Rain washes out Brisbane Heat v Sydney Sixers BBL clash
Persistent rain meant no play was possible between Brisbane Heat and Sydney Sixers on Monday. Photo: Getty
Brisbane all-rounder Michael Neser is confident a second washout won’t cool the pacesetting Heat’s Big Bash League momentum.
Not even the bat flip was possible at the Gabba on Monday when the solid rain that hit the region earlier in the day didn’t abate.
Officials eventually called off the clash against Sydney Sixers, to the disappointment of more than 20,000 optimistic fans who went through the gates hopeful of action.
The teams will meet again in Coffs Harbour on Wednesday, the Sixers (3-1) third behind the ladder-leading Heat (4-0) and both enduring two washouts.
“We want to continue our winning streak,” Neser said.
“This washout is not ideal and the fans are a big part of that.
“They’ve missed out because we had a great game against the Sixers (in the Challenger) to make the BBL final last season.”
Neser was a star of that campaign but has taken a back seat this year, his storming early-season Sheffield Shield form cooling without affecting the team’s performance.
“Everyone is doing their role and, as a bowling unit, we just feel the extra depth and options,” he said.
“Our spinners (Mitch Swepson and Matt Kuhnemann) are going great with the way they are controlling the middle overs, Spencer Johnson just takes wickets, Xavier Bartlett is really enjoying bowling in the power surge and so on.”
Such is the strength of Heat’s squad that long-time performer Jimmy Peirson, top-order regular Max Bryant and all-rounder Jack Wildermuth have been squeezed out of the XI.
The Gabba will host a twilight Test later this month against the West Indies, and Neser remains hopeful of adding to his two Tests, both played in Adelaide with a pink ball.
“You always hope to play for your country,” said Neser, who has seven wickets at less than 17 at Test level.
“I love it and I am a bit of a pink-ball specialist.”
