David Warner named as captain of the BBL’s official team of the tournament

He was banned from ever captaining Australia, but when the door opener for David Warner in the Big Bash, he has proven all his doubters wrong.

David Warner’s fight to overturn his lifetime leadership ban enabled him to captain Sydney Thunder to a surprise BBL finals berth and he’s been recognised for his efforts, lauded by his teammate and named skipper of the official team of the tournament.

Cricket Australia overturned Warner’s lifetime leadership ban, handed out for his role in the 2018 sandpaper scandal in South Africa, after the former Test opener enlisted a long list of big name character references as part of his appeal.

England international, and Thunder teammate, Sam Billings said Warner, 38, had been “absolutely phenomenal” as captain having spent years judging him from afar.

“It’s impossible not to learn off him from a cricketing point of view. He’s been brilliant,” Billings said.

But while Warner has proved a brilliant leader, he also whacked 346 runs, behind only 21-year-old star Cooper Connolly, on the run-scorers’ list, with the duo among the star-studded team of the tournament that also includes Australian T20 team members Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Tim David.

The best of the best 👏

Presenting your KFC #BBL14 Team of the Tournament! pic.twitter.com/4B8dUDFVa4

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 23, 2025

Billings, who snared 11 dismissals for the Thunder, also made the team, with countryman Sam Overton, named 12th man, the only two overseas players in the team.

Breakout Hobart Hurricanes batter Mitch Owen also made the team for his 344 runs, which helped guide the Canes to the BBL final next Monday.

Golden Arm recipient Jason Behrendorff, who snared 17 wickets for the Perth Scorchers, Melbourne Renegades quick Tom Rogers and Sydney Sixers left-armer Ben Ben Dwarshuis were the fast bowlers chosen, with Adelaide Strikers spinner Lloyd Pope rounding out the team.

“The BBL|14 Team of the Tournament features the perfect mix of established stars and new faces who have performed exceptionally during this campaign,” Cricket Australia Big Bash Leagues executive general manager Alistair Dobson said.

“It is brilliant to see the likes of David Warner and Jason Behrendorff earn selection for the first time, alongside a host of other experienced players. Their performances over many years reflect all players’ dedication to the BBL.

“Similarly, the BBL has been the launch pad for young players like Cooper Connolly and Mitch Owen and a place for internationals including Sam Billings and Jamie Overton to showcase their talent.

“We congratulate the entire team of the tournament on their selection and thank our head coaches for their work in selecting this side.”

Official BBL|14 Team of the Tournament:

1. David Warner* (c) – Sydney Thunder (8 votes)

2. Mitchell Owen* – Hobart Hurricanes (6 votes)

3. Cooper Connolly* – Perth Scorchers (8 votes)

4. Marcus Stoinis – Melbourne Stars (4 votes)

5. Sam Billings* (wk) – Sydney Thunder (3 votes)

6. Glenn Maxwell – Melbourne Stars (5 votes)

7. Tim David – Hobart Hurricanes (6 votes)

8. Ben Dwarshuis* – Sydney Sixers (5 votes)

9. Tom Rogers – Melbourne Renegades (8 votes)

10. Jason Behrendorff* – Perth Scorchers (5 votes)

11. Lloyd Pope* – Adelaide Strikers (5 votes)

12th: Jamie Overton – Adelaide Strikers (3 votes)

*denotes first time selected in BBL Team of the Tournament