BBL 07: Team of the tournament
The Big Bash League is an Australian professional T20 cricket league established in 2011 by Cricket Australia. The 7th edition of the second most popular T20 league - after the IPL - concluded recently, showing glimpses of young talented cricketers as well as the capabilities of some Australian veterans.
On the basis of their performances young guns like D'Arcy Short, Alex Carey, Billy Stanlake, Jhye Richardson, and Ben Dwarshuis got an opportunity to don the yellow shirt for the first time while some of the veterans like Andrew Tye, Cameron White and Glenn Maxwell made a return to play for their country again.
Here is a playing XI comprising the best performers of the season.
#1 Alex Carey (WK-Batsman)
Born in Loxton, South Australia, the left-handed wicket-keeper batsman made his BBL debut last season for Adelaide Strikers. Only a few would know of the fact that he was a professional Australian rules football player, participating in several Under-18 championships prior to this.
The gifted stroke-maker was the leading run-getter for his side and one of the reasons for Strikers' success this season. Furthermore, his skills behind the stumps earned him a national call-up in ODIs against England, replacing the injured Tim Paine.
BBL 07:
Batting:
Inns - 11
Runs - 443
SR - 141.53
HS - 100
#2 D'Arcy Short (Batsman)
The Hobart Hurricanes' top order batsman came into the limelight when he scored eight fours and three sixes against a potent Sydney Sixers bowling attack on his BBL debut.
The leading run-scorer in the BBL this season has already drawn comparisons with David Warner, leading his team to the finals. Recently, he earned a call-up to Australia's T20 side for the upcoming tri-series following his BBL heroics.
BBL 07:
Batting:
Inns - 11
Runs - 572
SR - 148.57
HS - 122*