Role Heat star wants to make his own

Experienced wicketkeeper Jimmy Peirson is hopeful of playing a bigger role for the Heat this season after making just four appearances during Brisbane’s BBL championship-winning 2023-24 campaign.

While he was in Brisbane’s 11 for the Heat’s successful finals tilt, Peirson admitted it was tough being on the outer for most of last season, with selectors opting to give the gloves to English batsman Sam Billings.

“It was a new position for me to be in,” Peirson, 32, said in reflecting on a season in which he wasn’t able to make a genuine on-field contribution until Billings departed late in the campaign because of playing commitments in the UAE.

“Certainly, for the first one or two games, it was a tough pill to swallow, but the strength of our group, and what we’re trying to build towards, is that we know that it’s a squad mentality, and we can call on players at any time throughout the entire campaign.

“My role for the majority of last season was getting the guys ready and making sure my skills were sharp enough when my chance came, which I knew it would during the finals, and I came in and did my job at the pointy end.”

With Billings having defected to Sydney Thunder, Peirson – a veteran of 110 appearances across 10 BBL seasons – is set to get first crack with the gloves when the Heat start their title defence on Wednesday night at the MCG against the Melbourne Stars.

However, new English batting recruit Tom Alsop will also be an option behind the stumps for Brisbane this season.

“It’s important you have someone else in the squad that is also a wicketkeeper … but I’m looking forward to getting a few more games under my belt in this campaign and being a big part of what gets us into those finals at the back end of the year,” Peirson said.

Peirson’s fine glovework for the Heat and the Queensland Bulls has had him at different times during his career on the fringe of national selection; however, he remains behind Alex Carey and Josh Inglis.

“You’ve got to be in the right place at the right time with the Australian team,” he said.

“I know where I stand. You never know what might happen. Opportunities may come when you least expect it.

“Putting on a Baggy Green cap is the greatest goal in this game, so it’s always in the back of my mind, but all I can do is control my performances in Sheffield Shield cricket and be consistent as I have been over the past few years.

“Hopefully, one day, if the time is right, I’ll get my chance.”