The 29th BBL 2025 match between the Brisbane Heat and Sydney Thunder will take place at the Gabba in Brisbane on Saturday. The Brisbane Heat have received a major boost in confidence, as Marnus Labuschagne and former Test opener Usman Khawaja are both making comebacks. Khawaja will resume leadership duties and replace Nathan McSweeney as skipper upon his return.

On the other hand, Sydney Thunder's season has been challenging, with just one win against six losses leaving them at the bottom of the table with a net run rate of -1.255. There are only three group fixtures left on the schedule, and winning all three is necessary to keep hopes alive for a place in the next stage.

Also Read: BBL 2025-26 Match 30: REN vs STA head-to-head, pitch report & predicted playing XIs

HEA vs THU Match Details

• Match: Hobart Hurricanes vs Adelaide Strikers, 28th Match 

• Date: 10th January 2026

• Time: 10.30 AM IST

• Venue: The Gabba, Brisbane 

• Live Streaming: FanCode

HEA vs THU Weather Report

HEA vs THU Pitch Report

The Brisbane Cricket Ground presents challenges for batters due to the pitch's bounce and carry that complicates stroke play at first, and quick bowlers obtaining good height from the surface.

Top Batters to Watch – HEA vs THU

• Matt Renshaw (HEA): 245 runs in this tournament 

• David Warner (THU): 241 runs in this tournament 

• Matthew Gilkes (THU): 208 runs in this tournament 

Top Bowlers to Watch – HEA vs THU

• Daniel Sams (THU): 11 wickets in this tournament 

• Jack Wildermuth (HEA): 9 wickets in this tournament 

• Xavier Bartlett (HEA): 9 wickets in this tournament 

HEA vs THU Recent Form

HEA vs THU Today Match Prediction Scenarios

Scenario 1: If THU Bat First

• Powerplay Score: 40–45

• Predicted Total: 160–170

• Match Result: HEA to win

Scenario 2: If HEA Bat First

• Powerplay Score: 45–50

• Predicted Total: 175–190

• Match Result: HEA to win

Who Will Hit the Most Sixes?

Who Will Hit the Most Fours?

HEA vs THU Predicted Playing XIs

Brisbane Heat

Jack Wildermuth, Usman Khawaja (c), Nathan McSweeney, Matt Renshaw, Max Bryant, Marnus Labuschagne, Jimmy Peirson(w), Xavier Bartlett, Matthew Kuhnemann, Zaman Khan, Ollie Patterson

Sydney Thunder 

Matthew Gilkes, David Warner(c), Sam Konstas, Sam Billings(w), Daniel Sams, Chris Green, Nathan McAndrew, Tom Andrews, Wes Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Ryan Hadley, Tanveer Sangha, David Willey

HEA vs THU Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win Today?

Based on current form, team balance, and superior bowling strength, the Brisbane Heat are the favourites to win this BBL match. Matt Renshaw, Max Bryant and Marnus Labuschagne are expected to be the key performers.

HEA vs THU Match FAQs

Tensions and tempers flared late on the second day of the ongoing fifth test of the Ashes 2025-26 at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) where England captain, Ben Stokes, appeared to be telling Australia’s number three batter, Marcus Labuschagne, to ‘shut the f*** up’ as the visitors struggled for wickets in the fading light before the umpires called for early stumps as a drizzle started to make an appearance slowly into the contest.

It felt like the England captain was unhappy with Marnus Labuschagne wanting to get off the field in the cloudy conditions as the floodlights were turned on in Sydney. There was a suggestion from Labuschagne that prevented Stokes from running from a certain position where he wanted to during the final session.

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Stokes gave the South Africa-born a spray, appearing to say ‘shut the f***’, before wrapping his arm around Australia’s number three batter as the umpire, Ahsan Raza, walked towards them to make the situation light between the two veterans, which could catch the attention of the match referee later in the game.

