Brisbane Heat are without travel-weary West Indian drawcard Kemar Roach for Thursday night’s Twenty20 Big Bash League clash against the Adelaide Strikers.

The West Indian fast bowler only arrived in Australia earlier Thursday, a day later than scheduled, due to delayed flights.

The Heat opted not to play the paceman against the Strikers before a sell-out 17,000-strong crowd at Adelaide Oval, fearing Roach would be travel fatigued and an injury risk.

Brisbane, who lost their tournament opener, won the toss and will bowl against the Strikers, who beat Perth Scorchers in their first game.

Teams:

Adelaide Strikers: Johan Botha (capt), Cameron Boyce, Callum Ferguson, Michael Klinger, Tim Ludeman, Michael Neser, Kieron Pollard, Gary Putland, Nathan Reardon, Kane Richardson, James Smith, Theo Doropoulos (12th man).

Brisbane Heat: James Hopes (capt), Chris Hartley, Chris Lynn, Luke Pomersbach, Ben Cutting, Alister McDermott, Nathan Hauritz, Joe Burns, Dan Christian, Peter Forrest, Thisara Perera, Cameron Gannon (12th man).