Up to ten debutants will line up for the Brisbane Heat tonight in the Big Bash League, with COVID-19 sweeping through the first team.
12 players and coach Wade Seccombe have tested positive for the virus and are currently in seven days of isolation.
The Heat were forced to postpone Wednesday night's match with the Sydney Sixers on the Gold Coast following the outbreak, but have relocated in time to face off against the Melbourne Renegades in Geelong tonight.
The club has quickly assembled a 14-player squad for the clash, with ten debutants brought in.
Introducing your new look HEAT! New skipper, new coach, new International superstar and a possible 10 debutants make up tonight’s squad of 14.
— Brisbane Heat (@HeatBBL) January 6, 2022
Details | https://t.co/aV2H6aXn5h#BringtheHEAT #BBL11 pic.twitter.com/49llDhgSiY
Tom Cooper has been named team captain in the absence of Jimmy Peirson.
Notable inclusions include Pakistani batter Fakhar Zaman, former Adelaide Strikers players David Grant and Jake Lehmann, and Queensland Bulls players Bryce Street, Will Prestwidge, Lachy Pfeffer, and Jack Clayton.
If selected in the starting XI, 19-year-old fast bowler Will Prestwidge will face up against his brother Jack Prestwidge who plays for the Renegades.
Six more players have also been put on call by the Heat in case further replacements are needed throughout the rest of the reason.
In a statement on the official club website, acting Brisbane Heat coach James Hopes said that everyone in the squad is ready to take the opportunities presented to them.
“We’re excited as a group, probably a bit nervous as individuals, but everyone is accepting of the circumstances and is raring to go,’’ Hopes said.
“All of the players can look at this experience as an opportunity to improve, to test their skills, and simply enjoy the chance to play in the BBL and have some fun.
“We’re grateful to everyone who has got us to this point.
"Our thoughts are with the players and Wade [Seccombe] who are in isolation and we’re looking forward to doing our best for them and for the Heat fans and supporters."
The Renegades come into the match as favourites due to the Heat's altered squad, with the Melbourne-based side aiming to win their second game in a row.
Aaron Finch will lead his side out to GMHBA Stadium knowing a victory will be crucial to keeping the Renegade's finals hopes alive.