BBL 2022-23: Team of the tournament

Perth Scorchers won the BBL 12 [Source: Twitter]

One of the most lucrative T20 tournaments, the Big Bash League, marked its conclusion on Saturday, with Perth Scorchers being crowned as the champions for the second consecutive time. 

Plenty of nail-biters were witnessed in the tournament. While some big names were disappointing to the core, some players grabbed a million eyeballs through extraordinary performances. 

As the league has been concluded, let's analyse and create the team of the tournament. 

Openers: Matthew Short and Steven Smith

Steve Smith smashed three centuries [Source: Twitter]

Matthew Short was outstanding for Adelaide Strikers in the tournament, amassing 458 runs, including a century, at a fantastic strike rate of 144.47. The swashbuckling right-hander was one of the rare shining lights for the Strikers by becoming the second-highest run-scorer in the BBL 12. 

Steve Smith is an obvious choice to partner Short at the top, as he was extraordinary during his five-match stay, hammering 346 runs at an astounding average of 86.50 and a magnificent strike rate of 174.74. He seemed to be in a different zone altogether, which is why he makes it into this team. 

Number 3 and 4: Aaron Hardie and Josh Inglis

Aaron Hardie and Josh Inglis played a pivotal role for the Scorchers in their triumphant campaign. 

While Hardie finished the tournament as the top-scorer with 460 runs at a healthy strike rate of 141.10, Inglis exhibited his consistency, amassing 431 runs at a blistering strike rate of 146.59. 

So, the dynamic duo topple over Chris Lynn and Aaron Finch to be the number three and four of this team. 

Number 5 and 6: Ashton Turner and Tim David

Turner hammered fifties in the knockouts [Source: Twitter]

The tournament was a memorable one for Ashton Turner, who not only led his side exceptionally, but also contributed handsomely with the bat. 

The experienced finisher emerged as the Mr Dependable for the Scorchers in knockout games, hammering scintillating half-centuries in the qualifier as well as final. 

Overall, Turner had 381 runs to his name at a magnificent strike rate of 155.51. Considering how he led from the front, he is chosen as the captain of the team. 

Meanwhile, swashbuckling batter Tim David turned out to be the go-to man for Hobart Hurricanes, garnering 354 runs at a mind-boggling strike rate of 160.90. Looking at his exploits, we pick him as our finisher alongside Turner. 

Number 7: Michael Neser

Neser was the pick of the bowlers for Brisbane Heat [Source: Twitter]

Known for his incredible ability with new ball, Michael Neser starred with the ball for Brisbane Heat, scalping 26 wickets at an impressive strike rate of 13.4. 

He was also handy with the bat down the order, scoring 141 runs at a strike rate of 133.01. Therefore, he slots in at number 7, as he can provide the team with an immense bowling value and batting depth. 

Spinner: Patrick Dooley

Patrick Dooley grabbed the attention of many through his unique bowling action. He did exceedingly well for Hobart Hurricanes and finished the tournament as the most successful spinner, claiming 19 wickets at a surreal economy of 6.56. 

Seamers: Sean Abbott, Andrew Tye and Tom Rogers

Sean Abbott was the highest wicket-taker this season [Source: Twitter]

The three aforementioned names had a fruitful BBL 12, emerging as the trump card with the ball for their respective franchises. 

While Abbott was the most successful bowler of the season with 29 scalps, Tye and Rogers made the opponent batters dance to their tunes, picking 26 and 23 wickets, respectively. 

Big Bash League team of the tournament

Matthew Short (Adelaide Strikers)
Steve Smith (Sydney Sixers)
Aaron Hardie (Perth Scorchers)
Josh Inglis (WK) (Perth Scorchers)
Ashton Turner (C) (Perth Scorchers)
Tim David (Hobart Hurricanes)
Michael Neser (Brisbane Heat)
Sean Abbott (Sydney Sixers)
Patrick Dooley (Hobart Hurricanes)
Tom Rogers (Melbourne Renegades)
Andrew Tye (Perth Scorchers)

Also Read: Team Analysis for the Women's T20I World Cup 2023: England