Following a superb standout season, Newcastle product Jason Sangha was named in the BBL’s team of the tournament.

The Wallsend junior gained the nod as an X-factor substitute alongside Sydney Sixers’ all-rounder Sean Abbott.

Twenty-two-year-old Sangha almost single-handedly guided the Sydney Thunder to victory in Sunday night’s play-off at Melbourne.

But, despite his 1-36 with the ball and top-scoring with 61, the side suffered a heart-breaking six-run loss to the Adelaide Strikers.

“It was pretty disappointing, you work so hard all year to put yourself in situations like that to get to the final over,” Sangha said.

“My job is to make sure I am there at the end and get the job done.

“[Alex Ross] Rossy and I put on a good partnership, so I was disappointed with the way I got out, and the time it happened.”

Ironically, one of Sangha’s main rivals on Sunday, Peter Siddle, was chosen as skipper of the team of the tournament.

Ben McDermott, Josh Philippe and Daniel Sams were the other players to receive a maximum eight votes.

Siddle, who retired from international cricket in 2019, has played a key role in the Strikers’ remarkable surge deep into the BBL finals.

The 37-year-old is poised to finish as this season’s leading wicket-taker, having captured 29 scalps at 17.37 before Wednesday night’s challenger final against the Sixers.

The Strikers, who continue to be captained by Siddle despite the return of Test stars Travis Head and Alex Carey, have won six games in a row.

McDermott became the first player in BBL history to hit consecutive centuries during another productive campaign for the Hobart Hurricanes, scoring a league-best 577 runs at 48.08.

Sixers wicketkeeper Philippe was the obvious choice to take the gloves, having helped himself to 429 runs at 33 while opening the batting for the defending champions.

Sams underlined his all-rounder credentials with an incredible knock of 98 not out, while he finished the season with 19 wickets at 24.57.

Adelaide spinner Rashid Khan, Sixers’ Hayden Kerr and Perth Scorchers veteran Andrew Tye round out the team’s attack.

Englishman Joe Clarke is Melbourne Stars’ sole representative in the XI, while Mitch Marsh, Matt Short and Moises Henriques earned spots in what would be a powerful top six.
Abbott and Sangha were named X-factor substitutes.

“This is one of the most exciting team of the tournament line-ups in BBL history, featuring a combination of World Cup winners, seasoned BBL veterans, breakout stars and history-makers in our competition,” BBL consultant Trent Woodhill said.

“We congratulate all players selected and thank the eight head coaches for their careful consideration in selecting this side.”

BBL TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT

• Ben McDermott, Josh Philippe (wk), Joe Clarke, Mitch Marsh, Matt Short, Moises Henriques, Daniel Sams, Rashid Khan, Hayden Kerr, Andrew Tye, Peter Siddle (capt). X-factor substitutes: Sean Abbott, Jason Sangha

• with AAP

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