It’s the summer that keeps on giving. After a glorious World Cup and a fine Ashes that was full of drama and last-ball thrillers, the T20 Blast 2019 was in keeping with form, as Essex saw off Worcestershire in another clash that went down to the wire to win their maiden title.
After a little over two months of T20 action, comprising 133 games (some abandoned, some affected by rain) that had a fair few thrillers, including tied matches, we have a winner. And so, we compiled a Team of the Tournament, and had a ‘Blast’ doing it.
Babar Azam (Somerset)
The stylish Azam ended the T20 Blast 2019 atop the run charts, with 578 runs at 52.54 in 13 matches. His runs weren’t enough to help Somerset make it past the group stage, but he was an exhilarating presence at the top of the order and his century – a 55-ball 102* against Hampshire in August – and four half-centuries means he must open the batting in this team.
Harry Gurney (Nottinghamshire)
Gurney claimed 22 wickets with his left-arm pace, and was just one short of the highest wicket-taker, but the fact that he played two matches fewer shouldn’t be overlooked. Gurney averaged 18 and also claimed career-best figures of 5-30 against Derbyshire in July.
Ravi Rampaul (Derbyshire)
Rampaul ended as the highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 23 wickets, with a purr-inducing economy rate of 6.70. There weren’t any five-wicket hauls – his best figures in the tournament were the 3-17 he claimed against Northamptonshire last month – but there were always wickets and as an extension, considerable pressure on the opponents.
Matt Parkinson (Lancashire)
The leg-spinner, in 11 innings with the ball, took 21 wickets for Lancashire to end as the third highest wicket-taker in the T20 Blast 2019. His economy was a fine 7.48 and his return of 4-30 against Durham in August was his best haul of the tournament. He completes a fine attack.
