Melbourne Stars vs Brisbane Heat BBL Preview: High-voltage action on the cards

Hobart Hurricanes started the Big Bash League with a 16-run win over defending champions Sydney Sixers. The tournament now moves on to match #2 where Melbourne Stars will take on Brisbane Heat at the Manuka Oval on Friday.

The Stars are twice defending runners-up and will be looking to win their maiden BBL title this season. The Heat are BBL02 winner and have gone for a complete makeover to revive olden days.

The Stars are one of the many teams to feel the pinch of COVID-19. The Stars' best bowler last season Haris Rauf is unavailable, while Peter Handscomb and Sandeep Lamichhane have been traded to the Hurricanes. 

New signings bring excitement, though, as Andre Fletcher and Nicholas Pooran shape up as key signings. Star players Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa are all coming off a successful series vs India and will be confident.

Will Pucovski is unavailable because of the head injury sustained against India in a practice match. Stoinis' fitness will be a cause of concern, as he sat out the last T20I against India due to a side strain.

After another poor season that saw them finish outside the playoffs, Brisbane Heat went for a complete squad makeover. Captain Chris Lynn will look to shore up an inexperienced batting line-up. Tom Banton's withdrawal has opened the door for his England teammate Dan Lawrence who could surprise a few.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman's positive COVID-19 test last week keeps his participation doubtful. With the likes of Matt Renshaw, James Pattinson, and Josh Lalor out this season, the Heat will have a different look to their squad.

Joe Burns, Marnus Labuschagne, and Mitchell Swepson are all busy with international or 'A' team committments. England import Lewis Gregory is in quarantine, while there isn't any news about Mujeeb's recovery from COVID-19.

Brisbane Heat have won eight of 12 matches against Melbourne Stars and seven of the last nine.

Last season, the Stars defeated the Heat by 22 runs at the Carrara Oval inspired by Glenn Maxwell's belligerence. The Heat had their revenge at the MCG as AB de Villiers led them to a 71-run riot.

Both teams are set to welcome new additions making this an interesting start to their respective seasons. The Heat will be heavily dependent on their captain Chris Lynn, while the Stars will hope Maxwell will continue his recent good form. With those two in the fray, this match could end up being a paradise for big shot lovers.

There should be sixes galore in this match as both Melbourne Stars and Brisbane Heat possess some excellent strikers. Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, and Nicholas Pooran on show for this game which should rank high on the total sixes count.