Big names in Ricky Ponting’s all time BBL XI

Ponting picks up his favorite BBL XI.

George Bailey will lead Ponting's BBL XI

The seventh edition of the Big Bash League started earlier this month. Ricky Ponting, the former Australian skipper is one of the members of the commentary panel. Recently he has picked up his all-time BBL XI and it has to be said that there are some unique selections in the lineup.

Shaun Marsh and Aaron Finch will open the innings for his side. One attacking and the other defensive Ponting has chosen a good opening combination. Finch is second leading run-scorer in the BBL history and his strike rate is very good for an opener. With left-hand, right-hand combination at the top, Ponting feels this will be a formidable opening pair at the top.

Chris Lynn, the big hitter is Ponting’s number 3 in his all-time BBL XI. Lynn’s 96 sixes in the history of the BBL are the most hit by any batsmen. With a strike rate of over 160, Lynn joins the two openers in the side picked by Ponting.

Ponting has gone for experience in the middle order and the selection of Brad Hodge and Goerge Bailey justifies his selection. Both have played a lot of first-class cricket and BBL as well to soak in the extra pressure and deliver in those situations.

Ponting has gone for a specialist all-rounder in Mitchell Marsh who has been an important player for the Perth Scorchers and has been key to their success in the previous years. He is the only player in the BBL history who averages more than 40 and has taken more than 10 wickets.

Tim Paine interestingly is Ponting’s choice as the wicketkeeper for his side. Paine earned a call into the Test side after staying away from international cricket for 7 years.

Coming down to the bowlers, Ponting has chosen Andrew Tye to lead the bowling attack for his side. Tye has been one of the most successful bowlers in the BIG Bash history. Ben Laughlin and Jason Behrendorff will be his pace bowling partners.

Ponting has chosen Brad Hogg, his longtime colleague in the Australian cricket team as the specialist spinner for his side. Hogg 46, is still going strong in the world of cricket and is one of the most successful spinners in the league. He has got second -most wickets in the history of the BBL and is loved by the crowd.

Ponting’s  BBL XI

Shaun Marsh, Aaron Finch, Chris Lynn, Brad Hodge, George Bailey (c), Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine (wk), Andrew Tye, Ben Laughlin, Brad Hogg, Jason Behrendorff

 
 

By Anshuman Roy - 27 Dec, 2017

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