BBL 2017/18: Dwayne Bravo Creates History on BBL Return

If Dwayne Bravo’s last outing in the Big Bash League ended in heartbreak, pain and agony, then his latest outing was the reverse of it.

The Windies all-rounder donned the Melbourne Renegades jersey after almost a year, and the outing could not have been more memorable for one of the finest players in T20s, as he entered the record books with a monumental achievement.

Bravo was stretchered off the ground from Etihad Stadium late last December with a serious hamstring injury after diving on the field. He underwent surgery after that and missed the Pakistan Super League as well as the Indian Premier League. He returned to action in this year’s Caribbean Premier League and recently turned out in the Bangladesh Premier League and T10 League.

READ MORE: Cameron White’s fifty and Dwayne Bravo’s five-for halt Hobart Hurricanes

Well, the fans were eagerly waiting for the all-rounder to return to action in the Big Bash League and it is safe to say that he exceeded the expectations on his return. The right-arm seamer picked up five for 28 against Hobart Hurricanes on Thursday (December 21) to fire the Renegades to a comprehensive seven-wicket win.

Meanwhile, the spell, which are the best-ever figures by a Melbourne Renegade player, helped Bravo become the first bowler to cross the 400-wicket mark in the shortest format of the game.

The feat is nothing less than remarkable one considering only two others – Lasith Malinga and Sunil Narine – have passed the 300-mark and are well behind the Windies star in the list. Malinga has taken 331 wickets so far while Bravo’s compatriot Narine has picked up 307.

Here is a list of leading wicket-takers in T20s:

After the game, Bravo expressed his delight over coming back with a bang. The all-rounder said he was cautious at the start considering last year’s mishap and also revealed he was initially unaware of the record he made.

READ MORE: Returning To West Indies Team Won’t Make Any Sense Now, Says Dwayne Bravo

“Playing this game, I was a bit cautious at first because of what happened last year,” Bravo said. “(But) To get five wickets and be the first to 400 is a great achievement and I feel humbled by it. Honestly, I wasn’t aware of it, I thought I was seven wickets away.

“This is my life; this is what I enjoy doing, I enjoy winning cricket games. The personal achievements don’t really mean much as long as my team wins. “To get five wickets in a winning cause is definitely a bonus for me and the team. I’m happy I could come back with a bang,” he added.