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Stuart Macgill (Image Credit: Twitter)
Stuart Macgill (Image Credit: Twitter)
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Stuart Macgill Was Held For Ransom As 4 Men Were Arrested

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Stuart Macgill, former Australia Test cricketer is said to be kidnapped and was also held for ransom by some men in Australia’s Sydney.

Former Australia spinner Stuart Macgill was held for ransom in Sydney and was released an hour later. According to ‘The Daily Telegraph’ the local cops have confirmed that the 50-year-old former cricketer was ‘confronted’ and abducted at gunpoint. In fact, the incident happened on April 14 but came to light later.

Former Australia leg-spinner Stuart MacGill. (Getty Images)
Former Australia leg-spinner Stuart MacGill. (Getty Images)

Stuart Macgill Was Held For Ransom As 4 Men Were Arrested By Police

During the abduction, the former cricketer was then forced into a vehicle forcibly by two men and driven to the Belmore area of the city and was released after an hour. An investigation is underway.

“Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives, with assistance from Raptor Squad and the Public Order and Riot Squad, arrested four men – aged 27, 29, 42, and 46 – from 6 am today (Wednesday 5 May 2021),” police said in a statement.

Shane Warne
Shane Warne Mandatory Credit: Youtube

“The men were taken to local police stations where charges are expected to be laid.Officers are currently in the process of executing search warrants at homes at Sutherland, Caringbah, Brighton Le-Sands, Banksia and Marrickville.”

Stuart Macgill played 44 Test matches for Australia and 3 ODIs. The leg spinner made his Test debut in 1998 and went onto made a statement the very next year as he outshone the then Aussie spin star Shane Warne, with a sublime performance in West Indies.

Stuart Macgill Retired In 2008 And Made A Comeback In 2011

He called time on his career in 2008 and made a comeback in 2011 playing for Sydney Sixers at the Big Bash League.  He also got a contract to play at the Bangladesh Premier League.

Stuart Macgill
Stuart Macgill (Image Credit: Twitter)

Despite his uncanny action and burst of occasional performance, Stuart Macgill never quite captured the imagination of the cricket fan as he was never consistent. He never played regularly in Australia jersey for a long time. Stuart MacGill played for Australia from 1998 to 2008.

He was a right-arm leg spinner and right-handed batsman. He played 44 Test matches for Australia in which he scored 349 runs. He also played only 3 ODIs for Australia in which he accounted for 1 run. He scalped 208 wickets in Tests and 6 wickets in ODI.

Stuart Macgill played for Sydney Sixers in Australia’s inaugural Big Bash League and also played for Dhaka Gladiators in the Bangladesh Premier League. He retired from international cricket after the West Indies tour in 2008. Since retirement, he has been doing commentary and also was a radio co-host.

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Jason Holder
Jason Holder (Image Credit: IPL)
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Jason Holder Set To Make Debut In BBL 2020; Signs Up With Sydney Sixers

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West Indies allrounder Jason Holder, who is currently in New Zealand, has signed up a three-match deal with Sydney Sixers for the coming Big Bash League (BBL) 2020. With this, he will also make the debut in the league.

Holder has played in the Indian Premier League, Caribbean Premier League and Pakistan Super League but this will be the first time the Caribbean will feature in Australia’s T20 domestic league.

Jason Holder,
Photo Credit: Getty Images.

Jason Holder revealed that he was waiting for a long time to play in BBL but finally, he has got the opportunity and looked to serve his best to Sydney Sixers.

“I’m really excited to be coming to the BBL and in particular the Sydney Sixers. I’ve wanted to for a few years now and this year I have the opportunity to come in and make some appearances and hopefully do a bit for the Sixers,” said Holder.

Jason Holder will play the first match on December 20:

Jason Holder, BBL
Jason Holder (Image Credit: Twitter.)

