Fri Dec 19 09:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Kuhnemann Returns, Young Pacer Balkin Added as Heat Face Scorchers

Brisbane, Australia – The Brisbane Heat will be bolstered by the return of spinner Matthew Kuhnemann as they prepare to face the Perth Scorchers at the Gabba tomorrow in a highly anticipated Big Bash League clash. Kuhnemann has recovered from a side strain that sidelined him for the opening game, and is now set to join the squad. To make room for Kuhnemann, left-arm spinner Paddy Dooley will drop out of the squad after featuring as a Local Replacement Player (LRP) in Monday’s narrow loss to the Melbourne Renegades.

Adding to the excitement, Toombul pace bowler Tom Balkin has been named as a Local Replacement Player for the Brisbane Heat. The BBL Technical Committee has approved Balkin’s inclusion, and he must be named in the final twelve. Balkin, a former Australian Under-19 representative and Queensland Bulls rookie, recently recovered from a shin injury and could make his BBL debut if selected.

International batter Tom Alsop is continuing to recover from a knee injury.

The match marks the Scorchers’ first visit to Brisbane since the Heat’s championship-winning BBL|13 season. Both teams will wear black armbands and observe a minute’s silence to honour the victims of the recent tragic events in Sydney.

The game will be broadcast live on Fox Cricket and streamed on KAYO.

Brisbane Heat Squad:

  • Shaheen Shah Afridi (Int)
  • Tom Balkin (LRP)
  • Xavier Bartlett
  • Max Bryant
  • Liam Haskett (LRP)
  • Lachlan Hearne
  • Matthew Kuhnemann
  • Nathan McSweeney
  • Colin Munro (Int)
  • Oli Patterson
  • Jimmy Peirson
  • Matthew Renshaw
  • Hugh Weibgen
  • Jack Wildermuth

    Read More