Combined XI for Big Bash League 2016

The 5th edition of the Big Bash League concluded with a fitting yet a nerve-wrecking thriller between the Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Stars. The Thunders finally were able to lift the trophy after four disappointing years. This year too the competition showcased quality performances with both bat and ball. We take a look at the top performers as we ensemble the combined XI for BBL 2016. 1. Usman Khawaja (Sydney Thunder) (© Getty Images) This guy has been in the form of his life of late. Despite being available for only four games during the competition, he finished as the second highest run-getter with 345 runs at a staggering average of 172.5. He made the most of all the four opportunities as he notched up two unbeaten tons and two well-compiled fifties with a top score of 109*. 2. Michael Hussey (Sydney Thunder) (© Cricket Australia/Getty Images) ‘Mister Cricket’ as he is rightly known, took up the role of captain seriously as he led from the front right through the tournament. Playing in his last competition as a professional, he was very consistent with the bat as he scored a total of 306 runs in his 9 games at a healthy average of 43.71. Having played as an opener before, he fits well in that role in this team. He got three fifties with his highest being 80*. 3. Travis Head (Adelaide Strikers) Travis Head of the Strikers. (Photo by Matt Roberts – CA/Cricket Australia/Getty Images) Head was in some good touch for his franchise in this year’s BBL. He played some match winning innings that grabbed everyone’s eyeballs. For his performances, he was awarded the ‘Young Gun’ title for BBL 05. He gathered 299 runs from 9 games at a decent average of 42.71. His best performance came against the Sydney Sixers where he smashed an unbeaten 53 ball knock of 101. He also crossed the 50 run mark twice. 4. Kevin Pietersen (Melbourne Stars) Kevin Pietersen of the Stars. (Photo by Robert Cianflone – CA/Cricket Australia/Getty Images) One of the most stylish batsmen to have held the bat, ‘KP’ certainly took another T20 tournament by storm in BBL 2016. Following his good run of form, he piled up 323 runs aggregating at 40.37 from 9 innings. He hit four fifties full of suave during his run. He saved on his best outings for the final though, where he smoked 74 runs off just 39 balls. His highest score in the tournament was of 76. 5. Chris Lynn (Brisbane Heat) Chris Lynn of the Heat. (Photo by Chris Hyde – CA/Cricket Australia/Getty Images) He was the real star of the tournament and he was correctly adjudged the BBL Player of the Season. His heroics for Brisbane clearly reflect from the fact that he was the highest run-getter in the tournament with a total of 378 runs at a bolstering average of 54. Leading from the front, he was brutal with the bat as he smashed 27 sixes and 23 fours throughout the competition. He scored three fifties and a dominating century(101) against Hobart Hurricanes. 6. Andre Russell (Sydney Thunder) (Photo Source: Getty Images) Among all the players, Russell was always going to be the choice for the allrounder’s spot. His ability to strike lusty blows down the order late into the innings helped to provide his team with the impetus. He muscled 185 runs at a strike rate of over 186. He But it was his bowling that came to the fore in BBL 05. He was the joint second-highest wicket taker in the competition with 16 scalps. He troubled batsmen with his pace and swing upfront and the death. 7. Tim Paine (Hobart Hurricanes) (© Cricket Australia/Getty Images) Tim Paine was the best among the lot of wicket keepers in this year’s BBL. His all-round abilities with the bat and behind the stumps earned him this spot. He was handy with the bat down the order as he scored 239 runs with two fifties. His top score was of 87*. With the gloves too he performed exceedingly well. He recorded 8 dismissals in as many matches which included 7 catches and 1 stumping. 8. Adil Rashid (Adelaide Strikers) (© Cricket Australia/Getty Images) The English leggie had a very impressive BBL 05. He was the joint second-highest wicket taker with 16 scalps from 9 outings. He bowled with an excellent average of 14.12. He never let any batsman get away and his economy of a paltry 6.43 goes to show just that. He recorded 3 for 23 as his best figures. 9. Adam Zampa (Melbourne Stars) (Photo Source: Twitter) This young leg-spinner provides the second spinning option for this team. Among the spinners, his tally of 12 wickets is only behind Rashid’s 16. He bowled with a lot of heart as he went through his overs quickly in the middle overs. He proved to be economical as well, conceding only at 7.10 per over with an average of 22.50. His best figures read 2 for 16. 10. Andrew Tye (Perth Scorchers) (Photo Source: Getty Images) Tye has proved himself to be a valuable T20 cricketer for the Scorchers. His ability to hit Yorkers at the death proved vital for his team. His success in BBL 05 can be estimated from the fact that he picked up 13 wickets at an impressive economy of 7.05. He also maintained a decent average of 18 with the ball. 3 for 22 were his best bowling figures. 11. Clint McKay (Sydney Thunder) (Photo Source: Getty Images) The veteran speedster is renowned for his variations with the ball which have brought him success at all stages of a game. BBL 05 was no different as he finished as the highest wicket-taker for the entire competition with a tally of 18 wickets from 10 games. He boasts an incredible average of 15.22 despite an economy of slightly over 8. His best outing came against Hobart Hurricanes where he picked up 4 for 28.