Ben McDermott has become the first-ever batsman in the history of BBL to score two back to back hundreds. Opening the batting for Hobart Hurricanes in the ongoing season, McDermott first scored a hundred against Adelaide Strikers and then backed it up with another three-figure score against the Melbourne Renegades today.
Ben is actually the son of the former Australian fast bowler Craig McDermott, who had a very fruitful career at the international level. Craig McDermott grabbed close to 500 wickets, playing for Australia in both red ball and white ball cricket in a glittering 12-year long international career.
Ben himself has also represented Australia in two ODIs and 17 T20 internationals, but with very modest returns. The right-hander, who is capable of batting both at the top of the order and in the middle order, has been a consistent performer in the BBL
Ben McDermott was given the opportunity to showcase his skills on Australia’s tour of Bangladesh as well, which took place just before the T20 World Cup, and he could have sealed a spot for himself in Australia’s World Cup squad with quality performances in Bangladesh, but it wasn’t to be.
Ben McDermott might get another opportunity to play for Australia
After an unsuccessful Bangladesh tour, it seemed as if the Australian selectors might move on from Ben McDermott, but he has got himself back into the reckoning again with back to back hundreds in the BBL. Considering the fact that the next T20 World Cup has to take place on the Australian turf, the selectors will be keeping an eye on the BBL performances.
Many people have been of the opinion that Ben has never got a consistent go in the Australian colors and has never been given his preferred batting position whenever he has played for Australia. However, from the selectors’ perspective, Ben has never played an innings of significance in Australian colors to earn himself further opportunities.
If Ben is given another run with Australia’s T20I team, which is likely, it would be interesting to see where he bats because his preferred position in T20 cricket is at the top of the order and Australia’s top order looks well set at the moment with David Warner, Aaron Finch and Mitchell Marsh in top 3.
Here is how the Australian fans reacted on Twitter today after Ben McDermott scored his second consecutive BBL a hundred –
Ben McDermott has made history!!
He's the first player to ever score back-to-back BBL centuries, and the first one to score three of them in his career!! 💯🤯💯#BBL11 @FoxCricket pic.twitter.com/PRTXOGIRcUAdvertisement— Guido (@Guido7373) December 29, 2021
Didn't think it was possible for Ben McDermott's 127 off 65 could be topped tonight, but I reckon Sean Abbott's done it.
Advertisement4-31 and 37no to get a team home after they were 8-47 is pretty damn special. #BBL11
— Scott Bailey (@ScottBaileyAAP) December 29, 2021
Ben McDermott as C has my whole team covered by 100+ #SuperCoach pic.twitter.com/CkWXRtBTDt
— Tim Michell (@tim_michell) December 29, 2021
Ben McDermott! well done #BBL11 pic.twitter.com/KMCDzf6VL7
— Damion Maher (@Damion23) December 29, 2021
Outrageous from Ben McDermott (127 off 67)
– Third-highest ever BBL score
– First man to score back-to-back BBL tons
– First man to score 3 BBL tons (2 vs. Renegades, 1 vs. Strikers)#BBL11 pic.twitter.com/eyKlHV9HFX— David Schout (@david_schout) December 29, 2021
Every now and again we are privileged to see for, just a short time, usually, a player in rare form. It’s been an absolute pleasure to witness Ben McDermott this week. Unbelievable striking.
— Ric Finlay (@RicFinlay) December 29, 2021
BEN MCDERMOTT!!! HE'S DONE IT AGAIN 🤯🤯🤯 what an innings. I didn't know it was possible but this might have been even better than his last innings 💜💜💜#BBL11
— Patrick Gray (@PatrickM_Gray) December 29, 2021
This from Ben McDermott is some of the best batting you’ll ever see
— Tom Carpenter (@Carpo34) December 29, 2021
I’ll see your Ben McDermott and raise you SEAN ABBOTT #BBL
— QUENTIN HULL (@QuentinHull) December 29, 2021
Hook that Ben McDermott cover drive to my veins. He is in ridiculous form
— Ethan (@ethanmeldrum_) December 29, 2021
