BBL7 - Heat v Scorchers Preview (Plus The Lurker's Pick and Bank)

Brisbane Heat v Perth Scorchers @ The Gabba
 
Head to Head History - Perth Scorchers 5, Brisbane Heat 3
 
Last 5 - Perth Scorchers 3, Brisbane Heat 2
 
Brisbane Heat 13-Man Squad - Brendon McCullum (c), Ben Cutting, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Gannon, Sam Heazlett, Shadab Khan, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Lalor, Chris Lynn, Jimmy Peirson, Alex Ross, Mark Steketee, Mitchell Swepson
 
Perth Scorchers 13-Man Squad - Adam Voges (c), Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Hilton Cartwright, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Johnson, Michael Klinger, Mitch Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Joel Paris, Jhye Richardson, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, David Willey
 
Preview - Two of the big guns in BBL7 lock horns when the Brisbane Heat host the Perth Scorchers at The Gabba tonight. The Heat will be looking to get to 4-2 after they belted the Stars by 9 wickets in Melbourne in their last game. The Scorchers have been their usual pillars of excellence, with four wins from four games despite having a host of their big guns unavailable. 
 
Big Batting Battle - Brendon McCullum v Michael Klinger – Here we have two very contrasting batmen, but equally important for their teams, in McCullum and Klinger. McCullum was back to his bruising best with 61 against the Stars, as he played in typically cavalier manner after a few low scores. Klinger has been outstanding since returning in the past two games, scoring 83 in a masterclass against the Sixers to help the Scorchers recover from a poor position, to chase down 167 for victory in the final over. 
 
Big Bowling Battle - Mitchell Swepson v Mitchell Johnson – I have opted for the two Mitchells here, even though one is a leg spinner and one is an out-and-out fast bowler. Both are probably their team’s biggest strike weapon, with Swepson bowling outstandingly against a star studded Melbourne side to take 3/14 from four overs. Johnson remains a force, opening the bowling and having a stranglehold on opening batsmen throughout the tournament with his pace and control.   
 
Ground Dynamic - The Gabba - The Gabba usually has good pace and carry, so both the home side and the Scorchers should enjoy the conditions. It’s one of the highest scoring grounds in the BBL, so the team batting first will be looking for a score of over 175. 
 
THE PROPHET'S PICK (9-8) - Brisbane Heat - "When the Heat are on, they’re very hard to beat, and the Scorchers are due a loss surely." 
 
 The PROPHET'S 10-UNIT BANK (Running Tally = - 49 Units) 
 
 (Tab Odds)
 
3.5 Units Heat to win by 1-20 runs or 1-4 wickets @ $6
 
2.5 Units Ashton Turner to score 25+ runs @ $2
 
2.5 Units David Willey most wickets for the Scorchers @ $5
 
1.5 Unit McCullum/Shah high bat/bowler double for the Heat @ $12.19