McCullum returns, 'Gades call up rookie

Captain Brendon McCullum will make a welcome return for the Brisbane Heat in Friday night's season-defining KFC Big Bash League clash with the Melbourne Renegades.

But West Indian legspinner Samuel Badree will not be risked, despite returning to full fitness after a hamstring injury, and will come back in next week's semi-finals.

McCullum missed Tuesday night's win over the Melbourne Stars because of a one-week suspension for a slow over rate.

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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.

Nathan Reardon has been dropped while Englishman Tymal Mills has left the franchise after his two-game stint as an international replacement player.

Meanwhile, the Renegades have signed Sydney-based wicketkeeper Andrew Harriott to replace Peter Nevill who will miss this Friday’s match as he continues his recovery from a facial injury.

Harriott, 24, has played for the ACT Comets and plays at Northern District Cricket Club in Sydney grade cricket and is a right hand batsman and ‘keeper.

He has also spent time with the Sydney Thunder as a rookie in previous BBL seasons.

The Heat have secured their place in the BBL finals, but will be eager to claim their first win against the Renegades since the BBL|02 semi-finals, while the Renegades must win to keep their semi-final hopes alive.

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The Heat’s Rebel Women’s Big Bash League squad has been bolstered by the return of Deandra Dottin, who has been cleared to make her playing return tomorrow after a horrific on-field collision with teammate Laura Harris.

England import Lauren Winfield remains in the Heat squad, replacing injured India batter Smriti Mandhana who ruptured her ACL last weekend.

Pace bowler Courtney Hill has been named in the squad for the first time after recovering from a fractured foot that has kept her out of the bulk of the tournament.

The Heat take on the Adelaide Strikers in a Big Bash double-header from 2.05pm local time Friday.

Heat BBL squad: Brendon McCullum (c), 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 BBL squad: Aaron Finch (c), Marcus Harris, Cameron White, Tom Cooper, Callum Ferguson, Matt Short, Thisara Perera, Sunil Narine, Andrew Harriott, Chris Tremain, James Pattinson, Nathan Rimmington, Brad Hogg