The Perth Scorchers have reinforced their status as a powerhouse in the Big Bash League, with two of their standout players earning prestigious recognition in the BBL Team of the Tournament. Aaron Hardie and Finn Allen have both been selected in the elite side, voted on by the league's coaches, highlighting their exceptional performances throughout the summer season.
Aaron Hardie's Consistent Excellence
Aaron Hardie has further cemented his reputation as one of the BBL's premier players of the decade by securing his third selection in the Team of the Tournament over the past four seasons. This remarkable achievement makes him the only player in the competition to accomplish such a feat, underscoring his consistent impact on the field.
Since the inception of the Team of the Tournament seven seasons ago in BBL09, only fellow Western Australian product Marcus Stoinis, with four selections, has been recognised more frequently. Hardie's contributions this summer have been pivotal for the Scorchers, as he leads the team in run-scoring with 334 runs at an impressive average of 42.
His standout performance included a blistering unbeaten 94 off just 43 balls, which propelled the Scorchers to a crucial victory over Hobart on New Year's Day. Additionally, Hardie has provided 11 wickets, playing a key role in guiding the side into Sunday's final. Reflecting on his selection, Hardie expressed his delight, stating, "It's been an awesome couple of days. It's nice to be able to contribute again this year to the Scorchers... to be able to put together a season with the bat and the ball is something I probably haven't done in the past."
Finn Allen's Impressive Batting Display
New Zealand import Finn Allen has also earned a well-deserved spot in the Team of the Tournament, thanks to his explosive batting throughout the season. Allen amassed 430 runs, placing him second only to David Warner in the overall run tally for the summer. His aggressive style and ability to score quickly have made him a valuable asset for the Scorchers, adding depth and firepower to their lineup.
Scorchers' Historic Achievement
The dual selections of Hardie and Allen mark a significant milestone for the Perth Scorchers, as they become the only BBL franchise to have multiple players chosen in each of the seven Team of the Tournament sides since the competition's history began. This consistent representation highlights the club's strong recruitment and development strategies, as well as their sustained success in the league.
Full BBL Team of the Tournament Lineup
The Melbourne Stars dominated this season's XI with five players selected, including Player of the Tournament Sam Harper, who is joined by Marcus Stoinis, Tom Curran, Harris Rauf, and Peter Siddle. Despite his Sydney Thunder team finishing at the bottom of the table, David Warner was named captain of the side, a testament to his individual brilliance and leadership qualities.
The complete BBL Team of the Tournament for this season is as follows:
- Finn Allen (Perth Scorchers)
- Sam Harper (Wicket keeper, Melbourne Stars)
- David Warner (Captain, Sydney Thunder)
- Matthew Renshaw (Brisbane Heat)
- Aaron Hardie (Perth Scorchers)
- Marcus Stoinis (Melbourne Stars)
- Jack Edwards (Sydney Sixers)
- Tom Curran (Melbourne Stars)
- Haris Rauf (Melbourne Stars)
- Lloyd Pope (Adelaide Strikers)
- Peter Siddle (Melbourne Stars)
- Liam Scott (Adelaide Strikers)
This recognition not only celebrates the individual talents of Hardie and Allen but also underscores the Perth Scorchers' ongoing influence in the BBL, as they continue to produce top-tier cricketers who excel on the national stage.
