The Brisbane Heat face a crunch decision on managing the fitness of drawcard Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff for Sunday night's Big Bash clash with pace-setting Adelaide Strikers.
With four matches scheduled over nine days, the Heat will closely assess their veteran stars, most particularly Flintoff, in the hours before the Gabba clash.
The former England allrounder has been a major hit as much for his promotional value to the BBL and Brisbane will be desperate for the 2005 Ashes hero to again entertain their home crowd.
But coach Stuart Law is also mindful he has three 35-plus allround stalwarts - also including Daniel Vettori and James Hopes - in his side and must negotiate a packed mid-competition schedule.
Flintoff was originally slated to only turn out for the last four or five games of the BBL but an injury to West Indian spinner Samuel Badree opened the door to play the full tournament.
Still rusty after coming out of retirement this year, the 37-year-old has struggled as a death bowler and is still yet to find his batting touch by scoring 15 off 13 balls in his three late-order bats.
His commentary, in contrast, both on and off the field for Network Ten, has been superb.
Unbeaten Adelaide have shown they're not prepared to risk their veterans by resting Shaun Tait and Brad Hodge for the trip to Brisbane in the hope they can play at home against Perth on Tuesday.
The Strikers can put a deposit on a semi-finals spot with a fourth straight victory in star import Kieron Pollard's last match before returning to West Indies duties.
Brisbane have added extra bowling options to their squad with Mark Steketee replacing Simon Milenko and Cameron Gannon in line for a recall following their six-wicket loss to Hobart on Friday night.
Heat: James Hopes(capt), Dan Christian, Ben Cutting, Ryan Duffield, Andrew Flintoff, Jason Floros, Peter Forrest, Cameron Gannon, Chris Lynn, Jimmy Pierson, Nathan Reardon, Mark Steketee, Dan Vettori.
Strikers: Johan Botha (capt), Jono Dean, Travis Head, Hamish Kingston, Ben Laughlin, Trent Lawford, Tim Ludeman, Kieron Pollard, Gary Putland, Kane Richardson, Alex Ross, Craig Simmons, Adam Zampa.
Share
