By Ronan Alexander
The qualification for the BBL10 knockout stages has been one of the closest we’ve seen and plenty of young prospects have caught the eye along the way. Take a look at 11 young talents, but take the batting order with a pinch of salt as we try to squeeze them all into a team. In terms of batting, it has been the more experienced players that have stood out for the most part, such as Alex Hales, Chris Lynn, Alex Carey and Ben McDermott.
Sydney Sixers topped the group with Perth Scorchers and Sydney Thunder making up the top three. Brisbane Heat face Adelaide Strikers in the eliminator match as Hobart Hurricanes, Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades all crashed out the tournament.
Here are the 11 players selected.
1 Josh Philippe (23) Sydney Sixers
The second top run scorer in the competition with 454 and has been one of the main reasons the Sixers topped the table. Struck 95 from 57 balls in a 145 run demolition of Melbourne Renegades and hit two further half centuries from the top of the order. This included 84 against Perth Scorchers as the Sixers chased down 164 with seven balls remaining. A strike rate of 149 and has also been a more than handy wicketkeeper, with the most dismissals in the tournament, including 14 catches and 1 stumping.
2 Max Bryant (21) Brisbane Heat
His partnership opening the batting with Chris Lynn has been a key factor that helped Brisbane Heat squeeze through a tight group stage. Has featured in every match totalling 302 runs. His top score is only 40, but he has only recorded single figure scores in two out of his 14 innings. An element of consistency with regular knocks of 20-30 but has yet to kick on and get that one big match-winning knock.
3 Sam Harper (24) Melbourne Renegades
Has been a shining light in a season to forget for the Renegades, hitting three half centuries from the number 3 position in difficult circumstances. Has 351 runs, took 9 catches and 3 stumpings from behind the stumps. His top scores of 66*, 63 and 57 unfortunately were all in vain for his side but he had more than 150 runs than any other teammate so was a clear stand-out for the Renegades.
4 Oliver Davies (20) Sydney Thunder
Remember the name. A young batsmen who kicked off the tournament with a real swagger due to his style of hitting. Came highly regarded from the Australia Under-19 set-up and in his first match scored 36 from 22 balls as Thunder chased down 152 against the Scorchers. The next game saw him put in a man-of-the-match performance by hitting five consecutive 6’s on his way to 48, comparisons of his meaty ball-striking and long wavy hair reminded pundits of a young MS Dhoni. Has struggled with five single figure scores since then so looking to get back to his best for the knockout stages.
5 Tim David (24) Hobart Hurricanes
The 24-year-old who hails from Singapore kicked off the tournament in style, being awarded man-of-the-match in the opening game for his 58 from 33 balls against Sydney Sixers. Has quite a remarkable story of progressing up from Amateur cricket right through to the global stage. Quick to punish anything slightly short and capable of striking with brutal force. Averages 31 and striking at 153.29, an excellent man for the middle overs and finishing at the death, batting around 5 or 6.
6 Rashid Khan (22) Adelaide Strikers
Known as the best in the business nowadays and lived up to his expectations again as he produced several match-winning performances in his 10 games for the Strikers before leaving for international duty. 16 wickets at 16.75 with an economy of 6.87. Those kind of stats should always stand out, but these are becoming the norm for the talented leg-spinner. Took a wicket in every single match he played.
7 Jhye Richardson (24) Perth Scorchers
Leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 27 at an average of 13.25, doing everything possible to earn a re-call to the Australia squad and secure an IPL contract when the draft takes place next month. Opens the bowling, bowls in the power surge and at the death, so even more impressive to have picked up the stats he has whilst bowling at the most difficult periods. A best of 4/24 and economy only 7.08. Check out our full Scout Report of Richardson here: https://scoutingcricket.wordpress.com/2021/01/13/scouted-jhye-richardson/
8 Mujeeb Ur Rahman (19) Brisbane Heat
Only played eight matches in the tournament but the 19-year-old made a huge impression with 14 wickets and an economy rate of 6.26. Recorded best figures in Brisbane Heat history as he claimed 5/15 against Hobart Hurricanes, also the best figures in BBL10 so far. Bounced back perfectly after a disappointing IPL campaign with Kings XI Punjab, and continued his BBL form with Afghanistan as they recorded a 3-0 ODI series win over Ireland this month.
9 Wes Agar (23) Adelaide Strikers
The right-arm quick has been Strikers go-to man at the death and he’s collected 21 wickets in the process, including a best of 4/27 against Brisbane Heat. Economy rate is 8.23 but that may also be down to the situations he bowls in, especially at the end of an innings. Part of a solid Adelaide seam unit with Peter Siddle, Dan Worrall and now Michael Neser in the fold as well.
10 Peter Hatzoglou (22) Melbourne Renegades
Breakthrough season for the 22-year-old leggie, picking up 17 wickets at 22.88. Best figures of 3/43 a touch on the expensive side, with his overall economy sitting at 8.27. Looks to have been a good find for the Renegades, has established himself as a key part of their side alongside fellow spinner Imad Wasim who will have been a good mentor in what was overall a disappointing campaign for the franchise.
11 Tanveer Sangha (19) Sydney Thunder
The leading wicket taker for a spin bowler, claiming 21 scalps at 16.66. The teenager claimed best figures of 4/14 in Thunder’s demolition of the Melbourne Renegades. His leg-break compliments teammate and off-spinner Chris Green as a key part of the Thunders bowling unit in the middle overs. Has earned himself his first call-up to Australia’s T20 squad for their series against New Zealand in February.
The knockout stages begin tomorrow (January 29th) when Brisbane Heat face Adelaide Strikers in the Eliminator.
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