The allrounder said that he had watched the strength of the BBL from a distance in the past and fondly remembers playing with Sixers skipper Moises Henriques for SunRisers Hyderabad in the IPL in 2014 and 2015.

“BBL cricket is an interest for me and the Sixers have been successful over the past few years. Moises and I played together at Sunrisers and I really enjoyed that. It will be good to do it again.”

After completion of the Test series in New Zealand, the 29-year-old will be available for the Sixers for their December 20 clash with the Adelaide Strikers in Hobart, before moving to the Gold Coast with the men in magenta for a December 26 fixture against the Melbourne Stars and the December 29 matchup with the Melbourne Renegades.

Sydney Sixers Squad for BBL 2020-21: Sean Abbott, Justin Avendano, Jackson Bird, Carlos Brathwaite, Dan Christian, Tom Curran, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Moises Henriques (c), Jason Holder, Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr, Nathan Lyon, Ben Manenti, Stephen O’Keefe, Josh Philippe, Lloyd Pope, Jordan Silk, Mitchell Starc, James Vince.

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Sandeep Lamichhane Test COVID-19 Positive; BBL 2020 Doubtful
Sandeep Lamichhane. Image Credit: Twitter.
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Sandeep Lamichhane Tests COVID-19 Positive; Doubtful For BBL 2020

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With just two weeks left to inauguration of Big Bash League (BBL) 2020, Hobart Hurricanes spinner Sandeep Lamichhane has tested positive for the coronavirus. The Nepalese cricketer, on Saturday, took social media to confirm that he has COVID-19.

Sandeep Lamichhane wrote that he is recovering from the infectious virus and hopes to resume the cricket activities soon.

“Hi Everyone, Greetings to all. Its my sincere duty to tell you all that I have been tested positive for COVID-19. I had some body aches since Wednesday. But my health is improving a little bit now. If all goes well, I will return to the field again. Keep me in your prayers,” Lamichhane tweeted.

Sandeep Lamichhane signed the deal with the Hurricanes for the upcoming season:

Sandeep Lamichhane
Sandeep Lamichhane. Image Credit: Twitter.

Sandeep Lamichhane had burst onto the radar of Australian cricket fans when he made his BBL debut for Melbourne Stars two years ago. In his previous two seasons, he took 26 wickets at an average of 19.80 in 20 matches.

Lamichhane opted to sign with the Hurricanes for the upcoming season, improving the Tasmanian franchise’s hopes of securing a first BBL title.

Lamichhane also plays T20 for the Nepalese national team and has also played in T20 competitions in India, Pakistan, West Indies and Canada. In IPL, he plays for Delhi Capitals and has featured in nine matches and picked up 13 wickets. But he didn’t get an opportunity in the recently concluded 13th edition of the league.

Sandeep Lamichhane Tests COVID-19 Positive; Doubtful For BBL 2020 2
Sandeep Lamichhane. Image Credit: IPL.

Meanwhile, Hurricanes will play the BBL 2020 season opener against defending champions Sydney Sixers on Dec. 10 in Hobart. The crowd will be allowed but according to government regulations. The final has been slated for Saturday, February 6.

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Carlos Brathwaite. Image Credit: Twitter.
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Carlos Brathwaite Returns In Sydney Sixers For Upcoming BBL 2020

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Sydney Sixer has resigned the West Indies allrounder Carlos Brathwaite for the Big Bash League (BBL) 2020, which is set to start from the 10th of December. He has played for the defending champions in the 2017-18 season.

Carlos Brathwaite is not selected in the West Indies tour of New Zealand and thus, is available for the T20 League. He is coming after playing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for Peshawar Zalmi, who has been knocked out of the tournament after facing defeat in the first eliminator.

Carlos Brathwaite, Windies, Cricket World Cup
Carlos Brathwaite (Image Credit: Getty Images

By signing Carlos Brathwaite, Sydney Sixers have now filled their overseas quota. The other two international players are Englishmen James Vince and Tom Curran. The Windies had played four matches in his last appearance for the club. He proved to be a beneficial bowler more than the batsmen as he picked six wickets in 14.4 overs while batting, he only faced six balls.

