A decimated Brisbane Heat were able to secure the Australian test duo Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne for the BBL season opener against the Melbourne Stars on December 7th.

ODI World Cup winner Marnus Labuschagne and Test opener Usman Khawaja are available for selection for the Brisbane Heat's opening game against the Melbourne Stars in the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL). The match is scheduled to take place at the Gabba on December 7, a week before Australia's first Test against Pakistan in Perth, and hence both cricketers have committed to play the first match.

Labuschagne, who just played a crucial role in Australia's World Cup win in India earlier this week, and Heat captain Khawaja have committed to playing against the Stars ahead of their expected participation in Australia's first Test preparations in Perth on the opening night.

Queensland Cricket and Brisbane Heat Chief Executive Officer Terry Svenson congratulated both players on their commitment to the Heat and the fans and supporters of the BBL.

“We are pleased to confirm the availability of Usman and Marnus for the opening night of the Big Bash League. Both players had incredible years in the World Test Championship and Ashes, as well as Australia's recent World Cup win, so it's wonderful that our home fans will be able to see them in action at the start of the season.

“Both Usman and Marnus are passionate about playing for Heat and we are grateful to our colleagues at Cricket Australia who helped us confirm their availability for the BBL opener.

On the other hand, the Brisbane Heat will be without the services of Matthew Renshaw, Nathan McSweeney, Jimmy Peirson and Michael Neser as they have all been named in the Prime Minister's XI squad to face Pakistan in an upcoming warm-up match of the Test series with three games. However, their three draft picks – Sam Billings, Colin Munro and Paul Walter – are available to choose from.

World Cup winners Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis, who join their opponents Melbourne Stars, will be at their disposal and may even play the opening match, despite a hectic World Cup schedule followed by a five-match T20I series against India. Pakistani duo Haris Rauf and Usama Mir will also be available for the Stars in their opening match. Notably, Rauf recently withdrew from the Pakistan Test team but will play in the BBL.