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Brisbane Heat v Sydney Thunder: Big Bash Monday preview

Brisbane Heat have made an inconsistent start to the defence of their Big Bash League title and the visit of in-form Sydney Thunder to the Gabba represents another tough test for the reigning champions.

The Heat have won just two of the six matches they have played to date, while the Thunder have four wins from five and are setting the standard at the top end of the ladder along with Sydney rivals the Sixers.

Brisbane have taken the win in 13 of the previous 20 completed Big Bash clashes between these two sides and have won the last three meetings between these two teams.

Brisbane Heat v Sydney Thunder

Brisbane Heat v Sydney Thunder betting preview

Heat out to end losing streak

All seemed to be well in the Heat camp when they began the season with an eight-wicket win over Melbourne Stars and a three-wicket success against Adelaide Strikers.

However, since then they have lost convincingly to Perth Scorchers, the Sixers and the Stars, before a second showdown with the Sixers was completely washed out.

Heat have totalled 132, 9-138 and 7-149 in those three defeats, so it is clear that they need more output from their batting line-up if they are to get back on track.

Max Bryant has been the standout performer with the bat, with his 77 not out against the Stars coming from just 48 balls and including six maximums and he is 6.50 to be top team batter on Monday evening.

In contrast Tom Banton and Colin Munro have both struggled for runs and losing early wickets repeatedly is making it hard for the Heat to put major scores on the board.

With the ball Xavier Bartlett and Spencer Johnson have been excellent, with the former having outstanding figures of 4-10 from four overs against the Stars, but leg-spinner Mitch Swepson has taken just one wicket across the five matches he has played this season.

Tom Alsop and Michael Neser are in line to feature for the first time this season on Monday evening, with Neser 5.50 to be top team bowler.

Thunder are rumbling along nicely

Four victories from five have put the Thunder in a strong position in the standings and, while the Heat have lost their last three, the Sydney outfit have won their last three matches.

However, the mood in the Thunder camp was certainly muted after their six-wicket win over the Scorchers was blighted by an horrendous collision in the field between Daniel Sams (concussion) and Cameron Bancroft (broken nose and fractured shoulder).

That pair miss out at the Gabba, as do injured duo Tanveer Sangha (side strain), Jason Sangha (biceps), with Hugh Weibgen and 41-year-old assistant coach Dan Christian drafted in as replacements.

With senior stars Sam and Bancroft absent, even more responsibility will fall on the shoulders of David Warner, who has hit top form in his last couple of innings.

The former Australia left-hander made 86 not out in the eight-run win over Melbourne Renegades and followed that up with 49 in the four-wicket victory over the Scorchers, with Warner 1.57 to make 20+ runs against the Heat and 4.00 to hit most team sixes.

More is also needed from New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson, who has taken just one wicket across his last three games, having begun the season with 3-24 against the Strikers and 2-32 against the Sixers.

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Brisbane Heat v Sydney Thunder odds

Brisbane Heat - 1.78
Sydney Thunder -
2.05

View the full market and more odds for Brisbane Heat v Sydney Thunder on site

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.

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