Big Bash 2022-23 match preview: Brisbane Heat v Melbourne Renegades

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 host Melbourne Renegades in match three of the 2022/23 Big Bash, the 12th edition of the tournament.

When is it taking place?

The game is scheduled to start at 6.15pm local time (8.15am GMT) on Thursday, December 15.

Where is the match being played?

The game will be played in Cairns at the Cazalys Stadium.

Who's got the form?

Recent editions have not been kind to either Brisbane Heat or Melbourne Renegades.

While the former have qualified just once for the playoffs in the last four editions, the Renegades have finished bottom of the pile in each of the last three.

Indeed, the red half of Melbourne has suffered 31 defeats in their last 42 matches.

Heat were only one place above them in 2019/20 and 2021/22 but did reach the Challenger in between, losing to eventual runners-up Perth Scorchers.

History tells us this match might merely be a battle to avoid finishing bottom of the pile. In 17 previous meetings, the Renegades have won 11 but have lost three of the last four.

^{Nic Maddinson (Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)}

What's the key match-up?

Colin Munro's arrival during the overseas draft represented a coup for Heat. In 29 matches for Perth Scorchers, the Kiwi struck 833 runs at 36.21, inspiring two runs to the final - including the title triumph in 2021/22.

The middle overs will see him tested with left-arm spin in the form of Akeal Hosein, the West Indies international who is bound for his BBL debut.

Munro has historically struggled against left-arm spin, particularly leg-spinners, but Ruwantha Kellepotha isn't available until he replaces Mujeeb ur Rahman later in the tournament.

The task of nullifying Munro will therefore go down to Hosein, who arrives off the back of a fruitful T10 League, where he finished with the lowest economy rate of any bowler to deliver more than two overs (6.20).

What's the weather forecast?

By the early evening, the threat of thunderstorms around Cairns is expected to have subsided, meaning a full game should be possible.

What is the team news?

Matthew Renshaw remains in Brisbane to attend the birth of his first child. Michael Neser, Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne are unavailable as they remain with the Australia Test squad. Nathan McSweeny has returned to the team as a local replacement player.

Shaun Marsh is missing for the Renegades as he continues to recover from a calf injury. Nic Maddinson is in line for his 100th BBL outing, while Andre Russell, Akeal Hosein and Mujeeb ur Rahman are in line for their team debuts.

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

Melbourne Renegades: Zak Evans, Aaron Finch, Akeal Hosein, Liam Livingstone (withdrawn), Jake Fraser-McGurk, Sam Harper, Mackenzie Harvey, Nic Maddinson (c), Shaun Marsh, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Kane Richardson, Tom Rogers, Will Sutherland, Jon Wells, Jack Prestwidge, Ruwantha Kellapotha, Marcus Harris, Andre Russell (replacing Liam Livingstone, first four matches only), Martin Guptill (replacing Liam Livingstone, 10 group matches and finals), Corey Rocchiccioli, Peter Handscomb

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

What are the possible starting XIs?

Brisbane Heat: Max Bryant, Nathan McSweeney, Colin Munro, Sam Billings, Jimmy Peirson (c), Xavier Bartlett, Ross Whiteley, Matt Kuhnemann, James Bazley, Mark Steketee, Mitch Swepson

Melbourne Renegades: Sam Harper, Aaron Finch, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Nic Maddinson (c), Mackenzie Harvey, Jon Wells, Andre Russell, Tom Rogers, Akeal Hosein, Kane Richardson, Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Colin Munro (Mike Owen/Getty Images)

What are the odds?

Heat start as favourites with the bookmakers at 4/5, while Renegades can be backed at 11/10.

What's the prediction?

Both sides will be desperate to get off to a winning start, given their rotten recent form. Renegades look at the more settled from the outset and should edge it.

Are tickets available?

Tickets are available via Ticketek, with child tickets starting from $8 and adult tickets ranging from $27 to $45.

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.