He returned figures of 30/2 on his debut BBL spell.
The 21-year-old Thomas Balkin, from Queensland, stole the spotlight on his debut in the Big Bash League (BBL) scene and scripted history for the Brisbane Heat (BH), highlighting his potential.
In a cliffhanger clash against the Adelaide Strikers (AS) at the Gabba on December 27, 2025, the former Australia Under-19 bowler successfully defended 10 runs in the final over. He conceded just two runs and bagged two crucial scalps, securing a nervy seven-run win.
The start was not just a bowler’s dream; it displayed his ability to thrive under pressure after undergoing a tough nine-month recovery from a shin stress fracture that kept him from the game.
Balkin chose to wear jersey No. 95 as a fun nod to his childhood hero, Lightning McQueen from the Pixar movie Cars. He quickly made an impact, consistently clocking 140-145 kph. However, the nerves of playing the first senior game were visible as Thomas Balkin conceded 24 runs off his first two overs. However, returning to bowl the final over, the Strikers needed 10 runs off the last six balls with two wickets to spare.
Newly appointed captain Xavier Bartlett threw the ball to Balkin after overseas pacer Shaheen Afridi went off the field with a bruised knee. Balkin delivered like a pro: dismissing Hassan Ali on the first ball and trapping Harry Nielsen with smart variation on the penultimate delivery to seal the win as the Gabba erupted in cheers, snatching a victory from the jaws of defeat.
“Unbelievable,” Bartlett said after the match. “He’s going to be a really good bowler for us.”
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The path to success for Thomas Balkin began in Queensland’s youth programs, from under-15s to under-19s, where the right-arm pacer made a lasting impression. Although Balkin missed the final squad for the U19 World Cup 2022, his extended training with the side helped establish him as a promising prospect. Later, Balkin was selected for the Australia Under-19 team in early 2023 and appeared against arch-rivals England U19 across formats, and made heads turn.
In T20 matches, he took 2 wickets at a strong economy of 7.00. In Youth ODIs, he claimed two more wickets at an average of 18.50 and an economy of 3.70, while scoring 57 runs with a top score of 32*. In Youth Tests, he claimed three wickets at an average of 38 and an economy of 4.95, plus scored 12 runs.
Recognising his talent, Thomas Balkin currently holds a rookie contract with Queensland for 2025-26. Balkin’s young age, raw speed, ability to generate steep bounce and calm under pressure stand out as several experts believe that he is the future of Australian fast bowling. He was formally added to the Heat’s squad as a local replacement player just a few days before his debut. Notably, last year, he won the Bob Spence Trophy for being the most improved player under 21 in the Queensland Premier competition.
“It was just before Christmas that I got the green light to come back and play,” Balkin told reporters on Sunday morning.
The next step for the 21-year-old is to keep delivering such performances consistently while staying fit. Every match will boost his confidence and may help him hone his skills to get ready for the highest level.
With six pre-finals matches left in the Heat’s season and fast bowlers Michael Neser (Ashes squad), Spencer Johnson (injury), and Callum Vidler (injury) all unavailable, Balkin might get more chances to showcase his skills on the big stage.
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