Big Bash team of the tournament

After 59 matches over two months, Melbourne Renegades came out as BBL champions. Here ESPNcricinfo reveals its team of the tournament

Matthew Wade – Hurricanes (592 runs at 42.28, SR 146.89)

Promoted to the captaincy shortly before the tournament, Wade led from the front with a continuation of his prolific domestic form. That it coincided with Australia’s struggles only made it more fascinating yet an international comeback doesn’t seem on the cards.

D’Arcy Short – Hurricanes (637 runs at 53.08, SR 140.61; 10 wickets at 29.60, econ 8.00)

The Player of the Tournament after an outstanding all-round return. He entered the BBL having struggled for Australia but returned to the form that got him selected in the first place and by the end of the competition had earned an ODI recall. Gave off confidence every time he walked to the wicket and only three times in 15 innings scored below 26.

Marcus Stoinis – Stars (533 runs at 53.30, SR 130.63; 14 wickets at 16.14, econ 8.37)

After beginning the competition in the middle order he found his ideal T20 home – at least domestically – opening the innings and enjoying a dominant time between Australia duties, not making less than 18 in 10 innings at the top. His bowling, full of variation, continues to develop.

Callum Ferguson – Thunder (442 runs at 34.00, SR 134.75)

Produced one of the innings of the tournament with his unbeaten 113 off 53 balls against Perth Scorchers and finished very strongly, having previously collected two first-ball ducks, as the Thunder narrowly missed the knockouts. Did enough to keep himself in the selectors’ thoughts having revealed he was one of the players asked to prepare a visa for India.

Glenn Maxwell – Stars (331 runs at 33.10, SR 142.06)

Although a slightly feast or famine tournament (six single-figure scores and six scores over 33) his 82 in the final group match against the Sixers was an innings of the highest order with progression to the group stages at stake, followed by another fine hand in the semi-final. Until the very end, it appeared it had all been timed perfectly for the Stars.

Ashton Turner – Scorchers (378 runs at 31.50, SR 132.63)

The Scorchers had a miserable season but Turner enhanced his reputation as a finisher – enough to earn Australia recognition. Faded towards the back-end of the tournament with five single-figure scores in his last six innings, but the partnership with Cameron Bancroft against the Sixers in mid-January was some of the best batting of the tournament.

Tom Curran – Sixers (185 runs at 30.83; 20 wkts at 19.85, econ 7.65)

The first of the overseas players in this XI, Curran proved excellent value for the Sixers and has since signed a three-year deal. Bowls at the tough times of the innings but was rarely taken apart. His batting provided an unexpected bonus, particularly when the Sixers laboured for runs early season and could have long-term benefits for them, Surrey and England. He was sorely missed in the semi-final.

Rashid Khan – Strikers (19 wickets at 18.10, econ 6.14)

The defending champions ended up battling to avoid the wooden spoon but Rashid was again impressive, never more so than battling the trauma of his father’s death. Having claimed 5 for 41 in 12 overs during his first three matches, as the tournament developed there were signs of oppositions working out that left-handers are the way to go against Rashid. His hitting power with the bat was under-used.

Steve O’Keefe – Sixers (21 wickets at 17.52, econ 6.57)

A born-again season for the left-arm spinner who became the go-to weapon for Moises Henriques inside and outside of the Powerplay. Only twice did he go for more than eight an over and only twice was he wicketless. He has burnt some bridges during his career, but looks as good as anyone in the country in the T20 format.

Josh Lalor – Heat (20 wickets at 14.85, econ 7.61)

Enjoyed a productive second half to the tournament as the Heat tried to cling on for a semi-final spot. Claimed the best figures of the season with 5 for 26 against the Sixers and probably the most emotionless hat-trick in history against the Scorchers when he didn’t realise he sat on three in three. In this XI he also provides the priceless left-arm pace option.

Kane Richardson – Renegades (24 wickets at 17.70, econ 7.75)

The leading wicket-taker in the competition, Richardson’s haul was enough to get him back in the Australia one-day squad. Five times he took three wickets in an innings and he excelled on the sluggish Docklands Stadium pitches.