Brisbane Heat: Marnus back for Heat

With tickets going on sale today at 12pm for the WBBL and BBL, the Heat has unveiled Labuschagne as its latest signing, making it nine seasons in a row that the Test and ODI star has committed to the Heat, the only BBL team he has ever played for.

Labuschagne, named Queensland Bulls captain for the first time during the winter, will look to maintain his impressive record of being a genuine three-dimensional player and having a big impact with bat, ball and in the field, when he plays in BBL|14 this summer.

He made match-defining cameos as part of the Heat’s run to the BBL|13 championship last season, including 45 from 33 balls in the win over the Perth Scorchers at the Gabba to secure the spot in the Qualifier Final, as well as excelling with the ball and in the field. He also delivered key performances in BBL|12 as Brisbane surged from near last spot into the Final in Perth, making eight appearances for the team.

First-year Heat coach Johan Botha warmly welcomed the addition of Labuschagne to the Heat playing group, where he is set to be available for at least three BBL matches during the summer.

“Apart from his obvious contributions with the bat, ball and in the field, Marnus brings great energy to everything he does, always leading from the front,” he said

“His game sense is exceptional and that is a huge asset to us on and off the field,” he said.

“His ODI efforts with the bat last year, especially in the World Cup, and his previous efforts for the Heat all demonstrate his ability to rapidly assess situations, modify his approach and execute accordingly for the team.”

“I think he is an exceptionally underrated T20 player. We’re delighted he will be available to play some games for us again in the BBL and look forward to his input with the squad as we get closer to December.”

Labuschagne made a big impact for Glamorgan in the Vitality Blast T20 competition during the off-season, hitting two half centuries, claiming career best bowling figures of 5-11 and taking more catches than any other player, including producing spectacular catches and run outs in the field.

Labuschagne will enjoy local pre-season opportunities to polish his game ahead of next month’s tour of England with the Australian ODI team.

He will turn out for his Queensland Premier Cricket club Redlands in the latest installment of the KFC T20 Max competition that gets underway later this week.

He is also scheduled to play pre-season practice matches for the Bulls in two-day and one-day formats in early September.

WBBL and BBL tickets for the Heat are on sale from today through Ticketek and at https://www.brisbaneheat.com.au/tickets

Fans are encouraged to buy early and save, with early bird prices available until November 14 for BBL tickets and October 10 for WBBL tickets.

For the first time, the WBBL Heat will play a stand alone match at the Gabba, taking on the Adelaide Strikers on Saturday 9 November, as well as three matches under lights at Allan Border Field.

BBL matches in Brisbane will feature the return of the New Year’s Bash, when the Heat host the Melbourne Stars, one of five bumper home games at the Gabba.

With Labuschagne’s signing, the Heat have two local contracts and two International recruits from the BBL|14 Player Draft on 1 September to finalise their squad.

Brisbane Heat BBL|14 Squad (to date): Xavier Bartlett, Max Bryant, Spencer Johnson, Usman Khawaja, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan McSweeney, Colin Munro (International), Michael Neser, Jimmy Pierson, Will Prestwidge, Matthew Renshaw, Mitchell Swepson, Callum Vidler.

PlayCricket Week
The Brisbane Heat is calling on all young cricketers to register for the summer ahead with Play Cricket Week now underway.

Running from August 19-25, Play Cricket Week encourages young players across the country with all levels of experience and ability to sign up to play for the 24/25 cricket season.