BIG BASH 2019-20 TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT: Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell but which English trio make the cut?

NICK HOWSON: With the ninth edition of the competition having reached an end, who were the outstanding performers from the eight sides?

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Marcus Stoinis

(705 runs, ave 54.23, 1 wicket, ave 24, 1 catch)

The opener's blistering 147 against Sydney Sixers was the standout performance of the competition, a blistering knock was is now the biggest in Big Bash history. His blip coincided with Melbourne Stars losing momentum but he recaptured it in time to guide his team into the final, hammering 83 from 54 balls. Didn't turn up for the trophy shoot-out but his place in this side is unquestionable.

Josh Philippe

(487 runs, ave 37.46, 7 catches)

One of the most promising uncapped Australian players around and among a batch of players who could yet propel himself into the squad for either of the next two World Cups. Scored runs at every key juncture, including in three of Sixers' last four matches. That run included a 52 scored at 179.31, a gutsy effort that betrayed the tension of the occasion.

Liam Livingstone

(425 runs, ave 30.35, 4 wickets, ave 16, 5 catches)

With the sixth-most runs and seventh-best bowling average, the Englishman was the premier allrounder in Australia. Playing for a Perth Scorchers side who were far from their best, his performances were admirable. Claimed two player-of-the-match awards during the competition even if his teammates couldn't back-up his efforts. Will regret not reaching three figures having gone to four half-centuries and two scores in the 70s.

Sydney Sixers claim second Big Bash crown with emphatic victory over Melbourne Stars

Alex Hales

(576 runs, ave 38.40, 9 catches)

The sleeping giant of England's T20 roster who kept Thunder's hopes alive longer than they probably should have been. As they snuck into the playoffs Hales went on an outstanding run of scores. Scores of 85, 63, 47, 60 and 59 put Thunder one match away from the final, a remarkable turnaround given where they had once been. Deserved the chance to grace the showcase final.

Jonathan Wells

(478 runs, 68.28 ave, 5 catches)

"The actual middle-order role is one of the toughest in T20 cricket." An accurate assessment from the 31-year-old, but one he made a mockery of. Wells was the best middle-order batsman in the tournament as Strikers reached The Knockout before stumbling. He had a handy knack of coming in to recover a situation and on seven occasions finished unbeaten. Such was his importance he scooped four POTM prizes as his finishing ability set him apart. Ended the competition with the best average of any batsman, by some distance.

Glenn Maxwell

(398 runs, 39.80 ave, 10 wickets, 26 ave, 5 catches)

Faded after a fast start but when Maxwell came to the part Stars looked near-enough invincible. Influential with the bat, coming in at No.3 or often lower to finish off what Stoinis had inevitably started, coy with the ball and intelligent in the fielding with a good rotation of bowlers and fielders. Above all else, it was just good to have him back on a cricket field.

Beau Webster

(425 runs, 42.50 ave, 8 catches)

As the defending champions the Renegades awoke from their early-season slumber, Webster emerged as one of the chief beneficiaries. In just his second outing of the competition, he gave his side a fighting chance with 67 against Scorchers, his best of the competition batting down at No.5. Two more half-centuries would follow as Renegades rebuilt their reputation. Only five players hit more runs in the competition which given his place in the order was an admirable effort.

Tom Curran

(133 runs, 19 ave, 22 wickets, 19.40 ave, 5 catches)

Only one player took more scalps in the competition with the England allrounder excelling to drive Sixers to glory. Handy with the bat with some important runs, none more so than when he secured a super over against Thunder in the group stage. Though out first ball, he then took the ball and secured victory in the derby, proving that he is a performer for the big occasion.

Adam Zampa

(22 runs, 15.33 ave, 22 wickets, 19.40, 3 catches)

A deceptively good bowler whose wickets often came from batsmen taking him lightly. Had a truncated competition thanks to the India ODI series but upon his return was arguably the best bowler around. He took 10 wickets in the last four matches as Stars reached the final. His 22 victims might not have been enough to secure the title but he was the premier spinner. The same may well be true come the World Cup.

Daniel Sams

(55 runs, 4.58 ave, 30 wickets, 15.36, 6 catches)

The top wicket-taker in the competition as Thunder went within one match of the final. His 30 is the most ever taken in a single Big Bash campaign. On the surface, there wasn't much to fear about Sams, but a deeper look showed you that his subtle variations made him a nightmare for batters to face. An economy rate below eight highlighted how tough he was to score off too.

Haris Rauf

(20 wickets, 13.35 ave, 2 catches)

The fairytale story of the Big Bash. The 26-year-old had three different spells with Stars as an injury replacement but was one of the most potent seamers around. His pace was lightning and accuracy metronomic. Batsman trying to hit him straight were often dumbfounded and he reaped the rewards, taking wickets aplenty. No player who featured in more than six games finished with a better average. Playing in the Tasmania Premier League before the tournament, he now has international recognition with Pakistan and is bound for the World Cup in October and November.

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