Pattinson out due to wedding duties

opener at the Gabba on Wednesday night.

But Pattinson will only be hearing wedding chimes this weekend after telling the Heat he won’t be available for the Hurricanes clash due to the social engagement.

“James let us know immediately that there was a clash and we were comfortable with him fulfilling his personal commitment,” Heat general manager Andrew McShea said.

“As a club, we do our utmost to ensure that the players and coaches who are with us during the BBL and WBBL feel supported and happy.

“Our next game (after Hobart clash) is on New Year’s Day at Metricon Stadium, so James and the others will benefit from some time to reconnect with family and friends, as well as maintain their preparations.”

Left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann replaces Pattinson in the 13-strong squad.

“The Metricon Stadium wicket will play differently to the Gabba and so it will benefit (captain) Chris Lynn to have that option,” Heat coach Dan Vettori said of their new addition.

The Heat and Hurricanes have played a string of highscoring matches in the past, registering 200-plus totals four times against each other.

But Lynn warned there may not be a repeat on the Gold Coast drop-in deck.

“We played a practice game there and it is a different wicket (to the Gabba) – I think it will be a grind,” he said. “It might be less entertaining cricket but that is the way it goes.”

Jake Doran, James Faulkner and Johan Botha are poised to make their Hurricanes debut, but left-arm quick Tymal Mills (hamstring) is out.