Big Bash 2022-23 match preview: Hobart Hurricanes v Brisbane Heat

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?

Hobart Hurricanes will host Brisbane Heat in match 55 of the 2022/23 Big Bash, the 12th edition of the tournament.

When is it taking place?

The game is scheduled to start at 1.40pm local time (2.40am GMT) on Wednesday, January 25.

Where is the match being played?

The game will be played at University of Tasmania Stadium in Launceston. 

Who's got the form?

Despite a stacked batting line-up, Hobart are on the verge of missing out on the playoffs. They sit second-bottom at the moment, with one game to save themselves. They need to beat Brisbane Heat and hope that Sydney Thunder lose.

Between Matthew Wade, Ben McDermott, Zak Crawley, Tim David, D'Arcy Short and Caleb Jewell, Hurricanes have somehow won just five matches and have lost their last three, a run of form that has brought about this predicament.

Heat, by contrast, have got their act together at the right time, winning their last four in a row to clinch a spot in the top five with a game to spare.

Sam Hain in action (Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

What's the key match-up?

Hurricanes' batting line-up will be key: if they can fire as a collective, there's no reason why they shouldn't come out on top over a Heat side that has yet to feel the benefits of the returns of Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja, neither of whom have had the same impact as Steve Smith at Sixers since their returns from international duty.

Sam Hain has come into form though; the Warwickshire batter, who was raised on the Gold Coast, has waited some time for a chance in franchise cricket, and he has taken this opportunity, setting up a key win last time out over Melbourne Stars.

What's the weather forecast?

There is a 20 per cent chance of rain in Launceston, with forecasters expecting a cloudy day and temperatures of no more than 24 degrees Celsius.

What is the team news?

Brisbane Heat have included Sam Heazlett in their squad for the first time this tournament; he has been hampered by back trouble.

Hurricanes have named a 16-man squad, including Mac Wright at the expense of Chris Tremain.

What are the squads?

Hobart Hurricanes: Asif Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Caleb Jewell, Shadab Khan, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Mitch Owen, Joel Paris, Wil Parker, D'Arcy Short, Matthew Wade, Billy Stanlake, Paddy Dooley, Chris Tremain, Mac Wright, Zak Crawley (overseas replacement for Shadab Khan)

Brisbane Heat: Xavier Bartlett, James Bazley, Max Bryant, Sam Hain, Sam Heazlett, Usman Khawaja, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Matthew Renshaw, Mark Steketee, Mitchell Swepson, Ross Whiteley, Jack Wildermuth, Spencer Johnson, Will Prestwidge, Josh Brown

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

Hobart Hurricanes have struggled for wins (Steve Bell/Getty Images)

What are the possible starting XIs?

Hobart Hurricanes: Ben McDermott, Caleb Jewell, Zak Crawley, Matthew Wade, Tim David, D'Arcy Short, Faheem Ashraf, Joel Paris, Nathan Ellis, Patrick Dooley, Riley Meredith

Brisbane Heat: Josh Brown, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Matt Renshaw, Sam Hain, Jimmy Peirson, James Bazley, Michael Neser, Spencer Johnson, Mitchell Swepson, Matt Kuhnemann

What are the odds?

Hobart Hurricanes are favourites with the bookmakers, with a best price available of 4/5. Brisbane Heat are outsiders, with some outlets offering an attractive 11/10.

What's the prediction?

Brisbane Heat are on a roll and will be confident of making it five wins on the spin.

Are tickets available?

Yes. Tickets are available from $5 for children and $23 for adults, and can be bought via Ticketmaster. 

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 the streaming service Kayo. Fox will show every game, while 45 matches, including the knockout stages, will be shown free-to-air on Channel Seven.