Ashleigh Gardner and Tess Flintoff have been recognised for their outstanding seasons by taking out the Weber WBBL’s two major individual honours.
Gardner, the Sydney Sixers all-rounder, has been awarded the Weber WBBL|08 Player of the Tournament after a career-best season, while Melbourne Stars’ prodigy Flintoff has been named the Weber WBBL|08 Young Gun.
Weber WBBL|08 Young Gun: Tess Flintoff
Australia’s National Selection Panel has nominated Flintoff, the 19-year-old all-rounder, as the outstanding young player from this season.
Despite her age, Weber WBBL|08 was Flintoff’s fourth in Stars’ green, and in it came her most memorable performance to date.
The rising star set a new WBBL record for the fastest half-century, smashing 51 from 16 deliveries to set up a convincing victory over the Strikers on November 2.
Her six fours and three sixes – including one to bring up the record on the final ball of the innings – saw Flintoff surpass the previous marker of 22 balls held jointly by Gardner and Lizelle Lee.
Her 116 runs for the year in seven innings came at a strike rate of 165.71, while four wickets and exceptional athleticism in the field were also a sign of her potential.
Alistair Dobson, Cricket Australia’s General Manager of Big Bash Leagues, said:
“The League congratulates Ashleigh Gardner and Tess Flintoff on their outstanding Weber WBBL|08 seasons.
“Both have demonstrated exceptional skill, athleticism and power on the field and are fantastic role models off it. Additionally, both have set new benchmarks for their peers to aspire to reach next season, demonstrating the quality of the WBBL.
“While we look forward to seeing Tess in Stars colours next season, we wait with anticipation to see who Ashleigh and the Sixers will face in Saturday’s Final at North Sydney Oval."