Ben Stokes and Marnus Labuschagne’s verbal engagement goes viral

In the first innings of the game, England posted 384 in their first innings with Joe Root celebrating his second century of the trip. The second leading run getter of the format ended up with 160 at a strike rate of over 66 with the help of 15 boundaries, while he got full support from his Yorkshire teammate, Harry Brook, who nailed 86 at a strike rate of 86 with the help of six boundaries and one six.

Watch the video here: 

Things got pretty heated 👀#Ashes pic.twitter.com/UHum32WUH0

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 5, 2026

Australia made their way to 216 for the loss of two wickets in just 34 overs as Travis remains undefeated on 91 runs in 87 balls with the help of 15 boundaries as the home team trails by 218 heading into the 3rd display of the fifth encounter.

Brief Scores after Day 2: Australia 166/2 (Travis Head 91*, Marnus Labuschagne 48, Ben Stokes 2/30) trail England 384 (Joe Root 160, Harry Brook 84, Michael Neser 4/60) by 218 runs.

Marnus Labuschagne has shown some brilliant fielding at slips and other positions during the Ashes 2025/26 series down under. There have been many instances where the home side needed some clutch moments to win the contest from their fielders, and Marnus has delivered them at ease at the right position.

And he repeated the same feat during the final day’s play of the third Ashes 2025/26 Test at the Adelaide Oval, having already dismissed Jamie Smith in the morning session. Australia just needed to send back the last recognized batter, Will Jacks, who had been playing fluently by then.

See Also: Know latest updates of WTC 2025-27 points table after Australia's 3rd Ashes 2025/26 victory

But Mitchell Starc’s pitched-up length delivery finally drew him forward towards the cover and got his outside edge into the hands of the slip fielder, Marnus Labuschagne, who dived to his left and grabbed the catch just ahead of the wicket-keeper, Alex Carey, who also dived into his right side.

Marnus Labuschagne’s special catch dismisses Will Jacks in Adelaide.

Marnus was again brilliant during the first innings, when with another such spectacular catch, he sent back the number three batter of the England side, Ollie Pope, who slowly started to get his feet in the middle. Jack’s wicket was the final nail in the coffin for the visitors, who couldn’t do much from thereon.

Watch the video here: 

THERE IS NO WAY HE HAS DONE IT AGAIN!

MARNUS LABUSCHAGNE TAKE A BOW!#Ashes | #PlayoftheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/EkxdtkFsrg

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 21, 2025

“All the media hype, we have to say it, being called the worst Australian team in 15 years. It’s nice to be sitting where we are, three-nil.” Labuschagne said as he counterattacked the statement of Stuart Broad, who claimed his Australia side to be the worst in the last 10 years at home in the build-up to the Ashes 2025/26.

England fell like a pack of cards from that position and went on to lose the game to continue their struggle Down Under, where they have not won a single Test match in the last 18 attempts, which is now the joint longest streak in Australia along with New Zealand for any visiting side. The fourth Test of the series will be played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground on Boxing Day, December 26.

Australia’s early dominance in the Ashes has silenced many pre-series predictions. After sealing a 3-0 lead with their win in Adelaide, the hosts put the series beyond England’s reach. The result gave Australia breathing space with two Tests still to play. It also set the stage for a strong response from players who had been written off before the series began.

One player who did not shy away from speaking his mind was Marnus Labuschagne. Known for his energy and honesty, he responded to the talk around the series. Many experts had expected a tight contest. Instead, Australia dominated from the opening Test.

Labuschagne also addressed claims that this was the weakest Australian Ashes side in years. Some commentators had gone as far as calling it the poorest team since the home loss in 2010–11. Sitting on a 3-0 lead, those comments now look wide of the mark. Australia have turned doubt into confidence with strong performances.

‘Job’s Not Done Yet’ – Labuschagne Keeps Australia Focused

Speaking on-field to ABC Sport after the match, Labuschagne said, “All the media hype, we have to say it, being called the worst Australian team in 15 years… it’s nice to be sitting where we are, three-nil.” The comment was calm but sharp. It summed up Australia’s response to all the criticism before the series began.

Did the Aussie team hear all that punditry bluster before the Ashes began, calling them "the worst Australian team since 2010"?

Yes, they did. And now they've answered it.

