The Big Bash League has given strong competition to other T20 leagues in the world including the IPL in terms of popularity and the high level of cricket. The big hits, classic centuries and highlight reel moments are complimented by terrific efforts by the bowlers. Every year List of Leading wicket takers in Big Bash league changes every year.
Here are the top 5 bowlers in Big Bash League so far who has taken more wickets. The BBL has thrown some of the best bowlers in the T20 format, who have gone onto shine in other leagues also. Some of the monumental efforts by the ball have been the highlight of the BBL.
(The records are from 2011 onwards)
5. Brett Lee (Sydney Sixers)
Mtch: 36, Wkts:35, BB: 4/28
Brett Lee picked up 35 wickets in his BBL career.
The now retired, one of the fastest bowlers in the world, Brett Lee took 35 wickets in 36 matches that he played in the BBL for Sydney Sixers. Lee announced his retirement from all forms of cricket after the 2015 BBL, but forever cemented himself as one of the legends of Australian cricket. He is at no.5 in the list of top 5 wicket records in the Big Bash League.
His best bowling analysis was of 4/28 and he provided one of the most watched moments in BBL highlight reel, when his quick bouncer went through the helmet grill of Brendon McCullum and broke his nose, leaving him bleeding from his nose.
Brett Lee also played for Kings XI Punjab and Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL.
4. Jason Behrendorff (Perth Scorchers)
Mtch:25, Wkts: 35, BB: 4/22
Jason Behrendorff has 35 wickets in 25 matches with a best of 4/22 in BBL.
Jason Behrendorff is no.4 in the list of highest wicket takers in the BBL. Playing for the Perth Scorchers, he has picked up 35 wickets in just 25 matches.
Behrendorff is a left arm fast-medium bowler, who can swing the ball either way with ease. He was one of the chief reasons for Scorchers’ BBL 2014-15 win. His best bowling has been 4/22 and has just started bowling again, after recovering from a stress fracture of his back.
3. James Faulkner (Melbourne Stars)
Mtch:26, Wkts:36, BB: 4/29
James Faulkner is no.3 in the list with 36 wickets in 26 BBL matches.
Australia’s World Cup 2015 hero James Faulkner lies at no.3 in the list of best of Big Bash wicket takers with 36 wickets in 26 matches.
Faulkner who plays for Melbourne Stars has the best bowling figures of 4/29 and is one of the most promising members of the Australian team. Faulkner also represented Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, leading them to a play-off finish in the IPL 2015.
Faulkner’s strength lies in his ability to read the game and change his bowling according to the situation. Also his variations in speed and length help in death overs. He is one of the most watched stars in the BBL and IPL, currently he is competing in the NatWest Blast T20 in England.
2. Brad Hogg (Perth Scorchers)
Mtch:35, Wkts:40, BB:4/29
44 year old Brad Hogg has lit the BBL on fire with his chinaman bowling.
44 year old Brad Hogg found a new lease of life when he earned a surprise call up in 2012 BBL, after retiring from the game in 2008. This new life has given Hogg all the attention, that he deserved during his playing days. He is no.2 in top 5 wicket takers in the Big Bash League, with 40 wickets in 35 matches with a best of 4/29.
Hogg also played in IPL for Rajasthan Royals and for Kolkata Knight Riders in 2015 IPL, replacing Sunil Narine initially, but his performance with the ball, lead KKR to play with 3 spinners in their XI. Brad Hogg also earned an Australia T20I call up in 2012-13 tour to India. Hogg’s exploits at his age and level of enthusiasm is certainly an inspiration to everyone.
1. Ben Laughlin (Adelaide Strikers, Hobart Hurricanes)
Mtch:34, Wkts:48, BB: 4/31
Ben Laughlin has picked up 48 wickets in 34 BBL matches, the highest so far.
Ben Laughlin is one of the premier T20 bowlers in Australia and no.1 in top 5 wicket takers in the Big Bash League, with 48 wickets in 34 matches and a best bowling of 4/31. He turned out for Adelaide Strikers and Hobart Hurricanes in Big Bash League.
Laughlin also played 5 ODIs and 3 T20Is for Australia and was the part of Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2015. A right arm medium pacer, Laughlin depends on his ability to swing the ball in the air and possesses a killer in swinger, which surprises the most seasoned batsmen.
Ben Laughlin’s father Trevor also played Tests and ODIs for Australia in 1978.
(All stats updated till 18th July 2015)