Carlos Brathwaite excited to play for Sydney Sixers:

Carlos Brathwaite
Image Credit: Twitter.

Recalling his stint with sixers, Carlos said that he had fond memories of the dressing room and wicket-celebration with the club.

“I have very fond memories of Sydney,” Brathwaite said. “I have good memories of playing at the SCG in my second Test match and even better memories of playing BBL for Sixers. I remember great times dancing at the games and the times in the dressing rooms with our team.”

With his inclusion, Sydney Sixers have got a power-packed lower-middle order alongside Curran, who has been used as a finisher in recent seasons, and new recruit Dan Christian.

Earlier in the week, the premier speedster Mitchell Starc confirmed that he will be available to play for sixers this season.

Meanwhile, the first match of the BBL 2019 winners is against Hobart Hurricanes on December 10.

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BBL 2020: Mohammad Nabi Signs Deal With Melbourne Renegades Ahead of Upcoming Edition
Mohammad Nabi. Image Credit: Getty Images.
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BBL 2020: Mohammad Nabi Signs Deal With Melbourne Renegades Ahead of Upcoming Edition

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Afghanistan allrounder Mohammad Nabi will return to Melbourne Renegades in the upcoming Big Bash League 2020 scheduled to begin on December 3 this year. Last season, he also played for Renegades and was the lynchpin for them.

Currently, the allrounder is in the UAE to feature for SunRisers Hyderabad in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. Although the tournament is midway, he has played in one IPL match so far. After completing his stint in IPL, he will travel to Australia to join Melbourne Renegades.

Mohammad Nabi pleased to sign the deal with BBL:

BBL 2020: Mohammad Nabi Signs Deal With Melbourne Renegades Ahead of Upcoming Edition 5
Mohammad Nabi. Image Credit: Twitter

Mohammad Nabi said that BBL allows him to test himself against the best T20 players around the world. Notably, he is signing the deal with the Renegades for the fourth season.

“I have always enjoyed my time with the Renegades and testing myself against some of the best T20 players in the world in the Big Bash. I’m very pleased to have re-signed for a fourth season,” Mohammad Nabi said in a statement.

Mohammad Nabi
Mohammad Nabi. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

Renegades coach Michael Klinger said Nabi provides the team with added flexibility. He also stated that his role will be to support the middle-order and bowl important overs.

“Nabi’s versatility makes him a very valuable member of our team. He can bat and bowl in a number of different situations and he reads the game so well,” Klinger said.”

“We’ll again be looking for Nabi to play a key role in our middle order and he’ll be called upon to bowl some important overs,” he added.

BBL 10 will start with the tournament opener between Adelaide Strikers and Renegades on December 3 at the Adelaide Oval.

Renegades squad: Cameron Boyce, Zak Evans, Aaron Finch (c), Jake Fraser-McGurk, Sam Harper, Marcus Harris, Mackenzie Harvey, Jon Holland, Shaun Marsh, Mohammad Nabi, James Pattinson, Kane Richardson, Will Sutherland, Beau Webster

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BBL 2020, Jonny Bairstow
Jonny Bairstow and Jason Roy. Photo Credit: Getty Images.
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English Stars Jonny Bairstow, Jason Roy In Contact With Franchises To Fetch BBL 2020 Contracts

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At least three English batsmen; Jonny Bairstow, Jos Roy and Dawid Malan are in touch with Big Bash League (BBL 2020) franchises to ink deals.

According to the ESPNcricinfo, England wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow is expected to feature in the Melbourne Stars for a brief season. However, his appearance is further subjected to England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) commitments.

Besides, ranked fifth in Twenty20 cricket Dawid Malan, who has done exceedingly well against Pakistan — and recently against Australia, also confirmed that he is set to join the BBL.

