Finch named BBL player of the year

Friday, 18 January 2013 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Age: Melbourne Renegades’ Captain Aaron Finch was named the Big Bash League’s player of the season on Thursday, two days after his side’s shock semi-final exit against Brisbane Heat.

Finch, who made his one-day international debut last week but has since been dropped from the squad, polled 21 votes in voting for the award.

Perth Scorchers’ batsman Shaun Marsh (17) and Melbourne Stars’ paceman Lasith Malinga (16) filled the minor placings.

Hobart Hurricanes’ batsman Ricky Ponting and Brisbane Heat pair Chris Lynn and Luke Pomersbach finished in a tie for fourth on 12 votes.

Middle-order batsman Lynn (22), was named Young Gun of the season.

Finch polled in five of the seven matches in which he played in the regular season and scored 309 runs at an average of 77.25 including his 111 not out in the Melbourne derby against the Stars in round one.

Renegades’ coach Simon Helmot said Finch had been an outstanding leader and opening batsman for the side which recovered from the loss of big names like Glenn Maxwell and Brad Hodge in the off-season to finish on top of the table with a 7-1 record.

“He’s really set the tone for most of our batting efforts and his leadership and captaincy over the season has been fantastic,” Helmot said.

“He communicates well with his players and people follow him.”

The 26-year-old Finch is expected to add to his three-game tally in the Australia T20 side in matches against Sri Lanka on 26 and 28 January.