NEWS
Follow UsJust over 48 hours after being unceremoniously dumped from Australia’s Test side in the middle of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Nathan McSweeney hit an unbeaten 78 at the Gabba to propel Brisbane Heat to the top of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2024/25 standings.
McSweeney slammed 10 fours and two sixes as the Heat chased down 175 off the final ball against the Adelaide Strikers of the innings to make it two wins in two.
After being replaced by 19-year-old Sam Konstas in Australia’s Test squad following averaging 14.40 across the first three India Tests, McSweeney walked right into the Brisbane Heat side. The 25-year-old had led the Heat to the title last season, but here he was slated to play under the captaincy of Colin Munro.
Walking in at 14/1 in the second over, the right-hander showcased his class as he batted out of the rest of the innings to see the Heat home.
McSweeney was named the Player of the Match for his efforts.
“It's always nice to bounce back. Loved my time in the Australian cricket team, hopefully I learn from my experience, get better and get back there,” McSweeney said after the game.
“Nice to share the dressing room with such great players. It's not about how it starts but how it ends. That's the part of the journey, it's all about ups and downs. It's a great learning curve.”
Earlier in the game, an unbeaten 45 off 24 balls from new Chennai Super Kings (CSK) recruit Jamie Overton had taken the Adelaide Strikers to 174.
However, Overton’s efforts were overshadowed by McSweeney and Matt Renshaw (54 off 25), whose 66-run stand set up the chase for the Heat.
