BBL 2020-21: Sydney Sixers opener Josh Philippe named Player of the Tournament

Sydney Sixers wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Philippe has been named the BBL 10 Player of the Tournament as voted by the on-field umpires this season. The highly-rated batsman pipped Sydney Thunder’s Alex Hales and Perth Scorchers’ Jhye Richardson to bag the award. Philippe polled 22 votes throughout the regular season to finish two clear of Hales.

On the other hand, Richardson was one further vote behind at the third spot. Hales and Phillipe currently occupy the top two spots in the run-scoring chard. England’s Alex Hales is at the top after scoring 543 runs in 15 games at an average of nearly 39. The out-of-favor England opener has also smashed one century and three fifties.

Philippe is at the second spot after accumulating 499 runs at an average of 33.26 and an impressive strike rate of 150.30. With Thunder’s campaign already finished and Sixers set to play the final on Saturday (February 6), Philippe will have an opportunity to finish the ongoing tournament as the highest run-scorer. Apart from his batting exploits, the 23-year-old has also effected 16 dismissals behind the stumps in the tournament so far.

“We’d like to congratulate Josh Philippe on another outstanding season at the top of the order for the Sydney Sixers and being named the BBL 10 Player of the Tournament,” said Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s Head of Big Bash League.

“This is a richly deserved accolade and recognition for a number of match-winning performances, which have guided the Sixers to a second consecutive home Final at the SCG and selection in the Australian men’s T20I squad,” he added.

Chance to win another BBL title for Josh Philippe and Sixers

Sydney Sixers and Josh Philippe will get a chance to win their second BBL title in a row on Saturday when they take on the winner of the Challenger between Perth Scorchers and Brisbane Heat in the final. Philippe had starred in the last final when Sixers had defeated Melbourne Renegades to win the title. Philippe had scored a 29-ball 52 to help the Sydney-based outfit win their second BBL title.

Following the season, he was rewarded with his maiden IPL contract by Royal Challengers Bangalore. The young batsman, however, could not really live up to the expectations as he managed to score only 78 runs in 5 games. But RCB have retained him in their squad for the upcoming season and the youngster will be looking to put up a better show in IPL 2021.