I’m convinced David Warner is still the best player in BBL by a country mile: Sam Billings 

by Sahil Jain
David Warner, Sam Billings

It has been a dramatic turnaround for the Sydney Thunder this season. After finishing with the wooden spoon in the 2023-24 edition, they have surged into the final in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) season. The presence of David Warner has had a huge influence and it is something his teammates have acknowledged.  

The left-handed opener played only a couple of games last season, owing to national team commitments and the deal he signed with the ILT20 for the Dubai Capitals. However, having retired from all formats of the game after the T20 World Cup 2024, Warner made himself available for the entire 2024-25 season in the BBL. 

In addition to that, Warner’s captaincy ban was lifted in October 2024 by Cricket Australia (CA). Hence, he got to lead the side as well this time around which has had a significant impact. Be it with the bat or on the field, the 38-year-old has been excellent. He is the leading run-getter in the tournament with 357 runs at an average of 44.62 and a strike-rate of 140.55.  

Thunder won five, lost three and had two no-results in the league phase before they beat Melbourne Stars and Sydney Sixers in the two knockout games. 

Sam Billings who has been a regular member of the Sydney Thunder side over the last few years believes Warner is still the best player in the BBL ‘by a country mile’. Moreover, the 33-year-old England cricketer admitted that Warner’s energy is infectious and it gets everyone going in the team.  

He [David Warner] puts bums on seats and I’m convinced he is still the best player in the tournament by a country mile. This is coming from an Englishman, but you can see why he’s been one of the best players in the last 15 years in this format. He is incredible. Unbelievable talent. But the way he thinks about the game as well. And his attitude with getting in the game and that energy, it’s infectious … everyone who steps out onto the field with him, you’re a foot taller,” Sam Billings was quoted saying.  

He’s tactically very intelligent: Jason Sangha on Warner 

David Warner, Jason Sangha
David Warner, Jason Sangha

Jason Sangha was all praise for Warner as well. The 25-year-old batter revealed that the current Thunder skipper is always encouraging everyone in the side to back themselves.  

He’s [Warner] been encouraging everyone – whether it’s bat, ball or field – to always be brave. Take the game on and back yourself. And from a captaincy point of view, he’s tactically very intelligent. He does some different things and he’s quite aggressive, takes risks and it just rubs off on the rest of the group,” Jason Sangha was quoted saying to AAP. 

Sydney Thunder will be playing their second BBL final on the 27th of January against Hobart Hurricanes. They have won the title once before in the 2015-16 season under the leadership of Michael Hussey. 

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