Some contact with one of the clubs: Dawid Malan on BBL 2020

Dawid Malan, Eoin Morgan
Dawid Malan and Eoin Morgan (Image Credit: ICC Twitter)

However, regarding Malan, there is no announcement regarding which club he will join to feature in the BBL.

“There has been some contact with one of the clubs. That’s still ongoing at the moment so hopefully, we can finish and finalise that soon and hopefully that can get announced. I don’t know if I’m allowed yet [to say which club], so I’ll sit on the fence with that one,” ESPNcricinfo quoted Dawid Malan as saying.

On the other hand, another English opener Jason Roy has shown keen interest to take part in Australia’s lucrative league. He had some experience of featuring in the BBL and had been to Australia on a number of occasions.

Moreover, the reports suggested that Alex Hales might strike a deal with the Sydney Thunder. In addition to it, Hobart Hurricanes had already expressed their interest in young and lanky pacer, Jofra Archer.

It is important to maintain that the tenth edition of the BBL will kick-off in December 2020.

Nevertheless, England team is scheduled to tour South Africa for limited-overs series, however, many English players are expected to partake in the major part of the BBL despite COVID-19 pandemic.

The impediment on contracts for BBL has been recently scrapped and this would result in franchises opting to fill their overseas quota of players. So far Tom Banton and Tom Curran had their contracts intact. Banton represents Brisbane Heat whereas; Curran will don Sydney Sixers jersey in BBL 2020.

Following the lifting of the embargo, Daniel Worrall and Billy Stanlake exchanged their clubs; Melbourne Stars and Adelaide Strikers.

Given the statistics, it was the fourth trade since the inception of the BBL in 2011.

Following a swapping, Melbourne Stars general manager Nick Cummins remarked that they are delighted to have Stanlake in the squad.

“It’s pleasing to see Billy sign for us, and we look forward to seeing him in action. We’re well underway in a number of our squad discussions, particularly as far as our international players go and we’ll be in a position to make announcements soon,” Cummins said.

Eoin Morgan sees BBL 2020 as an opportunity for English players:

BBL 2020, WBBL
WBBL and KFC BBL trophies. (Photo Credit: CA)

Earlier, England skipper Eoin Morgan maintained that BBL 2020 is something to look at for England given to the instability due to the COVID-19 which has impacted international cricket and their extended tour to India.

Morgan also asserted that it will help English players to push IPL franchises to have an eye on them following their performances.

“The IPL is going ahead, and we have a long tour to India which actually frees up guys to play a full Big Bash and then potentially put their case forward to be selected in an IPL in the new year,” Morgan addressed.

Meanwhile, Cricket Australia (CA) is reported to spend whopping amounts in a bid to avail services of overseas players for the BBL 2020

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KFC BBL, WBBL
WBBL and KFC BBL trophies (Image Credit: CA)
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KFC BBL 2020/21 And WBBL 2020/21 Fixtures Announced

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On Wednesday (15th July) morning, the Cricket Australia (CA) announced the full fixtures of the Women’s Big Bash League 2020/21 (WBBL 06) and KFC Big Bash League 2020/21 (KFC BBL 10).

The sixth season of the WBBL will begin on 17th October 2020 and it will run till 29th November 2020. Meanwhile, the upcoming KFC BBL season has been scheduled between 3rd December 2020 and 6th February 2021.

However, the CA has also clarified that both the schedules can be changed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, especially when Melbourne and Sydney have recently experienced new coronavirus pandemic.

KFC BBL, WBBL, fixtures

Cricket Australia’s Big Bash chief Alistair Dobson claimed, “Scheduling in the time of coronavirus is not without its challenges, as we have seen. There are factors outside the league itself which could impact (the schedule) at a later date.”

Incidentally, the 10th season of the KFC BBL will begin on the same day when the much-awaited four-match Test series between the hosts Australia and the visitors India will begin as both have been scheduled on 3rd December 2020.

