Photo Credit: Brisbane Heat
Australian Test star Usman Khawaja and World Cup hero Marnus Labuschagne will join fellow Internationals Sam Billings and Colin Munro in the Brisbane Heat team for the opening match of the KFC Big Bash League at the Gabba on Thursday 7 December against the Melbourne Stars.
Labuschagne, fresh from playing a pivotal role in Australia’s World Cup win in India earlier this week, and Heat captain Khawaja have committed to play Opening Night against the Stars prior to their anticipated involvement in Australia’s First Test preparations in Perth.
Queensland Cricket and Brisbane Heat Chief Executive Officer Terry Svenson congratulated both players on their commitment to the Heat and to the fans and supporters of the BBL.
“We are delighted to confirm Usman and Marnus’s availability for the Opening Night of the Big Bash League. Both players have had incredible years across the World Test Championship and Ashes plus Australia’s recent World Cup victory, so it’s wonderful our home fans can see them in action to kick the season off.
“Both Usman and Marnus are passionate about playing for Heat, and we’re thankful to our colleagues at Cricket Australia who have helped confirm their availability for the BBL opener.
“Opening Night promises to be massive event and we’re excited that the Heat can start the BBL season in style. We’re very encouraged by ticket and membership sales to date, and we know our team will be ready to put in a good performance in front our fans. We’re hopeful as many Heat fans as possible can join us at the Gabba to cheer us on.”
The selection of Labuschagne and Khawaja adds to a full night of on and off field entertainment for Opening Night that will also see World Cup winners Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell return to Australia for the Stars, while former fan favourite ‘Rocketman’ will light up the Gabba for his first flight in six years.
Opening Night has so far proven popular with fans. All hospitality boxes and suites are sold out, while fans have a limited opportunity to secure 30% off public tickets for all Heat home games this summer through the club’s Black Friday Sale. Fans can secure the discount between Friday November 24 and Monday November 27 at 11:59pm by heading to the Ticketek website and entering the code CYBERHEAT30 when selecting their tickets.
Brisbane Heat Academy squad will play practice matches in Melbourne next week as part of the build-up to the opening week of the BBL that will feature the Heat playing three games in the first seven days.
