Big Bash 2022-23 match preview: Brisbane Heat v Adelaide Strikers

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?

Brisbane Heat take on the Adelaide Strikers in match 13 of BBL12, the 12th edition of the tournament.

When is it taking place?

The game is scheduled to start at 6pm local time (8am GMT) on Friday, December 23.

Where is the match being played?

The game is being played in Brisbane at the Gabba.

Who's got the form?

The Strikers are in top form and sit top of the Big Bash league table with three wins from three. They also boast a net run rate of 3.113. They have excelled with both bat and ball in the early rounds, posting 184 against Sydney Sixers and bowling Sydney Thunder out for just 15. 

Henry Thornton has seven wickets in the last two games to lead the charge.

Heat, meanwhile, have lost both of their games so far and sit bottom of the table. More worryingly for Heat is the fact that they have not only lost games, they have not been competitive - with two losses to Melbourne Renegades.

Head-to-head, the Strikers and Heat have met 16 times and the Strikers hold the edge with nine wins. Brisbane have seven. Last year the two sides took one victory a piece.

^{Jimmy Peirson captains Brisbane Heat [Getty Images]}

What's the key match-up?

Despite their poor form, Heat have a good squad with plenty of international talent: Colin Munro and Sam Billings bring experience and ability to the top order.

The fascinating subplot in this game is the return of Heat legend Chris Lynn to his former club.

Rashid Khan will be a handful for the Heat batsmen. The Afghan is part of a well balanced attack, which will be expected to do damage against a Heat team that has not clicked into gear just yet.

Heat must find a big total to give the likes Michael Neser and Mark Steketee a chance with the ball. The two seamers have been in decent form, with Neser taking four wickets last time out, including a hat-trick.

What's the weather forecast?

It is due to be mostly cloudy in Brisbane with highs of 25 degrees Celsius. There is a 10 per cent chance of rain.

What is the team news?

The Strikers are flying, there have been no hint of injuries from the camp, and they should go unchanged.

Heat could make changes to encourage a change in fortunes.

What are the squads?

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

Adelaide Strikers: Wes Agar, Cameron Boyce, Alex Carey, Harry Conway, Colin de Grandhomme, Ryan Gibson, Travis Head, Adam Hose, Henry Hunt, Thomas Kelly, Rashid Khan, Chris Lynn, Harry Nielsen, Matt Short, Jake Weatherald, Henry Thorton, Peter Siddle, Ben Manenti, Jordan Buckingham (local replacement player)

*Squads are for the whole BBL and not specific to this match

What are the possible starting XIs?

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

Adelaide Strikers: Jake Weatherald, Matt Short, Chirs Lynn, Adam Hose, Colin de Grandhomme, Thomas Kelly, Harry Nielsen, Rashid Khan, Wes Agar, Henry Thornton, Peter Siddle

Adelaide Strikers have made an excellent start to the season [Getty Images]

What are the odds?

The Strikers are clear favourites with odds of 8/13 at most bookies, while underdogs Heat are available at 5/4 to cause an upset.

What's the prediction?

It has to be a clear Strikers win, given form they are in and the way they are winning matches.

Are tickets available?

Yes. Tickets are available on Ticketek, with general admission starting from $5.

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.