Brisbane Heat will begin their WBBL 06 journey as the defending champions as they won their second WBBL trophy in the last season after beating Adelaide Strikers in the final by six wickets (with 11 balls to spare).

WBBL, fixtures
Brisbane Heat won the last WBBL trophy (Image Credit: Brisbane Heat)

On the other hand, Sydney Sixers will start their KFC BBL 10 journey as the defending champions as they also won their second KFC BBL trophy in the last season after beating Melbourne Stars in the final by 19 runs.

KFC BBL, fixtures
Sydney Sixers won the last KFC BBL trophy (Image Credit: CA)

The detailed fixtures of the WBBL 2020/21

The detailed fixtures of the KFC BBL 2020/21

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the CA has struggled to maintain the home fixtures, just like the other cricket boards. Australia has also the plan to host the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2020 between 18th October and 15th November 2020, but the tournament is widely doubtful due to the coronavirus pandemic. The International Cricket Council (ICC) can take the final decision about the forthcoming T20 World Cup in this month.

Apart from the home international series and T20 leagues, the domestic first-class tournament Sheffield Shield will also be organised in the 2020/21 Australian summer.

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Trent Woodhill, WBBL, BBL
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Trent Woodhill Becomes Melbourne Stars’ Chief Coach For WBBL

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Melbourne stars, on Tuesday, proclaimed that Trent Woodhill had become their new Women’s Big Bash Leagues’ head coach. Apart from coaching, he would be working as the manager for both men’s and women’s teams. Woodhill has also worked in the Indian Premier League(IPL) for Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Daredevils.

Earlier, former Australia opener Leah Poulton was named to take the role, but she quit the role ahead of the official announcement. And it turned out to be a great opportunity for Trent Woodhill.

Trent Woodhill promises to take Melbourne Stars to WBBL title win:

Women's Big Bash League
WBBL. Image Courtesy: Getty Images

In the recent interaction, the newly appointed coach Woodhill assured that the team would bounce back with much strength in the upcoming season. He even said that he would take the team to their maiden finals and title win. However, he acknowledged that the stars need to improve in several areas.

“It’s a great opportunity and one I’m looking forward to getting stuck in to,” Woodhill said.

“I’ve been involved with the Stars for many years now and know the environment and the ethos well. We’re backing ourselves to bounce back from some of the results in recent WBBL seasons. The competition is only getting stronger and we need to be stronger too. I’d certainly like to see a maiden finals appearance this season and win the title but there is plenty of work to do first,” Woodhill maintained.

Trent woodhill, Big Bash League
Trent Woodhill. Image Credit: Twitter.

Trent Woodhill was also the batting coach of Australia’s star batswoman Alyssa Healy. He was also the high-performance consultant to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in the creation of the Hundred.

Meanwhile, the fate of the WBBL 2020 is uncertain because of the coronavirus pandemic. Cricket Australia is exploring options, but nothing has been assured for organising the T20 League in the summer.

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IPL 2020: Shane Watson Is A Stock Which Keeps Giving You Dividend Every Year - Aakash Chopra
CSK player Shane Watson. (Image Credit: Twitter)
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Shane Watson Reveals Why IPL Is Above BBL And Other Leagues

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Former Australian cricketer Shane Watson has played in Indian Premier League, Pakistan Super League, Caribbean Premier League and Big Bash League. So, the veteran is well acquainted with the atmosphere of all the above leagues. He opines the difference between all the leagues and hails IPL for being the best among all.

After his retirement from international cricket, the all-rounder has participated in almost every edition of all the league, except, BBL, because he retired from the league ahead of the last season.

Shane Watson, CSK, IPL, CPL, PSL, BBL
Shane Watson (Image Credit: Google)

The one thing that the IPL and PSL do is make the quality of the cricket, the product, the number one priority: Shane Watson

In IPL, he now plays under the captaincy of MS Dhoni for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). He has also played for Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL. According to him, IPL is unique and different from other leagues because of the quality of cricket. The presence of top Indian players makes the league more competitive and successful unlike BBL, who only focuses on entertainment, says Watson.

