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Heat add Yasir for NYE blockbuster

Pakistani leg-spinner replaces compatriot Shadab Khan in Brisbane's squad for BBL trip to Adelaide

Brisbane Heat have swapped one Pakistani leg-spinner for another as they prepare for their blockbuster New Year's Eve clash with Adelaide Strikers tomorrow night at Adelaide Oval.

Teenage sensation Shadab Khan has completed his three-match stint with the franchise, and has been replaced by countryman and renowned Test performer Yasir Shah in the squad named for the fixture.

Shadab took six wickets at the impressive economy rate of 7.08 and now flies to New Zealand to join Pakistan's limited-overs touring squad.

Yasir however, is no certainty to play, with off-spinner Jason Floros – who, like Shadab, is a handy lower-order option with the bat – also drafted into the 13-man list at the expense of Marnus Labuschagne.

The 31-year-old has a glittering Test record, having collected 165 wickets in 28 matches, however he experienced a tough time of things last summer in Australia, taking eight wickets at 84 across the three-Test series. 

The Heat have won two and lost one of their opening three matches, while the Strikers are unbeaten in two, with wins over Sydney Thunder and Sydney Sixers.

The New Year's Eve clash, which has fast become one of the highlights of the summer's cricket calendar, this year brings with it the extra drawcard of Heat superstar Chris Lynn.

Lynn returns with a bang in BBL|07

Lynn returned to action on Wednesday night after a shoulder reconstruction, and promptly blasted a quick-fire 25 from nine deliveries in the Heat's thrilling final-over win against the Thunder.

"It would've been nice to have faced a few more balls, but it wasn't to be," he said. "I'm (confident) I can really build an innings when I go out there in Adelaide on New Year's Eve."

The Strikers are unchanged from the side that beat the Sixers at the SCG on Thursday, and boast a proud tradition in the fixture; since it began in BBL|03, they've managed four wins from four.

Adelaide Strikers squad: Travis Head (c), Wes Agar, Alex Carey, Jono Dean, Colin Ingram, Rashid Khan, Ben Laughlin, Jake Lehmann, Michael Neser, Peter Siddle, Billy Stanlake, Jake Weatherald, Jono Wells.

Brisbane Heat squad: Brendon McCullum (c), Joe Burns, Ben Cutting, Brendan Doggett, Jason Floros, Cameron Gannon, Josh Lalor, Chris Lynn, Jimmy Peirson, Alex Ross, Yasir Shah, Mark Steketee, Mitchell Swepson.

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