Guthrie keen to elevate bowling after breakthrough spell

Brisbane Heat left-arm paceman Liam Guthrie’s breakthrough game for his new KFC BBL side has the 24-year-old hungry to retain his economical form.

Guthrie did not concede a boundary in his four-over spell against the Melbourne Renegades on Monday night, finishing with 1-10 from his four overs as Brisbane notched their first BBL|11 win by five wickets.

The Perth product, who made his BBL debut at the start of this season as an injury replacement, has found his confidence among some of the competition’s biggest names, and feels right at home after just three matches.

"It’s good to be in a new environment, I enjoy the group of guys and coaches," he told reporters on Monday night.

"This game is very fast paced. You’ve got to be thinking on your feet all the time. It’s a good challenge."

Despite the fast-paced nature of the competition, Guthrie is firm on improving his game, particularly on Brisbane’s home turf at the Gabba, when they’ll take on the Sydney Thunder on Saturday for the first time this season.

"If I can replicate it (my game) up in Brisbane, that will be great," Guthrie said.

"The Gabba is a really good wicket, it’s pacey."

Delivering 13 dot balls to the Renegades in his four-over bowling spell, Guthrie is making a case to retain his spot, despite being signed just as an injury replacement for Heat young gun Connor Sully.

And in doing so, he hopes to help drive his teammates to their second win of the season, after a slow start to the tournament which saw them drop their first two games.

"We didn’t get off to a great start, but we take (Monday’s win) with some momentum to win some home games at the Gabba," Guthrie said.

The Brisbane Heat will look to add their second win of their BBL|11 campaign against the Sydney Thunder on Saturday at the Gabba.

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