Every year the Big Bash League uncovers some of the best talent Australian cricket has to offer and so far this season has been no different.
From the likes of Josh Brown being plucked out of grade cricket to a 28-year-old Tom Rogers finding success with the ball, there’s been plenty for fans to get excited about.
We take a look at the player having a breakout season, playing five or more games, for each BBL side.
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Adelaide Strikers
Matt Short
He’s the Adelaide opener who can get the job done with both bat and ball. Short even has teammates backing his dream to play for Australia, almost a decade after he made his first class debut. Short has been a revelation as opener for the Strikers, as he helped guide his side to the highest successful run chase in BBL history earlier this month. He’s currently the highest run scorer in the BBL with 418 runs to his name – including 39 fours and 15 sixes already.
WHAT THEY SAY: Rashid Khan – “I see him playing for Australia – it would be his dream playing for the country. I think he’d deserve it. He’s consistent with the bat, ball and an excellent fielder. I would be so happy for him if he comes out and plays for Australia. I hope in the future he gets an opportunity.”
Batting average: 41.8
Strike rate: 146.15
Highest score: 100
Games played: 11
Bowling average: 20.67
Economy rate: 6.89
Best figures: 3-14
Silly Strikers’ ‘comedy of errors!’ | 00:42
Brisbane Heat
Josh Brown
He’s the player plucked from premier cricket in Brisbane who went out with a bang at the Gabba, and now Josh Brown is certainly making a name for himself at the top of the Heat order. Brown leads the competition for strike rate, sitting at more than 171 and he’s ranked eighth for sixes scored – despite playing just six games. Brown’s Craig Simmons’ like introduction to the Big Bash has certainly made rival clubs stand up and take notice.
WHAT THEY SAY: Dan Hughes – “I love to see it. I know he sort of ground it out in club cricket … he looks like he knows his game well. I’ve never seen anything like that before. It was great to see a guy out there and take his opportunity.”
Batting average: 25.5
Strike rate: 171.9
Highest score: 62
Games played: 6
Heat handle sorry Strikers | 03:56
Hobart Hurricanes
Caleb Jewell
Hobart product Caleb Jewell is stepping up his game this BBL campaign, with back-to-back 50s and just one single digit innings to his name so far. The talented batsman was instrumental in his side’s ultimately unsuccessful mammoth total of 229 which was chased down by a Matt Short-led Strikers. But he’s leading the way for the Hurricanes at the top of the order, together with Ben McDermott. The duo have put on the highest-scoring opening stand this series – twice getting their side into the 80s before the first wicket falls.
WHAT THEY SAY: Mark Waugh – “Three in four (half centuries in four games) and the other was a 20-odd. It’s not just scoring runs; it’s how you score them as well and he’s just batting with so much confidence. He’s difficult to bowl to because he’s inventing some shots off some good balls as well.”
Batting average: 34.14
Strike rate: 162.59
Highest score: 70
Games played: 7
Hurricanes more powerful than Thunder | 02:20
Melbourne Stars
Liam Hatcher
The Stars are struggling this BBL campaign and are currently anchored at the bottom of the table, so finding a breakout talent has been a tough task. But Liam Hatcher has stepped up when given an opportunity in his four games this season. Teams are getting after the Stars, but Hatcher has been able to take bags of wickets in three of his four games. It’s been a tough ask for 26-year-old New South Welshman to come in and cover the loss of import Trent Boult, but he’s proved up to the challenge.
WHAT THEY SAY: Teammate Tom Rogers – “Since he’s come into the team he’s been awesome, he’s taken wickets. He bowls 145km/h which is what he’s in the team to do. He’s been brilliant at it.”
Bowling average: 15.89
Economy rate: 7.15
Games played: 5
Best figures: 3-25
Waugh: ‘That should not be 6 runs!’ | 01:00
Melbourne Renegades
Tom Rogers
The Melbourne Renegades have shown some fight this BBL campaign after back-to-back seasons in the doldrums. And it’s 28-year-old Tom Rogers who has given fans plenty of reason to smile. Yes he enjoyed a stellar season for Hurricanes last summer, but he’s brought the fire to the ‘Gades when they needed it most. His brilliant best figures of 5-16 – a Renegades’ record – were sparked by the infamous Adam Zampa Mankad debacle. But Rogers still sits second for leading wicket-taker after 11 games with 19 for the series.
WHAT THEY SAY: Brett Lee – “I love the way he attacks with that brand new ball. He gets the ball to shape. He’s got wonderful seam presentation.”
Bowling average: 18.53
Economy rate: 8.59
Games played: 11
Best figures: 5-16
Renegades vs. Stars: Match highlights | 03:53
Perth Scorchers
Aaron Hardie
When Mitch Marsh was ruled out for the entire Scorchers campaign, Perth’s push for finals looked in doubt. Until Aaron Hardie stepped up to the plate. The 24-year-old has filled the massive shoes of Marsh – even while battling a niggling quad injury this BBL campaign. His name has already been put up with the likes of fellow WA all-rounders Marsh, Cam Green and Marcus Stoinis for higher honours and IPL duties. Hardie is sitting inside the top six for run scorers this competition, with more than 20 fours to his name.
WHAT THEY SAY: Cameron White – “I think Aaron Hardie’s a fantastic young player and he showed he’s playing some very good cricket. I’ve personally had my eye on him for a long time, but he’s kept secret in Australian cricket. A very handy player to have.”
Batting average: 39.86
Strike rate: 140.20
Highest score: 65
Games played: 10
Thunder v Scorchers: Match Highlights | 03:53
Sydney Sixers
Jordan Silk
The Sydney Sixers have rolled out a very experienced line up for the BBL12 campaign, and their squad depth has shown with bowlers repeatedly rested. But it’s been Jordan Silk with the bat in the middle of the line up that’s proven a steady hand this series – playing in all 11 matches for the Sixers. Silk has enjoyed three not outs and sits inside the top 10 of all run scorers this tournament.
WHAT THEY SAY: Brad Haddin – “I think Jordan Silk has been the big difference for the Sixers this year,” he said. “Jordan Silk’s come in under pressure every time and he’s kept the scoreboard moving every time. He’s taken the game deep, won games for the Sixers. He’s started to find a power game this year.”
Batting average: 45.5
Strike rate: 124.66
Highest score: 59
Games played: 11
Good news for Handscomb ahead of India | 00:47
Sydney Thunder
Oliver Davies
Young Oliver Davies has impressed in the Thunder’s finals push, with even West Indies cricket great Brian Lara taking notice. Given Davies’ ties to the island nation, Lara’s been an interested onlooker as Davies has started to make his mark coming out at four for his Sydney side. Despite being part of the team that was rolled for a historic low of just 15, Davies has shown he’s more than capable of steering an innings – claiming two match of the match titles already this tournament.
WHAT THEY SAY: Kerry O’Keeffe – “I think he premeditates spin like Steve Smith. He just decides ‘I’m off’. This is a player – they’ve found one here. Ollie Davies from North Curl Curl with a cricket net in his backyard and a dodgy ‘tash!”
Batting average: 35.89
Strike rate: 141.67
Highest score: 65
Games played: 11
