The six Big Bash League bolters who should be considered for Australia’s World T20 squad

With Australia to host the World T20 tournament from October, this summer’s Big Bash League has given players a chance to put themselves in the forefront of selectors’ minds. Here’s six players who have surged into contention for the Aussie squad.

Jhye Richardson has overcome a shoulder injury to put himself back on the national radar.

Australia’s fringe Twenty20 cricketers won’t get a better opportunity to press their claims for a World T20 berth than this summer’s Big Bash League.

After commanding performances against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, the Australians will enter the home tournament in October as one of the favourites.

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There are several spots in the Australian squad up for grabs and six genuine bolters have emerged from BBL09 to challenge the T20 incumbents.

Here are the players selectors should consider after their recent BBL performances.

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Jono Wells has been one of the BBL’s most consistent batsmen in the past two seasons.

1. Jon Wells (Adelaide Strikers)

Matches: 8 Innings: 8 Not out: 4 Runs: 292 High score: 68* Average 73 Strike rate: 137.7

SuperCoach BBL average (to Round 9): 57

The Strikers middle-order batsman is slowly gaining recognition as one of the most consistent batsmen in the BBL. Wells had four scores of 40 or better after nine BBL innings and had only twice scored less than 20, which included a knock of 18 not out from nine balls against Perth Scorchers. He’d be in competition with players such as Ashton Turner and Ben McDermott for a middle-order role and his form in the past two seasons suggests he wouldn’t be out of place on the big stage. His ability to manipulate fields is ideal for the middle overs of T20 matches and he’d complement the big hitters in the Australian team.

They said it: “I have played a fair bit of T20 now. I feel like my clarity is really good to know what is needed in every situation.” — Jon Wells.

Fawad Ahmed has made a successful switch from Sydney Thunder to Perth Scorchers.

2. Fawad Ahmed (Perth Scorchers)

Overs: 36 Runs conceded: 250 Wickets: 11 Best: 3-16 Average: 22.7 Economy: 6.94

SuperCoach BBL average (to Round 9): 50.9

Hard to see Adam Zampa being edged out for one of the two spin roles in the World T20 squad. That would leave Ahmed and his Scorchers teammate Ashton Agar in a battle for one role. The veteran leg-spinner could hardly have done more to put his case forward. Zampa (6.57) was the only spinner with 10 wickets or more and a better economy rate than Ahmed (6.94) as of January 14.

They said it: “He brings that wealth of experience, in tandem with Ashton Agar. I think they’re going to form a wonderful partnership.” — Scorchers coach Adam Voges.

Daniel Sams is the BBL’s leading wicket-taker.

3. Daniel Sams (Sydney Thunder)

Overs: 31.2 Runs conceded: 251 Wickets: 17 Best: 3-25 Average: 14.8 Economy: 8.01

SuperCoach BBL average (to Round 9): 72.6

The Big Bash League’s leading wicket-taker has failed to make an impression with the bat but his accuracy and variety in the death overs has been hugely impressive for Sydney Thunder. The left-armer has claimed eight of his 17 wickets between overs 16-20, showing his nerve in the later overs. Ashton Agar batted at No. 7 in Australia’s T20 series against Sri Lanka in November but Sams would offer a pace-bowling alternative. Sams is more capable with the bat than his BBL statistics (24 runs at 3.4) suggest.

They said it: “We’re focusing on stopping runs. Our bowling unit, that’s our focus. The wickets kind of just come from that. It’s always good recognition, getting the golden cap or being leading wicket-taker. But as a unit, the importance we have on restricting runs is probably the most important thing.” — Daniel Sams.

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Jhye Richardson has overcome a shoulder injury to put himself back on the national radar.

4. Jhye Richardson (Perth Scorchers)

Overs: 34 Runs conceded: 264 Wickets: 13 Best: 4-19 Average: 20.3 Economy: 7.76

SuperCoach BBL average (to Round 9): 56

It’s two years since Richardson was included in the Australian Test squad to tour South Africa. The West Australian was pressing to be part of the Australian ODI World Cup team last year before a shoulder injury cost him a spot in England. The paceman has still been hampered in the field but is having no issues with his bowling. In his last seven BBL matches for the Scorchers, Richardson has 13 wickets. Pat Cummins, Kane Richardson and Mitch Starc should be Australia’s first-choice fast-bowling trio but Richardson will be a contender for the back-up pace role.

They said it: “He’s an exceptionally exciting talent. He bowls with good pace, he can swing the ball both ways and he gets it in good areas.” — Test captain Tim Paine.

Riley Meredith was enjoying a breakout campaign before injury struck.

5. Riley Meredith (Hobart Hurricanes)

Overs: 20.3 Runs conceded: 137 Wickets: 10 Best: 3-26 Average: 13.7 Economy: 6.68

SuperCoach BBL average (to Round 9): 64.5

The Hobart Hurricanes speedster was on the cusp of the breakout summer many fans have been waiting for when his progress was slowed by a side strain. Meredith has been on the fringes of the Australian side, featuring for Australia A, and opened the BBL with seven wickets in three matches. Perhaps most impressively, he reined in his economy rate of 8.58 from BBL08 to concede less than seven runs an over (6.68).

They said it: “Riley Meredith is an exciting young prospect and a wicket-taking option.” national selector Trevor Hohns.

Shane Warne has earmarked Josh Philippe as a future white-ball player for Australia.

6. Josh Philippe (Sydney Sixers)

Matches: 9 Innings: 9 Not out: 2 Runs: 270 High score: 83* Average 38.6 Strike rate: 128.6

SuperCoach BBL average (to Round 9): 56.9

Will the Australians want a back-up wicketkeeper and batting option? Philippe offers a unique skill set with the bat and could deputise for Alex Carey if required. The inventive batsman has featured at No. 6 and as an opener for Sydney Sixers and would be capable of stepping into either role. He’s got two scores of more than 80 but also five under 15 in BBL09. If he can add two or three more fifties to his summer, he’ll be in the conversation.

They said it: “This guy is going to play for Australia within 12 months. I would have picked him for the World Cup last year because I think he’s an outstanding young player.” — Shane Warne on Josh Philippe.

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Originally published as The six Big Bash League bolters who should be considered for Australia’s World T20 squad