History may be repeating in the Big Bash League but Brisbane Heat’s Ben Cutting still reckons he is surprised after being named in the Australian Twenty20 squad.

Just like last season, Cutting’s Heat need to down the Hurricanes in Thursday night’s Hobart clash to seal a last gasp BBL finals berth.

And once again Cutting has emerged as the key to defending champion Brisbane’s finals hopes.

His importance to the Heat cause was confirmed when he was named in Australia’s Twenty20 squad for the upcoming three-match series against England – much to his surprise.

Cutting’s fast bowling may have already earned him three ODIs and two Twenty20 internationals for Australia but the lanky quick’s batting appears to have got him over the line ahead of the three match series against England.

Cutting has seven wickets at 30.85 in the BBL at a less than economical rate of 9.45 runs per over.

But the big hitting allrounder has notched 95 runs at 23.75 with the competition’s second best strike rate of 182.69.

Still, Cutting was thanking his lucky stars after joining Heat teammates Chris Lynn and Dan Christian in the Australian Twenty20 squad.

“I am very surprised to be honest. I didn’t think I was there or thereabouts,” Cutting said.

“I haven’t been at my best, particularly with the ball.

“But I am very happy with the way I have been striking the ball.

“I am enjoying my batting as much as my bowling.”

Brisbane must down Hobart to sneak into the BBL finals – the same path they followed last season before going all the way, defeating the Perth Scorchers in the decider and earning a spot in the lucrative Champions League.

The Heat will take a largely unchanged line-up into Thursday night’s must-win clash after off-spinner Nathan Hauritz (calf) was again ruled out.

Test hero Ryan Harris is a confirmed starter for the Heat.

“It’s the same as last year coming down to the last game,” Cutting said of their must win match.

“We have gained some momentum from our last game and having Ryan Harris in the attack also helps,”