Catch every ball this summer. Live and ad-free on ABC Radio and ABC listen: https://t.co/WbUr1sULLV
Follow… pic.twitter.com/yOtJ7uxsHY

— ABC SPORT (@abcsport) December 21, 2025

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His words carry extra weight given how the matches have played out. England was outplayed in Perth and at the Gabba. Even in Adelaide, where the contest looked closer, Australia always stayed in control. Expectations of a fierce battle never truly became reality. Despite the strong position, Labuschagne made it clear that Australia are not satisfied yet. He sent a clear message to England, saying, “The job’s not done yet, we want to make sure it’s 5-0 and really take that urn.” The focus now is on finishing the series strongly.

Labuschagne also played a big role in Adelaide with his fielding. In the fourth innings, he pulled off two stunning one-handed catches in the slips. He first dismissed Ollie Pope on Day 4 and later removed Will Jacks on Day 5. As the series heads to the Boxing Day Test, England face the challenge of avoiding a whitewash and restoring some pride.

Australia bowled only 74 overs on the opening day of the second day-night Ashes 2025/26 Test at the Gabba in Brisbane. They needed to dismiss the England side under 80 overs to dodge the over-rate penalty. Jofra Archer and Joe Root’s record partnership for the tenth wicket seemed to take the game away from the home side. 

Jofra Archer looked in fabulous yet aggressive mode with the bat in hand. He leaned forward for a sweet drive through the covers for a boundary against Mitchell Starc. It was a great shot played with a brilliant high-elbow that went much squarer than the cover. Australia looked a bit stunned. They needed something special, and Marnus Labuschagne provided them with the same.

See Also: Watch: Joe Root’s parents react to their son’s maiden Test century in Australia during Ashes 2025/26

Archer pulled the short ball from Brendan Doggett into the deep backward square leg, where Labuschagne went with two hands and managed to pluck it just inches off the ground with his right hand to dismiss the right-handed batter for 38 runs as the visitors were dismissed for 334 runs in the first innings.

Watch: Marnus Labuschagne shows great fielding to dismiss Jofra Archer during Ashes 2025/26 Test

England’s 334 runs became the second-highest score against Australia in the history of the day-night Test, just behind the 450 by Pakistan at the same ground in 2016. Joe Root remained unbeaten on 138 runs, having celebrated his maiden Test century down under. It also became the highest individual score by any batter against the Aussies in a day-night Test.

ONE OF THE ALL-TIME SCREAMERS FROM MARNUS LABUSCHAGNE!#Ashes | #PlayoftheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/nF2AkvCDtZ

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 5, 2025

Australia went off to a flying start with 77 runs in just 13 overs. Travis Head nailed a fine knock of 33 runs in 43 balls at a strike rate of 76.74 with the help of three boundaries and one six, while Jake Weatherhald creamed 40 runs unbeaten in 36 balls at a strike rate of 111.11.

England were finally able to draw the first blood when Brydon Carse dismissed Head, who again went for a big shot, with Gus Atkinson grabbing a fine catch before the 22-yard line. That was a golden chance for the visitors to get back into the contest. They had a lead of only 257 runs by then.

Ahead of the second Test of the Ashes 2025/26 for the day-night fixture against England at the Gabba in Brisbane, the focus has shifted on Steve Smith, who used the anti-glare strips like the former West Indies batter, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, to sight the pink ball under the floodlights.

Ahead of the Gabba Test, Marnus Labuschagne has given a hilarious reaction to those anti-glares as he tried to find the scientific reason for those. He felt that those glares perhaps had worked for the players to sight the ball well under the lights.

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“I think the looks- there must be some sort of science or theory around it. I haven’t read into it, but I guess it’s something to do with glare. Especially on the wicket and the glare from the wicket. And maybe it helped in picking the ball better. Either way, I look at it. If there is science behind it or if it’s a placebo and it doesn’t work, but it feels like it works.” Labuschagne told in that interaction.

