The Big Bash League or called the BBL is the premier T20 tournament played in Australia on the path laid by the IPL way back in 2008. Though both embrace the same format, there are multiple differences between the two leagues, especially in the rules that are set in place to ensure the purity and integrity of the format. A major difference has to be the availability of the DRS at the IPL, and it’s absence at the BBL. While it may appear only to be a minor change, its presence plays a huge part in the final outcome of the game, for players are bestowed with an opportunity to reverse an umpire’s decision which they deem incorrect.
Even after so many years since the introduction of the two leagues, the number of differences haven’t gone down but rose with every passing season. There are some players, who have been part of the BBL right from the start and have played under different rules, adapting to the rapidly changing nature of the format. Their impeccability has been so high that they feature in the list of all-time greats of the league. Some of them are still around while others had to call it a day for one or the other reason. These players are the one, who have ruled the various cricketing charts for the league and are bound to stay at the top in the years to come ahead. In the below piece, we look at 5 such batsmen, who are the highest run-getters in the long history of the BBL:
1. Chris Lynn
This muscular right-hander currently playing for the Brisbane Heat proudly tops the list for the highest run-getter in the league’s 10-years history.
Given his chiselled body and quick hands, Lynn manages to clear the biggest of boundaries with consummate ease, and he has indeed mastered the art of six-hitting. The powerful striker has struck 2790 runs from 90 games at an average of 37.20 and a brilliant strike rate of 151.05.
2. Aaron Finch
Australia’s limited-overs skipper and a mainstay at the top of the order, Finch has been a consistent performer at the league since it’s induction. Just like Lynn, Finch too has plied his trade only for a single franchise, Melbourne Renegades since it’s beginning in 2011.
Being the captain of the side, he is expected to be at the forefront not just while captaining the side during their bowling innings but while opening the batting as well. There have been a series of low scores so far but the man has enough experience to carve his way out of the slump.
Having featured in 76 games, Finch has hammered 2431 runs at an average of 34.23 and a good strike rate of 134.60 with his best score being 111.
3. Glenn Maxwell
A floater, a swashbuckler, a daredevil; you name and Maxwell has all of it! The attacking batting all-rounder is indeed the correct definition of an ideal T20 candidate, who performs exceptionally well in all the three departments of the game and leaves behind his stellar impact.
Maxwell did have his own share of troubles playing in different T20 leagues around the world but when it comes to BBL and playing at his home ground, MCG, Maxwell never disappoints and showcases his skills atleast in one aspect of the game if not for all.
The trailblazing batsman has played for two franchises, Renegades and the Stars during his 87-games BBL career and plundered 2205 runs at an average of 32.42 and a breathtaking strike rate of 149.08. He has a best score of 84 to his name.
4. Shaun Marsh
A surprising revelation at the inaugural season of the IPL, winning the orange cap after coming into the league mid-way, Marsh has been the dependent batsman batting in the middle order for many years.
Having begun his career as an opener, Marsh has moulded his style of play to suit different positions and is ready to perform at whichever spot his team wants him to bat.
Playing for two different franchises, Renegades and the Scorchers, Marsh has mustered 2196 runs from 61 games at a craving average of 41.43 and strike rate of 128.27.
5. Marcus Stoinis
Starting his career as a bowling all-rounder, Stoinis has transformed his game which goes more near to a specialist batsman than to a bowler and the improvement has been so immaculate that he now opens the innings for his franchise, Melbourne Stars.
Given those bulging biceps and overall athletic physique, Stoinis has become a force to reckon with in the last few years, especially in the T20 format and the man is very capable of destroying the best of bowling attacks without getting into much trouble.
Stoinis has smacked 2137 runs from 74 games playing for both the Stars and Scorchers, at an average of 36.84 and strike rate of 131.58. The right-hander also has the best score of a mammoth 147.
