Heat left in a spin for Stars clash

BRISBANE Heat’s slowbowling options have taken a hit even before a ball has been bowled in the clash with unbeaten Big Bash League leader, the Melbourne Stars, at the Gabba tonight.

Former Australian spinner Nathan Hauritz will miss his second consecutive game after aggravating a calf injury in the warm-up before the defending champion’s win over the Sydney Thunder on Wednesday.

Veteran New Zealand tweaker Daniel Vettori is also in doubt with a back injury.

The former Test captain, who was announced as coach of Indian Premier League side Royal Challengers Bangalore yesterday, jarred his back while fielding against the Melbourne Renegades last week and just managed to make it through the Thunder game.

Vettori (pictured) trained lightly yesterday with a decision on whether he plays or not to be made just before tonight’s game.

Young wicketkeeper/batsman Ben McDermott has been added to 13-man Brisbane squad, joining his brother, paceman Alister.

In today’s earlier game, the second-last Hobart Hurricanes host the only side struggling more than them, the Thunder, which has lost its past 17 games in the competition.

West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo, meanwhile, will join the Melbourne Renegades to replace England’s limited-overs wicketkeeper/ batsman Jos Buttler.

Pakistan batsman Mohammad Hafeez was due to replace Buttler before he was called into the Test side for the current series against Sri Lanka in Dubai.

Bravo will be available after his national commitments end following the second and final T20 against New Zealand in Wellington on Wednesday.

– RICHARD HARVEY