Mitchell Owen, the 23-year-old Hobart Hurricanes opener, etched his name in Big Bash League (BBL) history by scoring the fastest century in a BBL final against the Sydney Thunder. He took just 39 balls to hammer the Thunders, which is also the joint-fastest BBL hundred. The Hobart opener has done hugely well to propel his side to their first championship victory in BBL 14. He would surely also win the Player of the Tournament award as well.
The Mitchell Owen journey
Before this season, Owen had played only 13 BBL matches over four years, predominantly as a lower-order allrounder. Batting at No. 7 or 8, he showcased glimpses of his power-hitting ability but struggled to find a consistent role in the Hurricanes’ lineup. However, an intra-club match before the season changed the trajectory of his career. Promoted to open the batting, Owen smashed 80 off 40 balls, a performance that convinced the Hurricanes’ coaching staff to take a gamble on him at the top of the order.
Who is Mitchell Owen?
Hurricanes assistant coach James Hopes had hinted at Owen’s promotion in the preseason, urging him to prepare for a potential role as an opener. The move was a calculated risk, given Owen’s limited experience facing the new ball. Yet Owen embraced the challenge. He scored a hundred for Hobart earlier this year as well and now he has created history! He was out for 108 off 42. Don’t be surprised if he represents Australia in coming months in T20Is.
BBL 14 Team of the Tournament ft. Warner
| Position | Player | Team | Votes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | David Warner (c) | Sydney Thunder | 8 | First-time selection |
| 2 | Mitchell Owen | Hobart Hurricanes | 6 | First-time selection |
| 3 | Cooper Connolly | Perth Scorchers | 8 | First-time selection |
| 4 | Marcus Stoinis | Melbourne Stars | 4 | |
| 5 | Sam Billings (wk) | Sydney Thunder | 3 | First-time selection |
| 6 | Glenn Maxwell | Melbourne Stars | 5 | |
| 7 | Tim David | Hobart Hurricanes | 6 | |
| 8 | Ben Dwarshuis | Sydney Sixers | 5 | First-time selection |
| 9 | Tom Rogers | Melbourne Renegades | 8 | |
| 10 | Jason Behrendorff | Perth Scorchers | 5 | First-time selection |
| 11 | Lloyd Pope | Adelaide Strikers | 5 | First-time selection |
| 12th | Jamie Overton | Adelaide Strikers | 3 |
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