic Maddinson's side to 9 for 4.

If he can produce a similar start against Thunder and skittle the likes of Hales, Rilee Rossouw and co. early, he will put his side in a strong position.

After all, Thunder have struggled with bat and ball in BBL12, failing to defend 174 and 150 in their past two matches.

What's the weather forecast?

Sunny conditions and temperatures in the mid-twenties are expected in Sydney.

What is the team news?

Fazalhaq Farooqi has had his contract terminated by Sydney Thunder following a complaint about his behaviour. Joel Davies, brother of Oliver, has been added to Syndey Thunder's squad to bolster their batting options while Usman Qadir (injury cover for Tanveer Sangha) is expected to make his debut.

Spencer Johnson has been added to Brisbane Heat's matchday squad while James Bazley will miss the clash with a hamstring injury.

What are the squads?

Sydney Thunder: Oliver Davies, Brendan Doggett, Matthew Gilkes, Chris Green, Alex Hales, Baxter Holt, Nathan McAndrew, Alex Ross, Rilee Rossouw, Daniel Sams, Jason Sangha (c), Tanveer Sangha, David Warner, David Willey (withdrawn), Fazalhaq Farooqi (replacing David Willey, contract terminated on December 23), Ben Cutting, Usman Qadir, Gurinder Sandhu, Sam Whiteman, Joel Davies

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 are for the whole BBL and not specific to this match

What are the possible starting XIs?

Sydney Thunder: Alex Hales, Matthew Gilkes, Rilee Rossouw, Oliver Davies, Daniel Sams, Alex Ross, Nathan McAndrew, Chris Green, Gurinder Sandhu, Brendan Doggett, Usman Qadir

Brisbane Heat: Max Bryant, Colin Munro, Matt Renshaw, Sam Billings, Jimmy Peirson, Ross Whiteley, Michael Neser, Mark Steketee, Matthew Kuhnemann, Xavier Bartlett, Mitchell Swepson

Michael Neser has been very effective in the powerplay for Brisbane Heat [Darrian Traynor/Getty Images]

What are the odds?

Sydney Thunder are available at 4/5 while Brisbane Heat are at 13/10.

What's the prediction?

Sydney Thunder's batting has improved greatly over the past two matches and they can consider themselves unlucky to not pick up any points from those games. However, Neser and Steketee are two of the competition's form bowlers and backed up by the batting of Billings and co. should put their side in a strong position. Heat win.

Are tickets available?

Tickets are available via Ticketmaster, with adult tickets starting from around $20.

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.

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.