BBL 2019-20: Tom Banton thankful for his stint with the Brisbane Heat

Tom Banton’s career got a massive kick after his sterling shows for Somerset in the 2019 T20 Blast in England. He along with Babar Azam tormented every other opponent.  It not only gave Banton a national call-up, but has also made him a hot prospect in T20 leagues around the globe. The 21-year-old recently played for the Brisbane Heat in the 2019-20 edition of the Big Bash League (BBL).

The youngster scored 223 runs at an average of 31.85, most importantly, striking at an audacious 176.98. Albeit he got a couple of single-digit scores, the right-hander had scores of 64, 56 and 55 against Melbourne Stars, Sydney Thunder and Perth Scorchers respectively. During a match against the Sydney Thunder, Banton smashed off-spinner Arjun Nair for five sixes in a single over.

AB de Villiers replaces Banton

The Heat are net scheduled to lock horns with Adelaide Strikers at The Gabba in Brisbane on Tuesday, January 14. However, Banton won’t be a part of the encounter as his campaign has already come to an end. AB de Villiers, the former South African cricketer, has replaced the Englishman. In the meantime, Banton, before leaving, didn’t forget to express gratitude to his BBL franchise.

Banton had a great time, plying his trade for the Heat. He wished to come back next season as well. He took to Twitter and wrote, “Big Bash done. Been a great month away with the Brisbane Heat boys. Good luck for the rest of the tournament. Hopefully see you guys next year!”

Here is Tom Banton’s tweet

Big Bash done. Been a great month away with the Brisbane Heat boys. Good luck for the rest of the tournament. Hopefully see you guys next year!🏏🌎 @HeatBBL pic.twitter.com/KjeSuNLKa5

— Tom Banton (@TBanton18) January 12, 2020

Prior to his journey in the BBL, Banton honed his skills with the Qalandars in the third edition of the T10 League in Abu Dhabi. Though his team couldn’t win the trophy, Banton didn’t flatter to deceive by any stretch of the imagination. This year, he will also be getting the chance of playing the IPL.

On December 2019, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bagged him at his base price of INR 1 crore. Quite surprisingly, the other teams didn’t go after him. The Young Turk will also be seen in this year’s Pakistan Super League (PSL), representing the Peshawar Zalmi.