Australian ODI and T20 paceman Xavier Bartlett will add captaincy to his glowing cricket CV, appointed as Brisbane Heat skipper for tomorrow night’s KFC Big Bash League match in Canberra.
Bartlett, 27, becomes the 14th captain of the Heat for tomorrow night’s clash with the Sydney Thunder, with the announcement coming two games after he brought up 50 career BBL matches for Brisbane.
He takes over the reins of the Heat from batter and close friend Nathan McSweeney who injured his ankle during Friday night’s stunning record run chase victory by the Heat at the Gabba.
McSweeney will consult with a specialist this week to map out his likely timeline to return to play for the Heat and will miss tomorrow night’s clash with the Thunder.
Brisbane coach Johan Botha said Bartlett had demonstrated excellent leadership potential with Queensland and the Heat.
“Xavier’s poised to play big role with Australian Cricket in the future and we believe the captaincy is a great opportunity for him to expand his skillset,’’ he said.
“He’s got some very experienced players and leaders around him like Colin Munro, Shaheen (Shah Afridi) and Jimmy Peirson and we know they will get around him and help out as needed during our matches.”
“It’s a shame for Nathan that he was injured so our best advice to him was to stay off his feet for a few days and enjoy Christmas at home in Brisbane with his family,” Botha said.
With McSweeney injured, English keeper/batter Tom Alsop comes into the squad for the first time after missing the opening two Heat games with knee soreness.
Alsop is the only addition to the squad of 13 that travelled to Canberra today, with batter Max Bryant recovering well from a shoulder injury scare on Friday that saw him aggravate an old injury during the frantic final stages of the Heat’s remarkable run chase against the Perth Scorchers.
Local Replacement Player Tom Balkin and batter Lachlan Hearne would make their BBL debuts if chosen in the starting team tomorrow.
Tomorrow’s match wlll be broadcast on Channel 7 and 7Plus and Foxtel. It will be streamed on Kayo with radio coverage on ABC and SEN.
Brisbane Heat Squad | Sydney Thunder v Brisbane Heat
Manuka Oval, tomorrow, 6.15pm Qld time
10. Shaheen Shah Afridi (Int)
27. Tom Alsop (Int)
95. Tom Balkin (LRP)
19. Xavier Bartlett
17. Max Bryant
99. Liam Haskett (LRP)
22. Lachlan Hearne
30. Matthew Kuhnemann
82. Colin Munro (Int)
59. Jimmy Peirson
77. Matthew Renshaw
23. Hugh Weibgen
24. Jack Wildermuth
Changes from last squad
In: Tom Alsop
Out: Nathan McSweeney (ankle); Oli Patterson (omitted)