Heat still warming to task
HEAT quick James Pattinson has urged coach Dan Vettori to show faith in Brisbane’s beaten Big Bash stars.
The Heat were humbled by reigning champions Adelaide in Wednesday night’s BBL tournament opener at the Gabba as the Strikers racked up a five-wicket win.
While the Strikers took until the last over to chase down Brisbane’s paltry 146, Adelaide never looked in danger of losing the match.
The Heat’s much-hyped batting failed to fire in the first game of the extended season, captain Chris Lynn topscoring with 33 (off 20 balls) as Brisbane fell from 2-78 to 9-101.
Defending a modest total, Pattinson (2-23), Mitch Swepson (1-27) and Mujeeb Ur Rahman (0-26) produced polished bowling performances, despite having little to work with.
The Heat have quality depth this season, highlighted by the fact former Test batsmen Matt Renshaw and Marnus Labuschagne were overlooked for the Strikers game, along with tearaway quick Brendan Doggett. The Heat get a chance to bounce back against Hobart Hurricanes at Metricon Stadium tomorrow night and Pattinson said he hoped the same team would be given a chance to redeem itself.
“I don’t think (we should change the team), it’s one game,” he said. “It’s hard to change a team after one game. I think you stick with them.
“We’ve got one more game then a break over Christmas.
“The boys will be really excited to get a win before Christmas.”