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McCullum in doubt due to slow over rates

Heat on Brisbane skipper Brendon McCullum for slow overs rates, putting him at risk of suspension

Brisbane Heat could be without inspirational captain Brendon McCullum for their next KFC Big Bash match due to a potential over-rate suspension.

The Heat took 96 minutes to complete their innings with the ball in Wednesday night’s encounter with Perth Scorchers, exceeding the 90-minute allowance by six minutes.

The Brisbane franchise has already been penalised once this season for falling 5.5 minutes behind their over-rate – against the Hurricanes on December 30.

That penalty resulted in a $500 fine for each playing member.

The next penalty would be a suspension for captain McCullum, with the innings to be assessed on Thursday by the BBL match committee.

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"I think we were a little bit late today with it but it's pretty difficult, you kind of get penalised for taking wickets," McCullum told Channel Ten Sport after play.

"Overall, you've got 35,000 people turning up to every game, ultimately the product is going outstanding and we finished 10 minutes early any way.

"Let's see what happens but hopefully I'll be right for next game."

If McCullum does receive a suspension, the Heat are expected to appeal due to exceptional circumstances in the innings.

Specifically, those circumstances relate to the head knock suffered by Scorchers batsman Sam Whiteman, which caused a delay in the third over.

Later, outfielder Nathan Reardon took a catch on the boundary, with the decision sent to the third umpire, who took a considerable period to deliberate before making his call of out.

"I think there were some inconsistencies in that (the first over-rate penalty) but let's wait and see," McCullum said. 

"If you do get suspended, you get suspended and that's how it is.

"I hope not because I think we're bringing a great brand of cricket to the table at the moment." 

The Heat have already lost one half of the ‘Bash Brothers’, Chris Lynn, to ODI duties, meaning the absence of McCullum would be particularly tough to swallow on the back of the defeat to the Scorchers.

They next face Melbourne Stars at the MCG on Tuesday, January 17.