Rookie 'keeper set for whirlwind BBL debut

Jan 19, 2017 - 6:52 AM Andrew Harriott was selling sports apparel on Wednesday. On Friday, he'll be wearing it in front of a sold-out Gabba crowd, and with millions watching on TV.

Welcome to the wonderful world of the Big Bash League.

Wicketkeeper Harriott has been thrust into the Melbourne Renegades' spotlight for their crunch BBL clash with the Brisbane Heat.

The 24-year-old Tamworth product is a replacement for Peter Nevill, his former grade-cricket teammate who will miss Friday's match after copping a flying bat to the face against the Adelaide Strikers during Monday night's six-run win.

Harriott, who works in sales for apparel company Fi-Ta, plays for the Northern District Cricket Club in Sydney but also has experience with the ACT Comets, and was previously a BBL rookie for the Sydney Thunder.

The right-hander has scored almost 900 runs this summer in 17 innings across all formats, including four centuries and four 50s.

"I'm still coming to terms with it, to be honest," said Harriott of his whirlwind call-up.

"I'm still on cloud nine."

The match is a must-win for the Renegades if they are to qualify for next week's semi-finals.

The Heat have already secured their spot, but can lock in a home final with victory on Friday.

Skipper Brendon McCullum will return from his controversial one-week suspension for the team's slow over rate, while left-arm paceman Josh Lalor has also been included in the Heat's 13-man squad for his first appearance of the season, having suffered a side strain in November during a BBL practice match.

West Indian legspinner Samuel Badree (hamstring) is back to full fitness but will not be risked this week.

Harriott, meanwhile, is confident the magnitude of the occasion won't get to him.

"It'll be a good opportunity and, hopefully, we can get over the line and get to the semis," he said.

"I gave Nevvy a quick call yesterday just to get some tips off him.

"Basically, if I just watch the ball, I should be sweet."

Heat: Brendon McCullum (capt), Nick Buchanan, Joe Burns, Ben Cutting, Alex Doolan, Sam Heazlett, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Lalor, Jimmy Peirson, Alex Ross, Mark Steketee, Mitch Swepson, Jack Wildermuth.

Renegades: Aaron Finch (capt), Marcus Harris, Cameron White, Tom Cooper, Callum Ferguson, Matt Short, Thisara Perera, Sunil Narine, Andrew Harriott, Chris Tremain, James Pattinson, Nathan Rimmington, Brad Hogg.

Source: AAP