Top 5 Bowlers from Big Bash League Group Stage
The Big Bash League group stage is done and dusted—four teams are left standing in the battle to be crowned champions of the fourth edition of the event.
Before the semi-finals take place, we thought it would be good to take a look at the statistics and pick out some of the star performers with the ball so far.
They say Twenty20 cricket is a game for the batsmen, but that doesn't mean bowlers cannot prosper.
Before you click on, understand that the selection process did not just take into account the number of wickets taken. To that extent, apologies to Ben Laughlin and Yasir Arafat (who both finished with 12).
Economy rate and contribution to their team's cause were also important factors in the final reckoning, though as ever, it comes down to one man's opinion.
If you disagree, argue your case in the comments section.
Jason Behrendorff (Perth Scorchers)
1 of 5
Wickets: 13
Best performance: 4-22
Economy rate: 6.34
Perth Scorchers seamer Jason Behrendorff finished the group stage tied at the top of the wicket-taking charts.
The left-arm paceman picked up 13 scalps for the defending champions. However, the most impressive aspect of the 24-year-old's performance with the ball was his ability to contain opponents.
The New South Welshman has been an integral part of a successful Perth side in the franchise competition, and he bowled his full complement of four overs in all eight outings this season.
Behrendorff, who has played more T20 games than he has first-class fixtures so far in his career, now sits fourth on the all-time list for wickets in Big Bash history.
John Hastings (Melbourne Stars)
2 of 5
Wickets: 13
Best performance: 3-24
Economy rate: 7.96
The Melbourne Stars have once again made it through to the knockout stages, despite the absence of some of their leading names at certain times due to international commitments.
John Hastings has been a sizeable rock for the franchise to build on; the 29-year-old picked up seven wickets in the first three matches and has been a reliable option for skipper Cameron White.
A sizeable presence who can also hit some lusty blows down the order, as he showed in the unlikely win over Perth Scorchers in Melbourne's final group game, Hastings has represented Australia in his career.
He has a Baggy Green after appearing in one Test, against South Africa in Perth in 2012. He has also played for his country in 11 ODIs, plus a trio of T20 games.
Adam Zampa (Adelaide Strikers)
3 of 5
Wickets: 9
Best performance: 2-26
Economy rate: 6.03
Adam Zampa and the Adelaide Strikers squad have been a surprise package this season, finishing on top of the table. They had never previously made the knockout stages of the Big Bash.
Along with fellow slow bowler Johan Botha, the young leg-spinner has been integral in restricting opposing teams, as the Strikers won six of their eight outings to finish up with 13 points.
Zampa made just three appearances for Adelaide last season, previously playing in the competition for Sydney Thunder. This year, though, he has seized his opportunities in a well-balanced bowling attack.
The 22-year-old represented Australia at under-19 level, and he was a part of the successful squad that lifted the 2010 World Cup.
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Andrew Tye (Perth Scorchers)
4 of 5
Wickets: 10
Best performance: 2-12
Economy rate: 7.05
A late bloomer, bearded bowler Andrew Tye has helped make up for lost time during a successful campaign for both himself and the Scorchers.
The right-arm seamer didn't make his List A debut until the age of 26 in 2013—he has played just one first-class game, for Western Australia against Tasmania last November.
Tye—who had previously appeared in the Big Bash for Sydney Thunder before returning to his home franchise for this season—does not beat batsmen for pace. Instead, he confuses them with subtle changes in speed.
His final figures at the conclusion of the group stage would be even better had he not conceded 42 runs against the Melbourne Stars in his last outing.
Gurinder Sandhu (Sydney Thunder)
5 of 5
Wickets: 8
Best performance: 3-19
Economy rate: 6.95
Gurinder Sandhu once again offered a glimmer of hope in another dismal campaign for Sydney Thunder—though for the first time in Big Bash history, they did not finish bottom of the table.
The paceman only appeared in six games this season, though that was because his performances in domestic action led to him earning a call-up to Australia's ODI squad for the Carlton Mid Tri-Series.
He claimed 3-19 in Sydney's crushing opening victory against Brisbane Heat, though the Thunder would only go on to win one of their remaining seven outings in the group phase of the competition.
Tall, quick and able to swing the ball, the future looks bright for the 21-year-old.
All stats used are courtesy of ESPN Cricinfo and the official site of the Big Bash League.
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