BBL 2023 | HEA vs STA, Match 1 - Top Captain and Vice-captain Picks

image-lptu53spGlenn Maxwell will be an important player for the Stars in the first match (Source: x.com)

Brisbane Heat (HEA) and Melbourne Stars (STA) go toe-to-toe with each other in the opening fixture of the brand-new season of the Big Bash League. Match No. 1 of season 13 is all set to take place on Thursday, December 07, 2023, at the Gabba, Brisbane at 13:45 IST. Both sides will meet each other only once in the league phase of the current competition. Ahead of the tournament opener, here is a look at the top captain and vice-captain choices for the fantasy contests of this contest.

For More Fantasy Tips and Teams, Click Here.

HEA vs STA, Match 1: Venue Analysis

Pace bowlers might get more help from the surface than the spinners at the iconic Gabba Stadium in Brisbane. The track has often been supportive of the seamers compared to the slower bowlers.


HEA vs STA, Match 1 - Toss Factor

In the tournament opener, the skipper winning the toss might look to bowl first and have a target in front of him. Chasing should be preferred as batting second might get easier on this surface.

Scenario: If Brisbane Heat fields first

Left-arm seamer Spencer Johnson has caught the eye with his bowling in The Hundred competition. He along with all-rounder Michael Neser will be key in picking up the wickets for the Heat. In the batting department, skipper Usman Khawaja and experienced campaigner Colin Munro will look to get their side over the line in a run-chase.

Scenario: If Melbourne Stars Fields First

The Pakistani duo of Imad Wasim and Haris Rauf will have the responsibility of getting wickets for the Stars along with pacer Joel Paris. The trio will look to restrict the Heat to a low total by picking up wickets at regular intervals. In the run-chase, captain Glenn Maxwell and Nic Larkin will be key for Melbourne in reaching their respective target.


HEA vs STA, Match 1 - Top Captain and Vice-captain choices

Scenario: If Melbourne Stars Fields First

Glenn Maxwell (STA)

Star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has been in great touch recently with the bat. The destructive batter has been in his usual best in the recently-concluded World Cup and T20I series against India. Maxwell would like to carry his form in the Big Bash and lead his side from the front by getting up a significant score in the run-chase.

Nick Larkin (STA)

Experienced campaigner Nick Larkin will also play a vital role for the Stars this season. The 33-year old is a key member in this Melbourne batting line-up. The right-handed batter would hope to contribute in this season opener and especially if his team is up against a big target at The Gabba.


Scenario: If Brisbane Heat Fields First

Usman Khawaja (HEA)

Veteran Usman Khawaja will be donning the captaincy hat for the Heat. The left-handed top-order player will also have the dual responsibility of leading his side and scoring crucial runs. Khawaja is an experienced player and he is a vital cog right at the top of the order if Brisbane is facing a big target.

Colin Munro (HEA)

New Zealand international Colin Munro has a lot of experience in playing around the world in various T20 leagues. The explosive left-handed batter scores quickly and can take the game away in a flash from the opposition. Heat will hope that Munro continues his aggressive approach and get them over the line in a big run-chase.


HEA vs STA, Match 1 - Big Risk, Big Return Choices

Marnus Labuschagne (HEA)

Marnus Labuschagne is a proven performer at the Test level. The right-handed player also proved his worth in the one-day international format by playing some crucial knocks in the recently-concluded WC especially in the finals. Labuschagne is a reliable and compact player as he looks a risky but worthy pick for this tie.

Marcus Stoinis (STA)

Marcus Stoinis is a quality and proven all-rounder in international cricket. The destructive right-handed player has also played some quickfire innings in the past in the Big Bash. Recently, his form has been patchy but he may be back amongst the runs in the brand new edition of the BBL.