Watch: Marnus Labuschagne’s suggestion on Steve Smith’s anti-glare strips before D/N Gabba Test in Ashes 2025/26

Labuschagne jokingly informed that he won’t be opening the batting along with Steve Smith. He also echoed the same sense as Pat Cummins, where he felt that the batting orders are quite irrelevant these days in the game.

"Go out there and smack ‘em around everywhere." 😂🏏

It's all about whatever works, as Marnus Labuschagne says Steve Smith's new eye black look is about glare for the day-night Ashes Test at the Gabba. ⚫⚫

📻📱Catch every ball this summer on ABC listen: https://t.co/WbUr1sULLV pic.twitter.com/tOQAxXtyBI

— ABC SPORT (@abcsport) December 1, 2025

“Both ways, it works. So, I would love nothing more than to see him stroll out to the wicket with the chevrons on and go out there and smack them around everywhere. I think we can be pretty much sure that Steve or I won’t open. I think, after all the talk, the batting order is just where you bat in the order.” Labuschagne addressed this in the video.

“It probably pushes back the time you come to the crease. And that’s why there is a batting order, because certain times suit certain players and the way they play. But at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter where you bat. We have got to find a way to score runs, and whatever happens, what’s best for the game.” Marnus concluded.

Marnus Labuschagne has been called into Australia’s squad for the three-match ODI series against India, starting Sunday, after all-rounder Cameron Green was ruled out with side soreness. The selectors didn’t want to risk him ahead of the Ashes starting next month. “Green will have a short rehab and is expected to return in round three of the Sheffield Shield as part of his Ashes preparation,” Cricket Australia said.

Marnus Labuschagne Replaces Injured Cameron Green in IND vs AUS ODI Series

Labuschagne wasn’t in the original squad but earned his place after scoring 159 for Queensland in a Sheffield Shield match on Thursday, his fourth century of the season. This is the third last-minute change for Australia in the first ODI.

🚨 LABUSCHAGNE IS BACK IN ODIs 🚨

- Marnus Labuschagne replaces injured Cameron Green in the ODI series against India. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/42lK15Y1mV

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 17, 2025

Josh Philippe replaces the injured Josh Inglis, and Matthew Kuhnemann comes in for Adam Zampa, who is unavailable for personal reasons. For India, the focus will be on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who are back in action after retiring from Tests and playing only one format now.

ALSO READ: 5-wicket haul for Rajasthan Royals bowler in Ranji Trophy ahead of IPL 2026

Australia Squad for First ODI:
Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Owen, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw, Matthew Short, Mitchell Starc.

From Second ODI onwards: Adam Zampa, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis.

Australia have dropped their veteran middle-order batter, Marnus Labuschagne, from the three-match ODI squad to face India at home as his Queensland team-mate, Matt Renshaw, is in line to make his debut in the format. Marnus’ form was a concern with a top score of just 47 in the last ten ODI innings, which didn’t push the selectors enough to keep him. 

Labuschagne might not feature against South Africa in August if Matthew Short wasn’t ruled out of the side with a side strain. This omission means he could continue to feature in the ongoing Sheffield Shield, where he started with a fine 160 against Tasmania, which could pave the way for his Test recall during the Ashes 2025-26.

See Also: Know latest update and comeback date of Rishabh Pant post foot injury

Renshaw’s call-up comes after an impressive run in the List-A cricket as he smashed a century for Australia A against Sri Lanka in Darwin in the winter. Since November 2021, in 50-over games, he has an average of over 48, with six of his seven centuries coming in this period. He could also be an option for numbers three and four in the Ashes squad.

Australia drop Marnus Labuschagne for three-match ODI series against India

Mitchell Starc, who hasn’t played in the ODIs since last November, has also been included along with the available players. Alex Carey, who missed the Shield game for South Australia due to his participation in the T20I series in New Zealand, will miss the opening ODI to feature in the second round of the Sheffield game.

His fellow wicket-keeper, Josh Inglis, has recovered from the calf strain that put him out of the T20I squad as he returns to the 50-over and 20-over sides. Cameron Green has also been added for the ODIs. The opening 50-over game will be on October 19 at the Optus Stadium in Perth, while the second and third clashes will be on October 23 and 25 in Adelaide and Sydney.

