Tom Banton signed off from the 2019-20 Big Bash League (BBL) in a flurry of amazing shots as he scored a brisk 32-ball 55 for Brisbane Heat against Perth Scorchers.

With the parting half-century, the young England opener took his tally of runs in his maiden BBL season to 223 at an average of 31.85, including three fifties. Impressive as those numbers are, Banton will likely be remembered more for some individual strokes, born of audacity and skill. It’s no wonder that he finishes with a mind-boggling strike-rate of 176.98.

In his final match, he struck seven fours and two sixes. The shot that stood out most, however, was a scoop off a 143 kmph length ball from Jhye Richardson.

That shot prompted the commentator to excitedly proclaim that there “won’t be a better shot than that this season”, while Chris Lynn – himself an established power-hitter – was seen nodding in approval in the dugout.

Perhaps the shot that best highlights his spunk is the reverse sweep he played off fast bowler Daniel Sams’ bowling in the match against Sydney Thunder.

But it wasn’t just the fast bowlers that he was after. In that same game against Sydney Thunder he mercilessly targetted Arjun Nair to whack him for five consecutive sixes.

While he did enjoy a bit of luck from the first shot, the strokes that followed were pure genius as he kept clearing the midwicket fence. That burst propelled him to the second-fastest fifty in BBL history of just 16 balls, powering his side to 119-4 in a rain-curtailed eight-over innings.

Some of his more outrageous shots came in just second BBL game where he hit 64 against Melbourne Stars. This giant hit off Clint Hinchcliffe was particularly brilliant! It sailed a whopping 102 metres.

Banton’s place in the Brisbane outfit will now be taken by AB de Villiers, presumably someone Banton took inspiration from growing up.

Related tags:

Brisbane Heat Global T20 LeaguesTom Banton