Big Bash 11– Team of the Tournament
Published - 09 Feb 2022, 06:55 PM | Updated - 17 Oct 2024, 01:55 PM
It was an unusual Big Bash League this season with teams hampered by COVID-19 cases and uncertainty looming large over a number of games.
Credit to Cricket Australia and the teams for sticking it out and dishing out another entertaining season that ended with Perth Scorchers winning their fourth BBL title.
Who stood out? Who made the grade? And who were the real winners of the tournament? Here’s our best XI of this year.
- Ben McDermott (WK) – 577 runs, Avg. 48.08, SR 153.86
There’s no denying the fact that McDermott has been the best batter of the season. He ended up with the highest number of runs, won the 1xBet top runscorer award on a number of occasions as he scored two 100s and three 50+ scores.
- Matthew Short – 493 runs @ SR 155.52, eight wickets @ ER 7.15
Joining McDermott at the top is one of the surprise packages of the season – Matt Short. He has been consistent with the bat and can give those tight overs in the Powerplay overs.
- Mitchell Marsh – 347 runs @ SR 142.79
Despite playing just eight games, Mitch Marsh has proven that his heroics at the T20 World Cup are not a flash in the pan. Powerful with the bat and matured with his approach, Marsh has been brilliant this season. He can also contribute with the ball when called!
- Moises Henriques (C) – 440 runs, Avg. 36.66, SR 133.33.
Henriques led his Sydney Sixers side quite admirably in the wake of injuries and COVID-19 absences. He walks into his side for his leadership skills although his batting has been equally impressive.
- Jason Sangha – 445 runs, Avg. 49.44, SR 132.04
Another surprise of the season, although a lot of cricket fans know that this 22-year-old is just starting to show his potential. His composure at the crease is mighty impressive, but it’s his ability to change gears that gets him into this XI.
- Jono Wells – 501 runs, Avg. 38.53, SR 128.79
How good has Wells been! Whenever the Adelaide Strikers needed a partnership, he was there. Whenever they needed runs, he was there. If this side has a top-order collapse, he will be there.
- Ashton Agar – 133 runs @ SR 149.43, 18 wickets @ ER 6.79
The spinning all-rounder has been extremely consistent with the ball delivering some tight overs at any stage of the innings. His knack of picking up crucial wickets as well as delivering batting cameos makes him another starter for this XI.
- Hayden Kerr – 25 wickets @ ER 7.50, 152 runs @ SR 144.76
Boy oh boy, who would have thought that this 25-year-old would end up as the second-highest wicket-taker this season! Kerr has taken his chances really well, while his batting has been a pleasant surprise including opening in the finals!
- Rashid Khan – 20 wickets, ER 6.34, Avg. 13.95
No BBL XI is complete without this superstar and Rashid had another breathtaking season. He kept the Strikers in the campaign until he had to leave for national duties. Not before ending the season with a remarkable 6 for 17 in his last game, though.
- Peter Siddle – 30 wickets, ER 8.33, Avg. 17.73
‘Old is gold’ and that’s perfectly true for Siddle who turned the clock back with some vintage performances. He richly deserved a place in the XI as also the tag of being the highest wicket taker of the season.
- Andrew Tye – 25 wickets, ER 8.07, Avg. 16.96
Tye is back! One of the best when his variations fall in place, Tye has shown that his pace is also back. Don’t be surprised if he gets back into the international side as well.
X-factors: Tom Rogers (20 wickets @ ER 7.87), Glenn Maxwell (468 runs @ SR 159.72)