Australia’s ODI squad against India at home

Mitchell Marsh (captain), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey (wk), Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Mitchell Owen, Matt Renshaw, Matthew Short, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa.

Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne has begun the domestic summer off to a promising start with a stylish century during the One-day Cup victory for Queensland against Victoria at the Allan Border Field in Brisbane. The veteran batter has been fighting hard to get a Test recall for the upcoming Ashes 2025/26 campaign against England with a 92-ball century, combined with a 106-run fourth wicket stand.

However, an interesting situation took place during the 23rd over of the innings, when the Australia side accused the batter of obstructing the field after the opponent captain disrupted a run-out chance at the bowling end. The issue has caused controversy on social media as the video went viral.

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After defending the delivery from seamer, Mitchell Perry, the right-handed batter reached for the ball with his bat and was trying to prevent it from spinning back onto his stumps. However, head down and focus on the ball, Marnus was unaware of the entire condition that Matthew Renshaw had sprinted down the track in search of a quick single, with the two batters nearly stranded at the same end.

Watch: Victoria accuse Marnus Labuschagne of obstructing the field during One-day Cup

Rather than attempting the run-out at the bowling end of the pitch, Perry protested with the umpires as he retrieved the ball, arguing the batter’s actions warranted a dismissal for obstructing the field. The umpires, Riki Wessels and Donovan Koch, discussed the matter, with the veteran Peter Handscomb providing some input.

CONTROVERSY 🚨👀
The Victorians accused Marnus Labuschagne of obstructing the field after the Bulls captain inadvertently disrupted a run-out chance at the other end.#Cricket #Labuschagne #OneDayCup #Controversy pic.twitter.com/ToUhgKFGBg

— Kayo Sports (@kayosports) September 17, 2025

“This is interesting. The umpires are going to have a look at this. (Perry) I was questioning the fact that Marnus was fiddling around with the ball. Tough call for the umpires there.” Ray Phillips expressed in the commentary.

Labuschagne smashed 130 runs in 118 deliveries, thanks to 17 boundaries and one six at a strike rate of 110.17. Jack Wildermuth smacked an unbeaten knock of 54 runs in 30 balls at a strike rate of 180, shouldering on four sixes and two boundaries. Victoria got bundled out for 255 runs, as they faced a 55-run defeat.

Australia's star batter Marnus Labuschagne stunned everyone with his bowling. Labuschagne is known for his technical batting abilities and can bowl a few overs as well. But the match-turning incident that happened during the final of the 2025 KFC T20 Max was perhaps beyond his imagination.

Labuschagne, who was representing Redlands, took a hat-trick—3 wickets in 3 balls—against Valley. When the match was nicely poised for a possible entertaining ending, Labuschagne took the matter into his own hands and dealt with it the best way available. Batting first, Labuschagne's team, Redlands, registered a massive total of 191/6, thanks to Jimmy Peirson's century.

The opponent team, Valley, went to fight toe-to-toe with the help from Max Bryant, who scored 76 off 38. He emerged as the only hope for Valley to chase down the big target. As soon as he lost his wicket, Valley's hope for winning the final was all gone. Labuschagne turned out as one of the main protagonists for Redlands to defend their total. He went to take the hat trick after securing three catches during his fielding job.

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Three deliveries confirmed fate of the final

Those three deliveries from Marnus marked the end of their opposition team's fighting. Valley bowled out for 150 in just 17.2 overs. Fans at the Matthew Hayden Stand at Allan Border Field in Brisbane celebrated this unreal moment to mark it as special. 

Marnus Labuschagne took a a hattrick in the KFC T20 Max Final. 🤯pic.twitter.com/8ye7U7udVu

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 7, 2025

Labuschagne's stellar performance in the KFC T20 Max competition comes as he aims to reclaim his spot in the Australian Test team for the upcoming Ashes series. "When you’ve been short of runs, it doesn’t matter where you score them; you just want to be out there in the middle getting that feel," Labuschagne told cricket.com.au.