Shane Watson, IPL, BBL
Shane Watson (Photo Credit: IPL/BCCI)

Quetta Gladiators player Shane Watson feels PSL is similar to IPL where he gets to face world-class spinners and pacers which improves the quality of the league.

Shane Watson, Big Bash League
Shane Watson. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)

“The one thing that the IPL and PSL do is make the quality of the cricket, the product, the number one priority. They know that if this is of the highest quality possible, then the longevity of the tournament and the commercial growth and success will look after itself.

“This is where the BBL has really lost its way. The quality of the cricket has been put on the back burner in the Big Bash and the entertainment gimmicks have been brought to the forefront.”

Further, former Brisbane Heat captain also suggested how the BBL can be improved. He recommends that more international players should join the league. The Aussies players are not available because of the clash of the league schedule with international cricket.

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IPL 2020, Three Unsold Players, Big Bash League, BBL
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IPL 2020: Three Unsold IPL Players Having Splendid Time in the Big Bash League

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The auctions of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for edition 13 had some interesting bids after the trading window closed much before the grand event. Although it has been the same old story for the Australian cricketers this season as well, it was an unexpectedly good time for the Indian domestic players. Amongst 62 sold players, 29 cricketers were the domestic players who were not a part of the Indian cricket team.

In the meantime, 29 overseas cricketers made it into the eight teams of the franchise-based league. While Pat Cummins was the highest bid of the season after being sold off to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a whopping INR 15.50 Crores. On the other hand, Piyush Chawla was the priciest Indian cricketer sold during the event.

Nevertheless, some big names surprisingly went unsold in the auctions of the upcoming league event.

New Zealand’s Martin Guptill who came in at a base price of INR 1 Crore, and Australian bowler Adam Zampa (base price – INR 1.50 Crore) were among the big names of the unsold players’ list.

However, below are three unsold players from the auction who are now having a splendid time in the Australian Big Bash League (BBL).

IPL 2020: Three unsold players of IPL impressing in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL):

Shaun Marsh:

IPL 2020, Three Unsold Players, Big Bash League, BBL
Photo Credit: Getty Images.

Shaun Marsh is one of the finest batsmen in the Australian set-up who has been in the game for over a decade now.

Coming in to bat No.3, the left-handed batsman has played in every format of cricket. Being the aggressive top-order batsman, Shaun has always been on the top of the priority list of the Australian team selectors.

Talking about his game in the premier league of India, Shaun has had an impeccable journey with the Indian franchises. He made a debut in the game in the inaugural season (IPL 2008) of the league for Kings XI Punjab (KXIP).

Nicknamed as SOS, the Southpaw had majestic time with the Punjab-based franchise and scored a total of 616 runs, with a century, in 11 games.

Shaun was the vital cog for KXIP for the next 10 editions of the premier league before he was released by them ahead of the IPL 2018.

Ever since then, the 36-year-old batsman has remained unsold in all the three editions of the league. In the IPL 2020 Auction as well he came in for the base price of INR 1.50 crores but as usual remained unsold.

However, in the on-going T20 league of Australia (BBL), Shaun is certainly living the time of his life. He has been magnificent in BBL this year while playing for the Melbourne Renegades. With 449 runs in 12 matches, the southpaw is the second-leading run-getter of the league.

Recently, in the match against Hobart Hurricanes on 21 January, Shaun scored a 30-ball half-century. However, Renegades lost the game by just four runs.

Earlier in the game against Melbourne Stars, Shaun had scored a noble 43-ball 63. But yet again, his team had been on the losing side as they were defeated by seven wickets.

Although Shaun provided with ample runs in all the games, Renegades still are residing at the bottom of the points table with 10 losses and 2 wins from the 12 games they have played.

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