Test trio Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne and Matthew Renshaw are set to line up within the Brisbane Heat’s Big Bash knockout last in opposition to the Melbourne Renegades regardless of Khawaja’s hesitation to substantiate his availability after their sudden-death defeat of the Sydney Thunder.
Khawaja, Labuschagne and Renshaw are all flying out to India with the Test squad on Tuesday however earlier this week, the BBL instructed AAP they might be out there for one final finals sport on Sunday pending qualification.
After starring within the first sport of the finals collection, although, Khawaja stated he couldn’t affirm whether or not he would make himself free for the follow-up conflict.
Playing would have meant three flights in as many days, given the Test crew is required on the Allan Border Medal in Sydney the evening after the match in opposition to the Renegades in Melbourne. It would even have meant forgoing a golden alternative to relaxation up earlier than a gruelling subcontinent tour.
“We’re obviously going away for six-and-a-half weeks,” Khawaja instructed reporters on Friday evening.
“There’s a lot happening right now.”
Renshaw solely performed one Test match over the summer season so had not appeared in as a lot doubt as Khawaja and Labuschagne, who each featured in all 5.
Khawaja and Labuschagne posted essential knocks of 94 and 73 in opposition to the Thunder so would have been main losses for the Heat in the event that they dominated themselves out of the match in opposition to the Renegades.
But after discussions with Heat coach Wade Seccombe, the Test trio have been named within the squad to journey to Marvel Stadium and might be out there for choice.
“Uz and Marn batted beautifully the other night and we’re delighted to have them stick with the group for another match before they go to India,’‘ Seccombe said in a statement.
With the Thunder eliminated and his BBL cameo over, David Warner now has extra time at home before flying out for what is set to be his last Test tour of India.
He would not reveal whether he would have played against the Renegades in the knockout final had the Thunder progressed, but saw no reason his Test teammates at the Heat wouldn’t.
“I don’t have to answer that question now,” Warner joked on Friday evening.
“The Heat boys, it’s good for Australian cricket that those guys are here and they’re having that opportunity to play.
“With their momentum tonight, there’s no reason why they wouldn’t play.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
