The BBL's home-town disadvantage

Jan 22, 2017 - 4:19 AM Away teams have won the last 10 Big Bash matches, but Ben Cutting is hopeful a jam-packed Gabba won't prove a curse for Brisbane against the Sydney Sixers in Wednesday night's semi-final.

Highlighting the apparent home-ground disadvantage in this summer's competition, the hosts have been victors in just 11 of 32 matches.

In a season where no franchise had a winning record at home the Heat best exemplified that record - losing three-from-four at home but going undefeated on the road.

But despite the trend, Cutting didn't believe there was any added advantage by playing on the road in 2016-17.

"I think that's just the nature of the Big Bash," Cutting said.

"It doesn't matter where you play because all teams are so closely contested."

Brisbane were 'rewarded' with the home final when results fell in their favour on Saturday night.

"It is unpredictable but there's nothing better than playing in front of your home crowd," Cutting said.

"A crowd of 35,000 at the Gabba is better than 40,000 at the MCG.

"The Gabba is right on top of you, it can be very in-your-face for an away team as well."

After losing to the Melbourne Renegades in a one-run thriller at the Gabba on Friday, the Sydney Sixers then swept past the Melbourne Stars on Saturday to set up their date at the Gabba with the Heat.

And while Cutting doesn't believe there's an advantage of being the visitors at the Gabba, he knows all too well the disadvantage he faces being a bowler at the ground where 1406 runs at 9.06 an over have been scored this tournament.

"We're just aware that 200 is probably a par score to chase down with the bat.

"If we bat first we need to make more than 200 because 10 an over from a bowler is par. We can understand that from a bowling perspective and batting perspective."

The Heat are expected a boost to their attack with West Indian legspinner Samuel Badree due to return from a hamstring injury.

"He's moving pretty well in the gym and I gather spin is sexy again so it would be a shame to leave him out," Cutting said.

HOW THE TEAMS FARED AT HOME THIS SUMMER:

Adelaide: 2-2

Brisbane: 1-3

Hobart: 1-3

Melbourne Renegades: 1-3

Melbourne Stars: 1-3

Perth: 2-2

Sydney Sixers: 2-2

Sydney Thunder: 1-3

Source: AAP