Ranking the Top 5 Batsmen in the Big Bash League so Far
Runs, runs, runs are the name of the game in Twenty20 cricket and an abundance of batsmen have already done some heavyweight damage in the current Big Bash League.
Especially pleasing, or displeasing depending on your viewpoint, is the number of Englishmen, such as Michael Carberry, Ben Stokes and Kevin Pietersen, plying their trade with aplomb!
Anyway, without further ado, here, based on their contributions over the whole tournament, are the top five leading batsmen so far.
5. Michael Carberry
1 of 5
Innings: 6
Runs: 206
Strike rate: 131.21
Highest score: 77 not out
The forgotten man of English cricket, Michael Carberry, has blasted himself back into the reckoning with a couple of brutal knocks for the Perth Scorchers.
An unbeaten innings of 69 against the Sydney Thunder proved in vain, but the 34-year-old's stunning 77 against Brisbane, which came off just 37 balls, helped his team to an important win.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Carberry's performances so far has been his clean striking of the ball, which has brought him 27 boundaries in total, including eight maximums.
4. Mike Hussey
2 of 5
Innings: 5
Runs: 168
Strike rate: 144.82
Highest score: 96
He may just play T20 cricket these days, but even at 39 years old, Mike Hussey remains one of the most athletic cricketers in the game. What's more, his appetite for runs shows no sign of diminishing.
Capable of playing the power game or working the strike, "Mr. Cricket" has been a key figure in a star-studded Sydney Thunder batting lineup that has surprisingly struggled.
That hasn't had anything to do with Hussey, though. Along with Jacques Kallis, he has contributed a decent volume of runs at a high velocity.
3. Michael Klinger
3 of 5
Innings: 6
Runs: 211
Strike rate: 143.53
Highest score: 105 not out
Something of a journeyman, Michael Klinger has represented Victoria, South Australia and now Western Australia, among other teams across the globe, and he seems to be enjoying his time in Perth.
After opening with a century against the Melbourne Renegades—still the only ton in this year's competition—the 34-year-old tops the run charts with 211 so far.
True, he's faded off slightly, only registering 41 runs in his last three innings. However, with his adopted State well set for a semi-final spot, Klinger could have a few more opportunities to top up his tally.
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2. Jacques Kallis
4 of 5
Innings: 5
Runs: 175
Strike rate: 142.27
Highest score: 97 not out
Although he retired from international duty in July 2014, Jacques Kallis has helped to prove the "form is temporary, class is permanent" adage with a couple of lusty innings.
While he's also recorded scores of just three and zero, the South African's powerful knocks of 97 not out and 70 from just 49 balls were match-winning contributions.
The burly all-rounder has also chipped in with the ball, taking two for 24 from four economical overs against the Perth Scorchers.
1. Tim Ludeman
5 of 5
Innings: 5
Runs: 199
Strike rate: 145.25
Highest score: 92 not out
Few would have tipped Tim Ludeman to top this list pre-tournament, but the Adelaide Strikers man has shown sensational form so far to help his team top the table.
In their opening game against the Melbourne Stars, the wicket-keeper batsman registered the fastest 50 in BBL history off just 18 balls, and he finished with 92 not out from a total team score of 149
Since then, Ludeman has added another half-century against the Hurricanes and has shown consistency by making it to at least double figures in every innings. The IPL giants will be taking note.
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