Brisbane Heat fast bowler Xavier Bartlett will mark another significant milestone in his rapidly growing cricket résumé after being appointed captain for the Heat’s upcoming Big Bash League 2025-26 clash against the Sydney Thunder in Canberra.
The 27-year-old becomes the 14th captain in Brisbane Heat history, set to lead the side at Manuka Oval just two matches after bringing up 50 career BBL appearances for the club. Bartlett steps into the leadership role following an ankle injury to regular skipper Nathan McSweeney, who was hurt during the Heat’s record-breaking run chase at the Gabba on Friday night.
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McSweeney will consult a specialist this week to assess his recovery timeline and has been ruled out of the Canberra fixture.
Brisbane Heat head coach Johan Botha said Bartlett has consistently demonstrated strong leadership qualities with both Queensland and the Heat, making him a natural choice to step into the captaincy role.
Botha added that Bartlett would be well supported by senior figures within the squad, including Colin Munro, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Jimmy Peirson, as he begins his tenure as captain.
Also read – Sydney Thunder Name 14-Player Squad for Brisbane Heat Clash at Manuka Oval
The Heat coach also provided an update on McSweeney’s injury, confirming the batter has been advised to rest over the coming days.
With McSweeney sidelined, English wicketkeeper-batter Tom Alsop has been added to the squad after missing the opening two matches due to knee soreness. Alsop is the only inclusion in the 13-player group that travelled to Canberra on Monday.
Meanwhile, batter Max Bryant is progressing well after aggravating a pre-existing shoulder issue during the closing stages of the Heat’s dramatic run chase against the Perth Scorchers. Local replacement player Tom Balkin and batter Lachlan Hearne are also in contention and could make their Big Bash League debuts if selected in the starting XI.
The Brisbane Heat face the Sydney Thunder at Manuka Oval on Tuesday evening, with the match scheduled to begin at 6:15 pm Queensland time.
Brisbane Heat Squad vs Sydney Thunder
Shaheen Shah Afridi (Int), Tom Alsop (Int), Tom Balkin (LRP), Xavier Bartlett (C), Max Bryant, Liam Haskett (LRP), Lachlan Hearne, Matthew Kuhnemann, Colin Munro (Int), Jimmy Peirson, Matthew Renshaw, Hugh Weibgen, Jack Wildermuth
Changes from last squad:
In: Tom Alsop
Out: Nathan McSweeney (ankle), Oli Patterson (omitted)
News Source – Brisbane Heat Official Website
