Ricky Ponting names his best XI of the BBL 07 season

The KFC Big Bash season has entered its final stages wit just 12 matches to go. While the Adelaide Strikers and Perth Scorchers are going all guns blazing in the tournament, Sydney Sixers and Melbourne Stars have tasted the wooden spoon. In addition, Kevin Pietersen has always announced that the Big Bash would be his last assignment in cricket.

There have been quite a few players who have been impressive in the tournament. The tournament has witnessed some great innings, acrobatic fielding and clever bowling spells. Former Australian legend and Skipper Ricky Ponting has picked the team of the season. After 31 matches, “Putner” donned the selectors hat and provided his verdict.

1. D’Arcy Short (Hobart Hurricanes)

The name is ‘short’ but the young man hits long sixes. He is currently the top run getter in the tournament having already piled up 493 runs in just 8 games at a staggering average of 70.42. The hundred against the Heats off just 69 deliveries is probably the innings of the tournament. Short has also got out twice in the nervous nineties which clearly indicates that the man is in the form of his life.

2. Brendon McCullum (Brisbane Heats)

The evergreen Brendon McCullum is hard to ignore. Though the Brisbane Heats’ skipper hasn’t lived up to his expectations, he has had his good days. The opposition know the McCullum in his groove is the last thing that they want. The former Black Caps captain has scored 242 runs at 30.25 with a strike rate of over 140. He remains a key figure in Heats’ fortunes.

3. Shane Watson (Sydney Thunders)

The 36-year old all-rounder brings tons of experience into the game. Watson is the skipper of the Thunders and has amassed 260 runs at an average of 32.50. He has the ability to turn the match with both bat and ball. Therefore, he has to be a part of the team of the season.

4. Cameron White (Melbourne Renegades)

White’s performances in the BBL earned him a much awaited call-up to the Australian national squad for the ODI series against England. He has posted 285 runs in six games that includes 3 half centuries. His average is a stunning 142.50 that is unparalleled to any other player.

5. Ashton Turner (Perth Scorchers)

Another Scorchers player has made it to the XI. The right-hander’s 70 from 32 balls against the Melbourne Renegades was one of the knocks of the tournament as he showcased his power with five sixes. Turner has got 200 runs at 33.33 in 8 games so far and has been instrumental to the teams fortunes.

6. Alex Carey (Adelaide Strikers)

Carey has surely been the pick of the players this season. The wicketkeeper batsman brought up his maiden BBL century against the Hurricanes in just 54 balls. His tally of 368 runs at a “Smithsonian” average over 60 makes him the player to watch out for in the knockout stages.

7. Dwayne Bravo (Melbourne Renegades)

The “Champion” never stays out of the limelight. His economical bowling makes him one of the most sought after players around the world. Bravo has taken 12 wickets in 7 games at an economy rate of 8.07. This rate is excellent as Bravo bowls the difficult overs and bamboozles the batsmen with his pace variations.

8. Rashid Khan (Adelaide Strikers)

After making an impact in the IPL, the leggie has made his make in the BBL too. His 12 wickets in 8 games have come at an impressive economy rate of 5.46. The young lad is garnering praises all around the world and the batsmen are failing to pick his variations. The leg-spinner is easily the best in business in the shorter format.

9. Jofra Archer (Hobart Hurricanes)

The West Indies born pacer has been a consistent performer in the current season. He has already picked up 8 wickets at 7.15. His 3-15 against Strikers was impressive and makes him a great prospect for his new home.i.e England.

10. Andrew Tye (Perth Scorchers)

Tye has been rewarded for his stellar form with a promotion to Australia’s ODI squad. He is the leading wicket taker in the tournament with 14 wickets in just 6 games. The impact player picked up a hat trick against the Sixers and has displayed top class bowling in the shortest format.

11. Mitchell Johnson (Perth Scorchers)

Though Johnson has retired from international cricket, he hasn’t lost his pace and rhythm. He has picked up 7 wickets at a great economy rate of 5.67. He is as threatening as he was in the past and remains a key player for the Scorchers who are chasing their fourth title.

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