The Heat reinvented themselves under a few key New Zealanders, blokes who many Aussies would try and claim as our own. On the sliding scale of stealing Kiwis, the trio of Shane Bond, Daniel Vettori and Brendon McCullum would sit above Russell Crowe but just under Crowded House/Split Enz.
BBL06 was kind to fans in the Sunshine State. The Heat recovered some of their form of seasons gone by and the locals well and truly got behind their team. But who were the real winners and losers from this capitalist take on the glorious game.
![Chris Lynn put up breath-taking numbers before injury cut his BBL06 campaign short.](/web/20170201044242im_/http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/s/m/7/d/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gu2xzc.png/1485912925065.jpg)
Winners
Chris Lynn
He's the biggest alpha male in Queensland cricket. Like most talismanic sporting heroes, Lynn lured the fans in with his clean striking, cheeky winks and giant forearms before taking it all away from us via injury and Australian call-up.
The proof was in the performance for Lynn belting 309 runs off 174, in just five games. It will take a while for fans to forget the massive six Lynn hit off Shaun Tait, or the way he smiled at Brendan McCullum.
Mitchell Swepson
Swepson earned praise from the almighty, Shane Keith Warne. His performance on the bouncy Gabba wicket and ability to turn his leg spinner a long way has earned Swepson a call-up to the upcoming Test tour of India.
His performances made him a fan favourite and surely had at least a few fans screaming at their TVs asking why he wasn't bowling the super over. Swepson finished the tournament with 11 wickets from eight matches in what only seems like a glimpse of what is yet to come from the young leggie.
The Gabba crowds
Ridiculous crowds became the norm of the BBL. More than 30,000 screaming Queenslanders packed the Gabba, creating an atmosphere that you can only normally equate with an Ashes Test match. The lower price point of the games clearly has made cricket more accessible to fans cricket hasn't enticed in years. Tap yourself on the back Queensland. Or maybe even splurge and get yourself an overpriced hot dog next time.
The Losers
Jason Floros
The man who is Queensland's one-day captain was unceremoniously dumped from the Heat outfit. The valuable overs from Marnus Labuschagne and Joe Burns proved that Floros was surplus to requirement.
Ben Cutting
Cutting, was so close to being in the winners list. So close. A polarising figure in Queensland cricket, he can only be a hero or villain it seems. Cutting impressed early on in the tournament, slogging sixes and when bowling on a quick bouncy wicket his four short balls an over proved difficult to hit.
After a superb 20th over, lightning didn't strike twice for Cutting. Getting hit for 22 off the super over was the final nail in the coffin for Cutting to land on the winners list.
The Gabba pool protection
A pool at the Gabba, brilliant idea for those balmy Queensland nights that reach over 30 degrees. What wasn't a great idea was only letting in the Instagram elite, or promo models. It would have been a sensational sight to see some of true blue (or teal) Heat fans splashing about.
Overall, a great year for the Heat. The competition has exceeded all expectations bringing in new audiences to cricket. Here's hoping that this fanfare and excitement bleeds over to the other formats at the game.